6 Things You Need To Know Today

Your news in a nutshell

1. J’cans urged to make use of Ja Eye
2. Residents blame Windalco for Rio Cobre contamination
3. Riverton fire possibly arson
4. Tertiary education system being rescheduled
5. JAAA supports new IAAF transfer rules
6. Farmers urged to certify crops

1. J’cans urged to make use of Ja Eye

The Ministry of National Security is encouraging more communities and businesses to make use of the JamaicaEye initiative. Speaking at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, the senior director of modernisation and strategic projects in the ministry, Arvel Grant, said there are various options available for persons to set up a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system and contribute the feed to JamaicaEye. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2.  Residents blame Windalco for Rio Cobre contamination

Residents of Zephyrton in Linstead, St Catherine, had to cancel their weekly River Bash Sunday party on the banks of the Rio Cobre yesterday after a smelly white substance was seen in the water, and they are blaming the West Indies Alumina Company (Windalco) for the contamination of the river. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Riverton fire possibly arson

The police are probing claims that a flammable liquid substance was seen at one of two areas where a fire broke out at the Riverton City landfill yesterday. Up to late yesterday evening, several firefighters were at the dump trying to put out the blaze, which was reportedly contained to an area of about three of the 70 acres that comprise the dump. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Tertiary education system being restructured

Minister of Education, Youth, and Information, Senator Ruel Reid, said the tertiary education system was being restructured in order to meet the demands of the 21st century and beyond. He said the objective was to better enable the sector to “lead the way in positioning the rest of the education system to prepare for the future as well as retrofitting and realigning its programmes to meet the needs of the labour market over the short and long term.” See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. JAAA supports new IAAF transfer rules

Dr Warren Blake, president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), said the new IAAF rules governing the transferring of allegiance will not only protect athletes’ rights and well-being, but prevent unscrupulous national associations from exploiting other countries; talents. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Farmers urged to certify crops

Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Agriculture J.C. Hutchinson is encouraging farmers to get their crops certified in order to qualify for export. Noting that the agricultural sector grew by 14% in the quarter ending June 2018, Hutchinson emphasised that as the sector increased production it is important that Jamaica is internationally competitive. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.