Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic blood disorder.  It gets its name from the fact that some of the red blood cells of those with the disease are “C” or “sickle” shaped.  This occurs due to a lack of oxygen in the body.  Some of the complications caused by this disease include; ulcers, severe body pain, strokes, infections, jaundice and bone deterioration. Sickle Cell is a chronic disease for which there is no known cure.  However, with good medical care and support, sicklers can lead full productive lives.

 Proper medical care is one of the biggest obstacles facing Sickle Cell sufferers in Jamaica.  This is due to the prohibitive price of medication and other available treatments. 

 “SOUNDS OF LOVE”, a fund raising concert, is being held to provide funds for surgery and medication for Miss Keino Ward, who suffers from Sickle Cell anaemia. 

The Government of Jamaica through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) would like to thank the Jamaican people for the tremendous support they have given to our Haitian brothers and sisters over the past week. In an effort to centralize the Jamaican Aid, the Office of the Prime Minister has mandated the ODPEM Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to coordinate the national relief process.

 Persons who reside outside of the Kingston and St. Andrew Metropolitan area and wish to

On Wednesday, 31st March 2010, WINDALCO will implement a redundancy exercise for its 762 permanent employees. The decision comes nine months after the company suspended production at its Kirkvine and Ewarton Refineries as a result of the drastic reduction in demand for aluminium.

While the company acknowledges that there have been some improvement in the global economy, the alumina industry has only seen marginal movement. With this in mind and with no immediate end in sight to the period of suspended production, the management felt the decision was in the best interest of the company.

As he made the announcement, Acting Managing Director, Andrew Currie said, “The redundancy exercise is in direct response to feedback from many employees. We thank the entire workforce for the role they played in establishing WINDALCO as a leading company in Jamaica. The tireless efforts and dedication of the workers have advanced the standards of the local bauxite and alumina industry.”

Recognising the impact the redundancy exercise would have on many, Mr Currie also urged the employees to take advantage of the series of personal and financial counselling sessions the company will be hosting.

Over the past three years, the parish of Manchester has seen an increase in the number of acts of crimes, which has caused much concern for the residents of the once quiet and safe parish.

In an interview with the Mandeville Weekly, the newly appointed Superintend of Police in charge of Manchester, Mr. Lascelles James Taylor is assuring residents of the parish that the police will be doing all in their powers to ensure their safety.  “Residents will see a difference with method of policing, we intend to make efforts to reduce the incidents of crime within the parish and ensure that everyone can walk freely in the towns without being harassed as we are getting rid of hustlers from the parks,” Supt. Taylor said.

Supt. Taylor also said that he would be ensuring that there is open communication