One-Minute Reads ... News from across Jamaica

Sangster named region's leading airport again

Sangster International Airport (SIA), Jamaica's leading gateway to the world operated by MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), was again named the Caribbean's Leading Airport at the World Travel Awards (WTA) hosted at Sandals Grande St Lucian, St Lucia.

SIA emerged as the winner from a pool of 13 Caribbean competitors nominated for the prestigious award. The accolade was first bestowed on SIA in 2005, again in 2009, and each year to date.

"We are honoured to be named the Caribbean's Leading Airport for the 15th consecutive year. This award is a testament to the dedication and tireless efforts of our entire airport team, and spans all agencies and team members who work diligently to ensure consistently high standards and service excellence. We remain steadfast in our efforts to transform Sangster International Airport to ensure a passenger-centric, sustainable, efficient and safe airport operation," commented Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited.

Most teachers have received laptop vouchers

The Ministry of Education and Youth is reporting that 83 per cent, or 18,263 teachers have received vouchers to purchase laptops.

In her address to delegates attending the 59th annual Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) conference at Royalton Negril Resort and Spa in Westmoreland, portfolio minister Fayval Williams said that, so far, 16,530 vouchers have been redeemed.

The e-vouchers enable teachers to visit an approved vendor location to purchase a laptop that meets minimum specifications.

"If you're having any issues doing that, please let us know. Of the vouchers that we have distributed, there are a couple of thousand teachers who still have not gone to purchase that laptop. We want you to have access to the laptops, so please let us know if you're experiencing any issues," she appealed.

Williams advised that 10,000 laptops have been issued to 173 high schools under a $4-million initiative which was undertaken by e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited.

Indigent persons to receive homes

Several residents of Clarendon North Central are to be provided with homes under the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development's Indigent Support Programme.

This was announced by portfolio minister Desmond McKenzie, who indicated that three cases have so far been identified.

"One is ready for [construction to commence] because they have the title for the [property], and we are going to be moving expeditiously in putting down the housing solution," he informed. McKenzie commended the Clarendon Poor Relief Department for identifying the cases and bringing them to the ministry's attention.

McKenzie also announced that two additional water shops are to be installed in the constituency to bring the number serving the residents to three.

He advised that a 20,000-gollon water shop will be installed in the community of Garden Wood, while a 16,000-gallon facility is slated for Beckford Kraal. The initial water shop was installed in the community of Pennants in 2017.

McKenzie further announced that the ministry will be allocating funds to the Clarendon Municipal Corporation to purchase another water truck to serve the parish.

NEPA warns hunters to abide by bird-shooting guidelines

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is reminding persons to adhere to the regulations for participation in the annual bird-shooting season or risk being prosecuted for breaches.

This comes after NEPA cited two bird hunters for shooting in a game reserve in Clarendon on Saturday. One of the hunters was also cited for shooting outside the prescribed time for hunting during the game bird-shooting season. A third hunter in Portland was issued a summons for hunting without a licence, also on Saturday, while four hunters were issued warning for shooting near a residential area in St Elizabeth on Sunday.

Among the requirements for hunting under the Wild Life Protection Act is a mandate to confine such activities to areas designated for shooting and to refrain from hunting within game-bird reserves. Hunters are also forbidden to shoot within 40 yards of residential dwellings and to adhere to the time restrictions granted for shooting. The season's hunting sessions are from sunrise to 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to sunset on Saturdays, and from sunrise to 9 a.m. on Sundays. It is also imperative that hunters adhere to the stipulated bag limit for the number of birds that they can shoot during each session.