‘Build your own road’ Tensions are high in Coral Spring, Trelawny, as residents of the upscale community push back against a developer’s plan to close a section of road, arguing that it is privately owned and warning that the move would cause significant inconvenience. The standoff between the residents and Gore Developments Limited escalated in a recent virtual meeting where residents voiced their objection to a written notice issued by the company on March 11, indicating its intention to commence roadworks and infrastructure upgrades on Canada Way and Orchid Road in the area.
Easter hope On the most important weekend in Christianity, which should have been filled with polished pews, floral arrangements, and the echo of choirs beneath sturdy rooftops, many Jamaicans are instead gathering under tarpaulins, in classrooms, or beneath the open skies. And still, they will worship. Months after Hurricane Melissa tore across sections of the island, the damage still feels like a raw, open wound, visible in the twisted zinc, shattered walls, and sanctuaries reduced to memory. But this Easter, something else is just as visible: a stubborn, unyielding faith.
Left in the lurch Five months after Hurricane Melissa ripped apart homes and displaced families in St Ann, many are struggling to piece together their lives, clinging to the hope that long-promised government aid will arrive soon. But for some of the frustrated and weary residents, the wait has been too long, and the assurance once given by the Government now feels like an empty promise.
Tamara McCaw breaks new ground in Brooklyn Tamara McCaw has made history as the first Jamaica-born individual to lead one of New York City’s most iconic cultural institutions, following her appointment as president of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). The Brooklyn-based institution announced her appointment recently, marking a significant leadership transition for one of the United States’ most influential performing arts organisations.
New pilot links Clarendon farmers to corporate buyers A new initiative aimed at tackling market-access challenges facing small farmers in Jamaica is set to roll out through a 90-day corporate farmers’ market pilot programme spearheaded by Reality Focus Limited. The programme was developed in response to long-standing difficulties within the agricultural sector, particularly the challenge small farmers face in securing reliable and consistent markets for their produce, Reality Focus Operations Manager Stephen Richards told The Gleaner.
When doctors leave, what happens to the patients, Brown warns Senior trade unionist Senator Lambert Brown this week cautioned that the Government’s move to scrap incentive and emergency duty allowances for doctors who are mandated to work overtime could have a detrimental impact on the health sector should frustrated doctors decide to consider their options. Brown, who was making his closing submission Wednesday on behalf of the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) to a panel of three adjudicators at the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT), said the medical professionals were just asking to be treated fairly.
Tourism rebound hits 80 per cent as Half Moon reopens – Bartlett WESTERN BUREAU: Jamaica’s tourism sector has rebounded to more than 80 per cent of pre-hurricane levels, with the reopening of Half Moon signalling renewed confidence in the island’s post-Melissa recovery. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said the recovery has been driven by the steady return of hotel rooms and visitor arrivals, supported by continued investment in the sector.
Williams bats for reformed SLB, saying it’s not a burden WESTERN BUREAU: Finance Minister Fayval Williams is urging tertiary students to become ambassadors for Jamaica’s student loan programme, saying outdated perceptions about the scheme could be preventing many potential recipients from accessing financing to pursue higher education.
Jamaican-American teen focused on giving back, preserving her heritage From age 15, Jamaican-American student Jadyn Sinclair has distinguished herself among her peers, being the youngest ever vice-president of the student government at the Bronx High School of Science in New York City – a predominantly Caucasian/Asian institution – before later becoming its first black student to be elected president.
Cash over claims WESTERN BUREAU: Warning that insurance alone is not enough to safeguard businesses from disaster, Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Jason Russell is urging entrepreneurs to strengthen their financial preparedness and build resilience to withstand unexpected shocks. Russell made the call while addressing final-year business students at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) Western Campus Business Seminar held recently at the Sea Gardens Beach Resort.