PORT ANTONIO:
Residents of Oracabessa, St Mary, benefited from services in health and education, among other areas, provided by a number of key organisations at a community festival on Friday, November 27.
The event, organised by the Social Development Commission, included an entertainment package featuring a retro fashion show, a gospel concert and popular singer Boris Gardiner as special guest artiste. There were also activities for children, including face painting.
TPDCo introduces HIV/AIDS workplace policy
MONTEGO BAY:
In its continued effort at sensitising workers about the HIV/AIDS virus, through the promotion of a Tourism HIV/AIDS workplace policy, the Tourism Product Development Company Limited launched a DVD titled 'Wanted - an HIV/AIDS Policy' at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort and Spa, Montego Bay, St James, on December 1.
The DVD provides information on the benefits of implementing such a workplace policy and is expected to play a major role in the development and promotion of strategies for the tourism sector to combat HIV/AIDS and to address discrimination. The launch of the video formed part of activities across the island to observe December 1 as 'World AIDS Day'.
Tufton l aunches farm programme
Ocho Rios:
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries' Financial Access for Responsible Members (FARM) programme was launched on Monday (November 30) at the Claremont Anglican Church Hall in St Ann. The programme, which is being carried out in collaboration with Approved Financial Institutions (AFIs), provides monetary assistance for farming projects.
The FARM programme was developed out of discussions to address the lack of capital and resources to stimulate best practices in the sector. The programme offers loans in two categories. The first category would allow for a loan up to $500,000 over a term of six months while category 2 allows for a loan of between $500,000 and $2 million.
40 receive houses in South East St Mary
PORT ANTONIO:
Housing solutions for 40 needy persons in South Eastern St Mary have been provided through Food For The Poor, in partnership with member of parliament for the constituency, Tarn Peralto.
The two-bedroom units were handed over to the recipients during a presentation function, held at the Cape Clear Training Centre in St Mary, on Thursday, November 26.
These houses were built on lands owned or leased by the participants and were constructed as a result of representations made to the Food For The Poor organisation by Peralto after a detailed assessment of the housing needs of the constituency. Construction of the houses commenced approximately one year ago and was completed in October. Approximately US$200,000 (J$18 million) was spent on the project by Food For The Poor, while $2 million was provided from the Constituency Development Fund.