Some medical interns across the island withdrew their services at several public health facilities today protesting longstanding challenges they say continue to affect them. Doctors and supporters were also encouraged to wear blue as a visible sign of support for the interns.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has called for collaborative effort to ensure energy security in the Caribbean region. Dr. Holness is on an official visit to Suriname where he participated in the Suriname Energy Oil and Gas Summit and Exhibition.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has directed the management of the Regional Health Authorities and the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) to action immediately a series of measures aimed at addressing concerns raised by medical interns regarding working and living conditions across the public health system. This is in keeping with the recently signed accountability framework and follows a statement issued yesterday by the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA), which highlighted challenges being experienced by medical interns.

In Parliament yesterday, Spokesperson on Water and Special Projects, Ian Hayles, referred to Mr. Samuda's list of 34 projects to be undertaken across Jamaica. He posited that the majority of the money being spent on the projects were in communities represented by members of the Jamaica Labour Party.

The initiative follows growing reports of students being denied participation in graduation ceremonies, based on appearance related disciplinary measures, including hair, grooming standards, and other non-academic criteria. Youth Policy Committee member at the foundation, Sabrina Barnes says no child should be denied access to academic celebrations without transparent and proportionate justification.