ONE-MINUTE READS ... News from across Jamaica

Jamaica trains Haitian police

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang said the Haitian National Police has been receiving specialised training in Jamaica.

The first 16-member cohort of the Haitian police were equipped in security-screening interview techniques during a recently concluded one-week course at the National Police College of Jamaica.

"Given the current challenges facing your country, I urge you to remain resilient and adaptable, and to use your training to help bring about urgent change that is necessary," Chang told the 16 cops last week.

He said that the just-concluded course seeks to "strengthen the capabilities of members to conduct effective security-screening interviews. This enhanced capacity will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in improving security responses by helping to identify and neutralise potential threats before they escalate."

The training programme is being facilitated by the Jamaica Constabulary Force in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Global Affairs Canada-Central America and the Caribbean, and other stakeholders.

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Percy Junor Hospital to be expanded

The Percy Junor Hospital in Manchester is slated to be extensively expanded, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton has announced.

This is in keeping with the Government's thrust to expand and refurbish public health facilities islandwide.

"There is a plan drawn up that will require further study and assessment, which will see a new outpatient department, physiotherapy suite, maternity ward, expansion of X-ray [facilities] and labs, a paediatric department, expansion of [the] medical records [department], and a baby-friendly designation for 2024 ... being worked on," Tufton informed.

Tufton said while a commencement date for the expansion project is pending, the health ministry and, by extension, the Government will be working to conclude all matters relating to the development plan. This, he pointed out, is being prioritised, given the hospital's location.

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J'can urged not to squander year-end bonus

Financial advisers are strongly recommending that persons avoid spending their year-end bonus on Christmas festivities.

Nina Peters, business relationship and sales manager at JN Financial Services at Catherine Hall, St James, said people can be proactive with their bonuses by using it to boost their savings. She recommends using a bonus to add to 'rainy day' funds, for example, or to pay down debts.

"When you borrow from yourself, oftentimes it is the hardest loan to repay because it was too easy, so you owe it to yourself to pay it back now," she said.

"You can also use your holiday bonus to chip away your credit card debts or even clear smaller debts. You can do this and start the new year off on a good note," she added.

Peters said for people who plan to use their bonuses to treat themselves this season, they should also consider applying a generous 50-50 savings rule to it and allocate half to a savings account.

"Keep it very real. If you have to use that Christmas bonus to buy a gift for yourself or even help out with your regular activities, still put something down, and still have something in miscellaneous so you won't feel like you're cheating yourself. Remember, if it's not saved, it will be spent," she encouraged workers.

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Lighting issues disrupt Sangster International Airport

Operations at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, were disrupted on Saturday night due to lighting issues.

MBJ Airports Limited, operators of the facility, said the runway lights became unserviceable about 7:05 p.m., and it took nearly two hours for the issue to be resolved.

Two airlines were diverted to Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport and one flight was cancelled.

Saturday's incident marked the second time in five months that the operations at the airport was disrupted by runway issues. There was a temporary runway closure on August 11 due to construction issues. This resulted in the cancellation of 12 flights and the delaying of many others.

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JFJ wants more Jamaicans to defend human rights

Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has called on all Jamaicans to join it in its mission to promote and defend human rights. The organisation has been at the forefront of the fight for human rights in Jamaica for close to 25 years,

"We have worked tirelessly to hold those in power accountable for human-rights violations and to advocate for policies that promote justice and equality for all. But there is still much work to be done," said Mickel Jackson, JFJ's executive director.

She said that too many Jamaicans continue to face discrimination, violence, and oppression; and too often those responsible are not held accountable.

Jade Williams, policy and advocacy specialist at JFJ, said the organisation believes that every Jamaican deserves the right to justice and equality.

"We are committed to fighting for the rights of all Jamaicans, especially those who have been marginalised and oppressed. We urge everyone to join us in this fight for justice. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all," Williams said.

JFJ last Friday hosted its 'Justice Tour', a community intervention and march for human rights in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew. The event was held two days before Human Rights Day, which is observed annually on December 10.