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KINGSTON, Jamaica — In an innovative approach to literacy advocacy, the Di Cawna Library organization has inaugurated its seventh community facility in Cheshire Village, marking a significant expansion of its unique program that converts discarded refrigerators into functional bookcases. The newly established Di AMO Cawna Library, officially opened on December 11, 2025, features inclusive design elements ensuring accessibility for both able-bodied and differently-abled community members.

The project represents a collaborative effort between international and local supporters, including Friends of Annette Martin Ozaltin (AMO) and the American International School of Kingston (AISK) community. Their combined contributions have transformed repurposed appliances into vibrant educational hubs integrated within neighborhood settings.

Founded on the principle that literacy constitutes a fundamental right rather than a privilege, the initiative directly brings literature to communities by creatively converting once-discarded items into spaces fostering imagination, learning, and opportunity. During the opening ceremony, founder Rachael McDonald emphasized the organization’s core philosophy: ‘Di Cawna Library emerged from the conviction that books must be universally accessible, and that every individual—regardless of age—deserves the chance to read, dream, and develop personally.’

The launch event gathered diverse stakeholders including community residents, parents, students, educators, authors, and national and multilateral partners. Notably, Minister of Finance and the Public Service Fayval Williams delivered formal remarks and received recognition as the first governmental minister to publicly endorse the Di Cawna Library initiative approximately three years prior. Minister Williams commended the project and expressed aspirations for its replication across additional Jamaican communities.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant push toward digital inclusion, Jamaica’s Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr has publicly praised elderly citizens engaging with the government’s GetConnected Digital Literacy Programme. During an impromptu visit to the National Council for Senior Citizens on West Kings House Road, the minister witnessed Cohort 3 of the initiative in progress, where 33 seniors are currently mastering essential digital competencies.

Minister Charles Jr emphasized that the program dismantles the notion that senior citizens are merely observers of technological progress. “Every time I see this programme in action, it sends a powerful message — our senior citizens are not on the sidelines of development; they are active participants in Jamaica’s future,” he stated.

The comprehensive curriculum is designed to foster active and healthy aging by equipping participants with practical skills. These include operating computers and mobile devices, maintaining social connections through digital platforms, accessing online services, and implementing crucial safety measures in cyber environments. The minister highlighted that beyond reducing social isolation, these skills enhance personal independence and can potentially lead to new economic opportunities.

Adding international credibility to the initiative, the program utilizes globally recognized training materials and offers participants the chance to obtain certification from City & Guilds. This aspect reinforces that age presents no barrier to achieving technological proficiency.

With Safer Internet Day approaching in February, Minister Charles Jr also stressed the inseparable link between digital access and cybersecurity awareness, particularly for vulnerable demographics. “Digital empowerment must go hand in hand with digital protection. Confidence, safety, and responsible online engagement are just as important as access,” he remarked.

The minister extended an invitation to all eligible senior citizens across Jamaica to enroll in future sessions by contacting the National Council for Senior Citizens, reaffirming the government’s dedication to creating inclusive opportunities throughout all stages of life.

The Jamaican educational community is mourning the passing of distinguished educator Dottlyn Norma Dawes, whose remarkable 36-year career left an indelible mark on Carron Hall High School in St. Mary. The former principal, who dedicated her professional life to the institution from 1977 until her retirement in 2013, passed away on January 3, 2026, following an extended period of illness.

Current principal Carlinton Johnson announced the loss through an emotional tribute on the school’s official Facebook platform, commemorating Dawes’ extraordinary contributions to educational development in western St. Mary. During her transformative eighteen-year leadership tenure from 1995 to 2013, Dawes engineered the institution’s evolution from the formerly designated Carron Hall Vocational School—an all-girls establishment—into a progressive co-educational facility that expanded opportunities for countless students.

Beyond her administrative accomplishments, Dawes received national recognition as a 2002 finalist for the prestigious Lasco/Jamaica Teachers’ Association Teacher of the Year Award, highlighting her exceptional pedagogical approach and dedication to student development. Her community engagement extended into the judicial sphere through her service as a St. Mary justice of the peace, demonstrating her multifaceted commitment to social advancement.

The digital memorial space has become flooded with heartfelt remembrances from former students and colleagues, painting a portrait of an educator who possessed extraordinary belief in her pupils’ potential. Testimonials consistently highlight her unique ability to recognize and nurture talent in young learners, with many attributing their subsequent professional and personal achievements to her inspirational guidance and unwavering support. The overwhelming response underscores the profound personal connections she fostered throughout her decades of educational service, establishing a legacy that continues to resonate across generations of Jamaican students.

