News

February 17, 2026

Immigration Corner | Can I collect social security?

Dear Mrs Walker-Huntington, I was a legal permanent resident for 30 years. I am now back in Jamaica for the past 16 years. I have worked and paid taxes and I can also log in to my social security…
Deidre Powell
February 17, 2026

Immigration Corner | Are there new rules for study permits?

Dear Miss Powell, I recently read an article online saying that Canada has introduced new rules for processing study permit applications. I am confused, and to be honest, a bit worried. Does this mean…
From left: Pembroke Hall High School Principal Reverend Claude Ellis; Vice-Principal of Human Resources and Operation Yvette Shields-Green and Stacy-Ann McIntosh-Richard engage in a conversation.
February 16, 2026 by Kimone Francis

Reading revival

Less than a year after a literacy crisis at Pembroke Hall High School drew national attention, the institution has reported a landmark academic turnaround. Internal assessments have shown that 76 per…
Sonya Binns-Lawrence, Jamaica’s top female blood donor, gives blood during her birthday blood drive, held on the grounds of Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kingston yesterday.
February 16, 2026 by Edmond Campbell

‘I gave them all away’

If donating a pint of blood can save the lives of three persons, then Sonya Binns-Lawrence, the country’s leading blood donor, is just 10 shy of perhaps saving the lives of 400 of her fellow…
Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting on February 12. Listening is the St James Municipal Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Naudia Crosskill.
February 16, 2026

St James Municipal Corporation waives 50 per cent of debt owned by craft vendors

The St James Municipal Corporation has committed to waiving 50 per cent of the $9.3 million in outstanding debt owed by craft vendors in Montego Bay, to help them recover in the aftermath of Hurricane…
Portrait of Woman Constable Pamella Johnston being unveiled by sister Denise Johnston.
February 16, 2026 by Curtis Myrie

From pain to purpose

Born out of an ever-increasing need for emotional and mental healing from gun crimes, the mission of the Pamella’s Sunrise Foundation is to close these deeply inflicted psychosocial wounds, by taking…
Godfrey Wade
February 16, 2026 by Corey Robinson

COLD, DARK CUSTODY

The conditions inside the Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities in the United States will bring even a seasoned military veteran to tears, and for 65-year-old Godfrey Wade, the…
February 16, 2026 by Janet Silvera

Church alliance urges caution as casino regulations advance

WESTERN BUREAU: A coalition of church leaders is urging lawmakers to proceed cautiously as Parliament advances the Casino Gaming (General) Regulations, 2025, warning that Jamaica must be fully…
An airplane at the Tinson Pen Aerodrome in Kingston in 2023.
February 16, 2026

JCAA pushes back on general aviation ‘collapse’ claims

WESTERN BUREAU: The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) has pushed back against claims that Jamaica’s general aviation sector is in collapse, outlining legislative reforms, licensing growth and…