Albert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer

Providence Baptist Church in Hodges Land, St Elizabeth, after Hurricane Melisa struck on October 28.
December 31, 2025 by Albert Ferguson

Storm damage cancels watch night services

WESTERN BUREAU: Reverend Godfrey Watson, chairman of the St Elizabeth Ministers’ Fraternal, says many churches across the parish will forgo their traditional watch night services to welcome the New…
Dr Bevan Earle, more popularly known as ‘The Dukeof Earle’, presenting school bags to children during his 39th annual Christmas Day treat at the Barrett Town Police Station in St James.
December 30, 2025 by Albert Ferguson

Duke of Earle delivers hope, again

WESTERN BUREAU: For nearly four decades, Christmas Day in Barnett Town has meant more than celebration. It meant preparation, hope, and a fresh start for hundreds of children in the St James-based…
Naudia Crosskill, chief executive officer, St James Municipal Corporation, sharing pleasantries with a female ward at the Mustard Seed Children’s Home in Moore Park, St James at their annual Christmas treat.
December 29, 2025 by Albert Ferguson

StJMC CEO urges compassion for the less-fortunate

WESTERN BUREAU: Chief Executive Officer of the St James Municipal Corporation Naudia Crosskill has issued a powerful reminder that wealth and status offer no immunity from life’s uncertainties, as she…
Hugh Grant, president and CEO of JPS.
December 27, 2025 by Albert Ferguson

JPS lights up Treasure Beach

WESTERN BUREAU: A large Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Emergency Mobile Power Generation Unit now supplying electricity to Treasure Beach and surrounding communities was officially launched on…
From left: Errol Lebet, chief executive officer, St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation; Richard Solomon, mayor of Black River; Dwight Salmon, councillor for the Black River Division; and Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth Police Division
December 24, 2025 by Albert Ferguson

Black River’s Christmas tree lighting signals resilience, hope and the determination to rebuild

WESTERN BUREAU: Black River Mayor Richard Solomon says that, despite being scaled down, Monday night’s Christmas Tree-lighting Ceremony in the St Elizabeth capital symbolised resilience, determination…
Cordell Howell-Huie (second left) and Deacon Dalmas Agan (second right)), administrators at the Mustard Seed Children’s Home in Moore Park, St James, jointly collect a gift basket from Janet Richards (left), chairman of the Janet Richards Foundation, and
December 24, 2025 by Albert Ferguson

Janet Richards Foundation targeting Bolt for more help

Western Bureau: Chairman of the Janet Richards Foundation, Janet Richards, says she will be reaching out to the Usain Bolt Foundation to help transform the play area at the St James-based Mustard Seed…
Jason Russell.
December 20, 2025 by Albert Ferguson

Russell calls for multi-use indoor arena after Hurricane Melissa ravages MoBay Sports Complex

WESTERN BUREAU: Reacting to the devastation caused to the Montego Bay Sports Complex by Hurricane Melissa, Jason Russell, president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), is…
Beryl Rochester, outgoing custos of St Elizabeth.
December 20, 2025 by Albert Ferguson

St Elizabeth’s first female custos to demit office; expresses pride in service, justice expansion

WESTERN BUREAU: Beryl H. Rochester, the first woman to serve as custos rotulorum for St Elizabeth, is preparing to demit office after nearly 12 years of service, bringing to a close a historic tenure…
Hugh Grant (left), CEO of the Jamaica Public Service, and Energy Minister Daryl Vaz in discussion during the arrival of 117 linesmen from Canada at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, on Wednesday.
December 19, 2025 by Albert Ferguson

More overseas linesmen arrive to boost electricity restoration

WESTERN BUREAU: There is a renewed sense of hope in western Jamaica following Wednesday’s arrival of 117 linemen from the Canadian company Graystone who are equipped with heavy-duty equipment to speed…