Albert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer

Harold Robinson (centre), director and representative, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, formally hands over UNFPA’s donation of reproductive health and midwifery kits to Kristal Lee, Minister of State in the M
August 13, 2026 by Albert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer

UNFPA donation boosts maternal health services in western Ja

The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is better equipped to protect mothers and newborns in communities still recovering from Hurricane Melissa, following a donation of reproductive health and specialised midwifery kits from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Harold Robinson, UNFPA director and representative for the Caribbean Sub-Regional Office, said the donation marks a shift from immediate emergency assistance to longer-term recovery and health-system resilience.

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The Jamaica Regiment Band.
August 13, 2026 by Albert Ferguson

Poppy power - Legion concert to aid hurricane-hit veterans
WESTERN BUREAU: While the music is expected to be soothing, the performances entertaining and the atmosphere family-friendly, this year’s annual Legion concert is primarily about raising funds to…
Richard Solomon, mayor of Black River.
August 8, 2026 by Albert Ferguson

Mayor fully on board for Black River reset

WESTERN BUREAU: Black River Mayor Richard Solomon is embracing the idea of rebuilding the town, which was all but wiped out by Hurricane Melissa, into a stronger, smarter and more resilient town.…
Richard Solomon, mayor of Black River.
August 7, 2026 by Albert Ferguson

NEVER FORGET - Low turnout for Independence ceremony disappoints Black River mayor
WESTERN BUREAU: Disappointment over low public turnout overshadowed St Elizabeth’s Independence Day observance on Thursday, as civic and municipal leaders gathered with only a handful of residents to…
Stevon Sheriffe, Acting Custos of St Elizabeth, addresses the Independence Flag-Raising Ceremony at Black River High School in St Elizabeth on Thursday, August 6.
August 7, 2026 by Albert Ferguson

GG: No J’can should feel at the back of the line

WESTERN BUREAU Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has urged Jamaicans, particularly young people, to embrace education and strive for excellence, declaring that “no Jamaican should ever feel as…
Displaying a $4-million symbolic cheque from the Knockalva International Alumni Association (KIAA) for scholarships to students at Knockalva Polytechnic College (KPC) in Hanover are (from left) L. Anthony Lawrence, chairman of the KPC board; Principal Nata
August 5, 2026 by Albert Ferguson

Past students step up for Knockalva Polytechnic College

WESTERN BUREAU: Twenty-six students from Knockalva Polytechnic College (KPC), in Hanover, who were impacted by the passage of Hurricane Melissa, have received scholarship support to the tune of J$4…
Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton
August 5, 2026 by Albert Ferguson

Community groups get more time to apply for $500m C.A.R.E. Fund

WESTERN BUREAU: Community-based organisations, churches and other civil-society groups have been given an additional three weeks to apply for a share of the Government’s $500-million Community…
Governor General Sir Patrick Allen
August 1, 2026 by Albert Ferguson

GG urges unity, compassion as Jamaica rebuilds after Melissa

WESTERN BUREAU: Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has urged Jamaicans to remain united in faith and purpose as the nation continues its recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa,…
Senator Marlon Morgan (left), parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, presents the Outstanding Leadership in Education Award to Dr Mark Smith, principal of Munro College and immediate past president of the Jamai
August 1, 2026 by Albert Ferguson

REGION OF CHAMPIONS

WESTERN BUREAU: Rhoda Crawford, minister of state in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, has credited the resilience and leadership of Region Five’s principals for transforming…
Former Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Vanessa Llewellyn (left) pauses for a photo with Miss Anieta Bailey, community relations education officer for Region 5 of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information.
July 31, 2026 by Albert Ferguson

‘I had to be The Iron Lady’ - Llewellyn opens up on court challenge to tenure, urges educators to never play victim
WESTERN BUREAU: Drawing on the bruising constitutional challenge against her tenure as Jamaica’s chief prosecutor, Paula Llewellyn on Wednesday urged educators still bouncing back from Hurricane…