IRIE FM

Central Kingston Member of Parliament caretaker Steven McGregor has called on the Government to do more to assist parents with the resources needed for the new school term.

He noted that the cost of books and other educational supplies is enormous and that many parents are struggling to meet the expenses.

Speaking at a two-day back-to-school drive across the constituency on the weekend, McGregor committed to continue helping the parents as much as they can.

He said over 450 bags were distributed.

The People’s National Party Youth Organization (PNPYO) is calling for an urgent national response to what it describes as a growing teacher migration crisis in Jamaica. 

As the 2026-2027 academic year approaches, the PNPYO is urging the government to implement a comprehensive teacher-retention strategy. 

The group says the warning from the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools that teacher shortage is approaching crisis level cannot be treated as a routine back-to-school challenge. 

The PNPYO says it points to concerns over salaries, working conditions and the ability to attract and retain young educators.

The PNPYO cited data from the Jamaica Teachers Association, which indicated that over 700 Jamaican teachers moved to the United States and another 5 hundred to the united kingdom last year. 

It says retaining teachers is critical to improving student outcomes and Jamaica’s overall development.

General Secretary for the PNPYO, Peta-Gaye Ferguson says despite the government’s efforts, more still needs to be done to discourage teachers from leaving.

The PNPYO is calling for competitive compensation, manageable workloads, improved working conditions, professional development and housing incentives, for teachers in critical subject areas.

Mrs. Williams made the call at the official opening of the Christiana Tax Office in Manchester.

She stressed that tax compliance contributes to national development and helps to build a more independent Jamaica.

She added that taxpayers should view the payment of taxes as a social responsibility

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the dispossession or eviction of families from properties, especially those informally settled, is becoming a public concern.

Dr. Holness made the acknowledgement in St. Ann yesterday, while briefly commenting on Tuesday’s demolition of homes in Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny.

Several families have been displaced by the demolition, which was reportedly executed by a private owner, following a court ruling.

The situation has sparked national debate, with some citizens, as well as the Opposition People’s National Party, reigniting conversations about earlier displacement activities in St. Thomas and St. Catherine.

Prime Minister Holness acknowledged the concern, noting that it further cements the need for a comprehensive programme which would effectively address squatting in the country.

Motor vehicle owners are being urged to desist from overtaking long lines of traffic when travelling on the nation’s roadways.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, Executive Director of the National Road Safety Council, Paula Fletcher, says this dangerous practice has led to many crashes and deaths.

In explaining the risks, Mrs. Fletcher notes that drivers who overtake long lines of traffic are tempted to squeeze back into tight spaces when they see oncoming vehicles.

She warns that this move is detrimental, especially if the motor vehicle does not possess the power needed to get out of the way quickly.

Gender Minister Olivia Grange has signed a contract with technology firm Amber Innovations to develop a mobile app to enable people in domestic violence situations to call for help.

The signing was carried out at the Ministry’s headquarters in New Kingston yesterday.

Minister Grange said that the app, dubbed Jamsafe, would provide an innovative solution for women and men facing abuse and needing help.

She noted that the app’s development will not cost taxpayers, as Amber Innovations has committed to taking on the 80 million-dollar initiative.

The app would be monitored by the Bureau of Gender Affairs and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Ms. Grange said Jamsafe will allow users to press a single button to call for help.

It will also connect users to government services including counselling.

It would function without data or credit.

The Jamsafe app will complement the National 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline run by the Ministry.

Minister Grange said the first version of the app should be ready for testing and deployment by the end of the year.

The Government will establish a scholarship in honour of the late Vincent Stephen “Franno” Francis.

Sports Minister Olivia Grange made the announcement at the thanksgiving service celebrating the renowned track-and-field coach’s life at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew today.

Ms. Grange said the scholarship will benefit a student-athlete at the University of Technology Jamaica (UTECH).

Discussions about the scholarship’s establishment will include the Government, UTECH and the late coach’s younger brother, Paul Francis.

Mr. Francis passed away after a period of illness on July 4.

He was 63 years old.

Among the successful athletes impacted by his training are Kishane Thompson, Asafa Powell, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Tajay Gayle, Sherone Simpson and Brigitte Foster Hylton.

Water Minister Matthew Samuda has reiterated that the impending water prohibition order is intended to help prevent a shortage of the commodity in critical areas, such as schools.

Noting the learning loss already experienced by students in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Samuda says all efforts must be made to prevent any recurrence.

He said preventive measures must be put in place to ensure that water unavailability does not hinder students’ education.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says that while the events which led to the recent demolition of homes in Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny, were set in motion long before his time as Jamaica’s leader, it is now on him to correct them.

Dr. Holness made the remark while speaking at a house handing-over ceremony in St. Ann yesterday.

Expressing concern for the displaced families, the Prime Minister committed to developing a structured programme to tackle the wider issue of informal settlements.

This, he noted, is essential to prevent tragedies from recurring.

Dr. Holness said the conversation has to change to how more houses can be constructed in formal communities at a faster pace, and at prices that people can afford.

As the National Water Commission gets ready to implement strict prohibition orders starting on Monday, car wash operators are being urged to use raw water to ensure business continuity.

When the Government announced the water use restriction orders last week, several car wash operators lamented the ban’s potential impact on their businesses.

This as the orders prohibit the use of piped water for non-essential activities such as washing cars.

Speaking on the matter while providing a Ministerial update to the Jamaica Information Service, Water Minister Matthew Samuda said the operators will have to extract untreated water from the environment.

He said the orders will remain in effect until the Meteorological Service sees it fit to lift them.