The Jamaican government has formally renewed its commitment to supporting Maroon communities during the 288th anniversary commemoration of the pivotal 1738 Treaty between Leeward Maroons and British forces. Prime Minister Andrew Holness delivered a significant address in Accompong Town, St. Elizabeth, emphasizing the state’s obligation to provide protection and resources to these historic communities.

Speaking during Tuesday’s ceremony that also honored the birthday of Chief Kojo, Holness reframed the Maroon narrative beyond slavery to highlight their extraordinary achievement of forcing British authorities to sign a treaty. ‘When people hear about Jamaica and they hear about the Maroons, they see a side of us that is not just about enslavement. It is also about resistance,’ Holness stated, noting Jamaica’s unique position among former colonies.

The Prime Minister acknowledged historical underinvestment in Maroon regions while assuring corrective measures are underway. ‘The Government of Jamaica supports the Maroon communities. We see you as an invaluable asset,’ he affirmed, praising the community leadership as essential to national development.

Culture Minister Olivia Grange highlighted the cultural resilience and unity demonstrated by Maroon communities, particularly their recovery from Hurricane Melissa’s impact in late October. ‘I see the plants, the trees are getting green again, so it means that we will be getting stronger and we will rebuild,’ Grange observed, referencing Jamaica’s national motto ‘Out of Many, One People’ to emphasize national solidarity.

The commemorative event saw participation from multiple government officials including Dr. Andrew Wheatley (Science and Technology), Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon (Education), and Rhoda Moy Crawford (State Minister for Education), demonstrating cross-governmental support for preserving Jamaica’s Maroon heritage.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant corporate social responsibility move, Worthy Park Estate Limited has unveiled ‘Powered by Rum-Bar,’ a comprehensive relief program targeting the restoration of essential services in communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa’s recent passage.

The innovative initiative will distribute 100 electricity generators to neighborhood bars located within the most severely impacted parishes, addressing critical power infrastructure gaps that have paralyzed economic activity and social connectivity.

Commencing operations on December 17, 2025, the project team initiated the phased distribution across western Jamaican parishes where prolonged blackouts have created substantial challenges for small businesses and residents alike. The strategic rollout will continue throughout subsequent weeks, expanding to additional regions based on need assessment.

This intervention enables these community establishments to restore refrigeration capabilities, lighting, and operational capacity, facilitating their role as vital social hubs during recovery efforts.

Tamika West, Marketing Manager at Worthy Park Estate Limited, emphasized the cultural significance of this approach: ‘Neighborhood bars represent more than commercial establishments—they serve as community anchors throughout Jamaican society. Our initiative aims to strengthen these grassroots institutions, enabling them to support broader recovery efforts while maintaining economic viability.’

The program reflects Rum-Bar and Worthy Park Estate’s deepening commitment to sustainable community development, disaster response preparedness, and ethical corporate citizenship. Priority areas for generator distribution include St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James, Trelawny, and Hanover—regions where extended power disruptions have most severely compromised daily life and economic stability.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has officially announced the commencement of application procedures for conch fishing licenses and individual catch quota allocations ahead of the 2026 fishing season. The upcoming conch harvesting period is scheduled to begin on March 1, 2026, marking an important timeline for the nation’s marine resource management.

The regulatory body has established a firm submission deadline of 4:00 pm on Friday, January 30, 2026, for all license applicants. This cutoff applies equally to both Industrial fishers (focused on export markets) and Artisanal fishers (serving local trade channels). The NFA emphasized that applications received after this precise deadline will be automatically disqualified from consideration.

Prospective fishers must obtain application packages, available at the NFA Head Office information desk for a fee of JMD $500 per package. These documents contain comprehensive information and necessary forms for the licensing process. All completed applications require supporting documentation and must be physically delivered to the Authority’s headquarters at 2C Newport East, Kingston 11.

The NFA has designated specific contact channels for additional inquiries. Interested parties may contact the Principal Director of Capture Fisheries directly or utilize telephone numbers 876-579-5910, 876-967-2081, or 876-948-9014. Alternatively, queries can be directed via email to fisheries@nfa.gov.jm for further clarification on application requirements and procedures.