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The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is reporting that the economy contracted by an estimated 5.9% during the January to March 2026 quarter when compared to the same period in 2025.

PIOJ’s Director General, Dr. Wayne Henry gave the update at a quarterly press briefing this morning.

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The Government has revamped the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) to speed up the delivery of social protection benefits to vulnerable families.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr., said the changes undertaken have reduced the excessive bureaucracy, resulting in faster processing of applications and support to those in need.

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Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton has announced that the government will be expanding its cancer care treatment across the island over the next two years. 

This, following a technical meeting between Health Ministry officials and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Switzerland.

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Scores of people gathered at the mass gravesite for the Eventide Home for the Aged fire victims at Heroes Circle in Kingston this morning, marking an official National Day of Remembrance.The fire, which occurred 46 years ago today, and has been described as Jamaica's most profound human disaster, claimed the lives of an estimated 153 women after the fire gutted the facility.

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Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says his ministry is moving assiduously to resolve the parking issue affecting public transport operators across the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region (KMTR).

During Monday’s meeting between the Government and the operators, Mr. Vaz was questioned about the progress of providing them with adequate parking.

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Pepsi-Cola Jamaica has welcomed the Government’s decision to review the new provisions of its Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on non-alcoholic sweetened beverages.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams made the announcement following a tour of Pepsi-Cola last week.

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Telecommunication provider, Flow, has hinted that 5G technology could soon become a reality in Jamaica.According to Vice President and General Manager, Stephen Price, the company is preparing its network for the next generation of mobile services.

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Assistant Commissioner of Police at the Strategic Operations Portfolio, Dr Gary McKenzie, says the police must remain focused and maintain the public's trust if it is to record further reductions in crime.

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Despite a 65 per cent reduction in break-ins since the start of the year, the St. Andrew North police remain concerned about the number of spirit-licensed premises being targeted.Speaking at a St. Andrew North Police Division Virtual Business Watch meeting on the weekend, Commanding Officer, Superintendent Randy Sweeney, reported that 18 break-ins were recorded up to May 15.

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Employees at the National Works Agency (NWA) have signalled their intention to withdraw their services if urgent action is not taken to address longstanding issues relating to staff restructuring and reclassification.

The Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) which represents the workers noted that their concerns include salary anomalies, non-alignment of technical officers, non-payment of eligible allowances issues relating to vacation leave entitlement and a reported lack of meaningful engagement on the restructuring process.

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