News Briefs: Digicel Foundation launches Mek a Muckle

The South Haven Early Childhood Institution in Yallahs, St Thomas, is the first organisation to benefit from the Digicel Foundation's 'Mek A Muckle' Initiative, having received funds to equip their facilities. Nicholas Walters, Chairman of the institution's board, shared that it was quite an easy decision to apply for the grant - given the dire need for the equipment. This initiative is in keeping with the Foundation's vision to empower communities by assisting them in becoming more self-reliant through skills training, youth development and other social programmes. Application forms are currently available on the Foundations website - www.digiceljamaicafoundation.org- and in over 13 dealer stores across the island including Digicel's flagship stores in Kingston and St. Andrew.

With the number of firearms seized under the Get the Guns Campaign passing the 100 mark, the Police High Command is imploring the public to continue their support. The recent seizure of two handguns in St Ann and St Andrew on Wednesday, brought the total number of seizures since the campaign's launch to 101 guns and 1120 assorted rounds of ammunition. St James led the way in western Jamaica, with 15 firearms and 118 assorted rounds of ammunition seized.

The Government is to make 2,760 residential serviced lots available by March 2016, as part of its mandate to provide affordable quality housing for all Jamaicans. Minister without Portfolio in the Transport, Works and Housing Ministry, Dr Morais Guy, said there is now real urgency to get many projects that have been long conceptualised, off the ground. "In addition, we will also be delivering 1,492 residential serviced lots by September 2016," Dr Guy said. "This is a partnership between the Ministry, the National Housing Trust (NHT) and the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) to fast track housing solutions."