Mickalia Kington/Gleaner Writer

Gerald Miller (right), health promotion and education officer for Westmoreland, hands over a Drop Filter to a parent at Broughton Primary School after demonstrating how to use the device to access safe drinking water.
March 4, 2026 by Mickalia Kington

Wine to Water helping to address Westmoreland’s woes

Western Bureau: Residents in water-stressed communities across Westmoreland are now better able to access safe drinking water, thanks to the distribution of 500 water filters, courtesy of Wine to…
Ramon Bremmer (left), the principal of Kew Park Primary School, accepts a Starlink package from Rotary president Jean Powell. Looking on at centre is Tracie Campbell, the principal of Ferris Primary School.
February 25, 2026 by Mickalia Kington

Rotary Club of Sav targets education in post-storm recovery

WESTERN BUREAU: In a major effort to boost education recovery in Westmoreland amid the lingering effects of Hurricane Melissa, the Rotary Club of Savanna-la-Mar, in partnership with the Rotary…
Michael’s hand shows the lingering effects of chemical overexposure, even after the worst of the flare-up has subsided.
February 21, 2026 by Mickalia Kington

Expert warns misuse of bleach can damage skin, cause fatal poisoning

For many Jamaicans, bleach is a trusted household staple used to clean kitchens, disinfect surfaces, and even treat water in times of emergency. But improper use, especially without correct dilution…
First-time parents, Natasha McKenzie Petgrave and her husband, Jovain Petgrave, cradling their baby boy, who was born on New Year’s Day.
February 21, 2026 by Mickalia Kington

Settling into motherhood

Western Bureau: For many young Jamaicans, the decision to start a family is becoming increasingly complex. The cost of living continues to rise, some young couples have limited support systems and…
The 700-square-foot steel-frame model house in Savanna-la-Mar that stood standing after Hurricane Melissa.
February 19, 2026 by Mickalia Kington

Framing the future

A steel frame house left standing in Savanna-la-Mar after Hurricane Melissa tore through sections of western Jamaica has started a conversation about how the country should rebuild and whether it is…
Arthel Colley, courncillor for the Negril Division in Westmoreland.
February 13, 2026 by Mickalia Kington

Councillor questions TEF spending disparity between Negril and St James

Negril Councillor Arthel Colley is calling for greater investment in the resort town, arguing that insufficient spending by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has left critical infrastructure issues…
The 500-kilowatt emergency mobile power-generation unit that was commissioned in the community of Darliston, Westmoreland, on Sunday.
February 12, 2026 by Mickalia Kington

Darliston misery mounting

Western Bureau: More than three months after Hurricane Melissa battered western Jamaica, life in sections of Darliston in Westmoreland remains defined by darkness, uncertainty, and mounting…
Isaiah Freckleton at 31 years old, during his working years, long before his migration overseas.
February 5, 2026 by Mickalia Kington

A century of memories

At 100 years old, Isaiah Freckleton still marvels at the passage of time. Lying in his bed one night, alone with his thoughts, the centenarian found himself pondering. “I began to count from one to a…
Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck accepts a gift from a newly commissioned Justice of the Peace, Noelle StacyAnn Randall, following his keynote address at the JP commissioning ceremony at The Commingle Hotel in Westmoreland.
February 4, 2026 by Mickalia Kington

New Westmoreland JPs urged to serve with integrity

Western Bureau: Thirty new justices of the peace (JPs) were formally commissioned into service last Thursday during a ceremony in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland. The event brought together members of…