The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) has welcomed key elements of the Government’s 2026/27 budget, particularly its focus on resilience, recovery and improved coordination. At the same time the organisation has urged a more defined and ambitious strategy to drive sustained economic growth.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett is in Washington, D.C. in the United States, where he is undertaking a series of high-level engagements, including delivering the inaugural Don Hawkins Distinguished Lecture at the George Washington University School of Business. The lecture, scheduled for tomorrow, will form part of the university’s official tribute to the late Professor Donald E. Hawkins and will be delivered under the theme, “From Jamaica to the World: A Global Contribution to Tourism Resilience.”

The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has reiterated that it is aware of and sensitive to the plight of customers who remain without electricity. Following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa last October over 70% of JPS customers lost power.

"An outrage and violation of rights"... that is how the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) has described the situation relating to schools still being used as hurricane shelters. President Mark Malabver was responding to comments by the government about the issue, while calling for the educational institutions to be restored to their intended purpose.

Approximately 40 students from the Aberdeen High School in St. Elizabeth are benefiting from the Jamaica Public Service $10 million post-Melissa Extra Lessons Preparation Programme.  In collaboration with the Education Ministry, the JPS is seeking to provide free extra lessons for children whose school year was interrupted by the effects of Hurricane Melissa last October.