ONE-MINITE READS ... News from across Jamaica

Government to establish performing arts secondary schools

The Government has announced plans to implement a creative education pathway designed to formalise Jamaica's creative education system and develop a skilled cultural workforce.

Information Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon said the initiative includes the establishment of three performing arts secondary schools and a Cultural Apprenticeship Programme, with the latter being implemented in partnership with the HEART/NSTA Trust.

"We are building a pipeline of creative professionals and institutions that nurture talent from the earliest years, refine it through specialised education, propel it into professional practice, and link it to markets, both locally and globally," she said. The schools will integrate academic and artistic disciplines, offering programmes in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and media.

One institution will be established in each county to ensure islandwide access. Additionally, 200 individuals will receive mentorship and hands-on training in areas such as stagecraft, film, and cultural management through the Cultural Apprenticeship Programme. Participants in the apprenticeship programme will receive a monthly stipend of $70,000 during their training period.

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Nearly 73 per cent of schools have broadband access

The education ministry is reporting that 72.3 per cent of schools now have broadband access.

Dr Venesse Morrison Leon, project lead and transformation officer for the Transforming Education for National Development programme in the ministry, said 362 institutions have been equipped with Wi-Fi. Additionally, Morrison Leon said more than 11,000 educators have been engaged in training focused on information and communications technology and other subject areas. In addition, eight infrastructure projects have also been completed at a total cost of $500 million.

"We have also collaborated with Jamaica Social Investment Fund for the construction of two classrooms for a special education unit block at Frankfield Primary [and Infant School in Clarendon]. We are happy for the partnership because this is providing needed space for our special education students," she said.

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Sheryl Lee Ralph to get honorary degree

Actor Sheryl Lee Ralph is among three distinguished Jamaicans to receive honorary degrees from the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica during its 2025 graduation ceremonies next month.

Ralph will be conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Letter in recognition of her remarkable global influence as a cultural ambassador, her groundbreaking achievements in the international film and television industry, and her unwavering commitment to humanitarian advocacy. She will be joined by head of the National Works Agency, E.G. Hunter, and entertainer and humanitarian Carlene Davis-Cowan. Retired lecturer Brian Silvera will also be recognised with the prestigious Chancellor's Medal for over 57 years of service.

The ceremonies, scheduled for November 8 and 9, will present these honours alongside degrees to over 1,600 graduates, celebrating excellence, service, and leadership.

Dr Kevin Brown, president, of UTech, Jamaica, said "these outstanding individuals" are being honoured for their "dedicated service and significant contributions to Jamaica's growth and global influence".

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Teen allegedly robs, stabs woman

A 17-year-old boy of Frazer Hill, Highgate, St Mary, has been charged with wounding with intent and robbery with aggravation following an incident at a service station in Port Maria, in the parish, on October 7.

Reports from the Port Maria police are that at 5:30 a.m., the teen approached a woman, physically assaulted her, and then robbed her of a Samsung cellular phone and $35,000. Following the robbery, the woman tried to leave the area, however, he followed her and stabbed her in the abdomen before fleeing. The woman was assisted to the hospital by residents, where she was treated and released.

A report was later made to the police, and an investigation was launched into the matter. The teenager was taken into custody during an operation, after CCTV footage implicated him. Charges were laid against him last Friday, in the presence of his mother, after he was pointed out during an identification parade. His court date is being finalised.