Janet Silvera/Gleaner Writer

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett with tourism workers at the April 2 opening of Half Moon, where he announced that the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme has grown to $6 billion and outlined intentions to introduce a health plan next.
April 4, 2026 by Janet Silvera

Tourism rebound hits 80 per cent as Half Moon reopens – Bartlett

WESTERN BUREAU: Jamaica’s tourism sector has rebounded to more than 80 per cent of pre-hurricane levels, with the reopening of Half Moon signalling renewed confidence in the island’s post-Melissa…
Women of Resilience Honorees 2026 (from left): Tiffany Grant, Pastor Mary Wildish, Tricia-Ann Bicarie, Tamika Williams, Dr Marcia Graham, and Katrin Casserly with their citations during the Women of Western Jamaica Brunch held last Sunday at the S Hotel Mo
April 1, 2026 by Janet Silvera

The women who held the west together

WESTERN BUREAU: Pastor Mary Wildish turned her church into a war room. Tamika Williams opened her home as a lifeline for battered communities. And five months’ pregnant Tiffany Grant introduced…
The Today show’s Sheinelle Jones (left) and Jenna Bush Hager in a playful mood while interviewing Grammy-award winning artiste Orville ‘Shaggy’ Burrell during a broadcast from Sandals Dunn’s River in St Ann yesterday.
March 27, 2026 by Janet Silvera

‘Today’ puts spotlight on Jamaica’s recovery during multiday ‘Girls’ Trip’ broadcast

WESTERN BUREAU: Jamaica secured major global exposure yesterday as NBC’s morning programme, Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, aired from the island, with the aim of reinforcing its recovery from…
Dr Cecile Walden
March 24, 2026 by Janet Silvera

Revered educator Dr Cecile Walden remembered as cultural icon

WESTERN BUREAU: Jamaica is mourning the death of one of its most revered educators, Dr Cecile Annette Walden, whose contribution to teacher education and national development has left an indelible…
Natalee Watson (centre) and the two children who live with her, Ethon Jackson and Rosetta Jackson.
March 21, 2026 by Janet Silvera

Burnt out mom of 6 gets more than a Bible

WESTERN BUREAU: Days after a devastating fire left Hanover mother Natalee Watson homeless and clinging only to her faith, the outpouring of support has begun to transform despair into hope. Watson,…
An aerial rendering of Sandals Montego Bay, showcasing uninterrupted ocean views and a reimagined beachfront experience.
March 19, 2026 by Janet Silvera

Sandals seizes post-hurricane moment to reimagine three flagship resorts

WESTERN BUREAU: Sandals Resorts International is turning disruption into opportunity, announcing a US$200-million (J$32.4-billion) investment to transform three of its flagship Jamaican properties in…
Natalee Watson and her children, daughter Rosetta Jackson and son Ethon Jackson.
March 17, 2026 by Janet Silvera

Mom of six only wanted Bible after home burned down

WESTERN BUREAU: When fire destroyed the modest two-bedroom board house she struggled for years to build, single mother Natalie Watson lost everything – her beds, clothes, furniture, and the roof she…
Environmental activist Monique Christie staunchly defending the right to beach access.
March 16, 2026 by Janet Silvera

Mixed views on Sandals overwater suites plans

WESTERN BUREAU: While environmental activists are seemingly not thrilled about Sandals International’s proposal to build overwater suites in proximity to its Sandals Montego Bay property, some…
News
March 13, 2026 by Janet Silvera

Pastors call for renewed focus on marriage, responsible fatherhood

WESTERN BUREAU: Church leaders across Jamaica are being urged to prioritise spiritual and pastoral support for marriage, parenting and responsible fatherhood, as the country grapples with a family…