More News In Brief

Manual to guide hillside development launched

A manual, which sets out guidelines for improving hillside development practices in Jamaica, was launched Thursday, by Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Phillip Paulwell.

The Hillside Development Manual also aims to minimise the risks associated with hillside development, including landslides, debris, floods, and erosion that destroy the natural and aesthetic quality of the environment.

Speaking at the launch at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, Paulwell said the manual was of great significance.

He noted that it not only emphasises the importance of sustainable development, but provides guidance, that if followed, will not only preserve the beauty of the natural environment, but will also prevent loss of valuable property and lives.

"I want to insist that this document does not fall victim to the syndrome of just being another report, or at worst, to be condemned to file 13," the minister urged.

Paulwell further noted that as the nation contemplates the future of the bauxite/alumina industry, the manual would inform discussions and help to guide actions going forward.

Insurance industry, union leaders hail Howard Cooke

Late former Governor General Sir Howard Cooke is being hailed for his efforts to improve the conditions of Jamaican workers, by widening basic pension benefits and enhancing the industrial-relations climate.

Sir Howard, who was appointed minister of pension and social security when the Michael Manley-led government won the 1972 elections, is credited as having extended the process started by the previous minister of labour and national insurance, the late Lynden G. Newland, under whose tenure the National Insurance Scheme was established.

"He deepened the process that Newland left," recalls retired Custos of St Mary, Bobby Pottinger, who at the time was senior executive branch manager at the Mutual Life Assurance Company.

"Newland did his best to get the NIS going, but it needed a lot of upgrading and coverage for families...Sir Howard set up all these offices around Jamaica, and people felt good about it. Whichever portfolio you put Howard in, he had a team spirit leadership; so his team always worked closely with him," he stated.

CAC urges consumers to be vigilant when making purchases

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is urging consumers to be more knowledgeable, discriminating and vigilant when making purchases.

Communication specialist at the commission, Dorothy Campbell, encouraged shoppers to get value for their money, demand receipts and inquire about store policies as it relates to exchange, refund and warranty.

"Parents should remember that while they are engaging in all the shopping activities, such as getting the medical done, paying for registration, paying tuition fee and buying school supplies, to take the time to check their receipts," Campbell advised.

The receipt, she noted, is proof that an item was purchased and critical if they need to seek redress.

"Make sure your receipts reflect exactly what you have bought, the description of the items, how many of the items you have bought and the unit price or what you paid for each item...so that if there is a problem, you have your receipt to take back to the store to get a replacement, exchange or refund," Campbell said.

Thwaites emphasises importance of education

Education Minister Ronald Thwaites has emphasised that education is the "only legitimate means" to upward mobility in the society.

Speaking at the Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning's (JFLL) launch of the High School Diploma Equivalency (HSDE), at its head office in Kingston, on Thursday, Thwaites said for the most part, people really want the opportunity to just get ahead in life, in a peaceful and progressive environment.

"However, nothing is going to work in the development of Jamaica, unless we have cognitively adept, a socially appropriate, and a spiritually aware population," he said.

Against this background, he welcomed the development and launch of the HSDE.

The HSDE is a three-tiered general education programme for adult learners, 17 years and older, which will cater to persons who exited the formal secondary education system, without securing the necessary academic certification.

Noting that there are approximately 250,000 Jamaicans currently in need of remedial secondary education training, Thwaites underscored the need to sensitise them to the fact that there are available opportunities for all persons to acquire a good education.