6 Things You Need To Know Today

Your news in a nutshell

1. 4.6 quake felt islandwide
2. Crawford crates PNP euphoria
3. Scandal bag ban, and more
4. Security issue at Supreme Court building
5. Avoid croc habitats during heavy rains -NEPA
6. Mental health, suicide helpline established

1. 4.6 quake felt islandwide

Jamaicans in all but one parish reported yesterday that they felt a minor earthquake. In a statement yesterday, the Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona, in St Andrew, confirmed that the island had experienced an earthquake around 1:47 p.m. The epicentre was located at approximately 4km east of Angels in St Catherine and had a magnitude of 4.6 in focal depth. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

2. Crawford creates PNP euphoria

Having had their fill of platform utterances, tailored political dubplates and rallying cries, the rain clouds that eventually burst over the National Arena in Kingston yesterday afternoon did little to dampen the euphoria of Comrades at the People’s National Party’s (PNP) 80th annual Conference. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

3. Scandal bag ban, and more …

The Government this morning announced bans on single-use plastic bags and straws as well as Styrofoam. The bans take effect on January 1, 2019. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

4. Security issue at Supreme Court building

This morning’s ceremonial opening of the Michaelmas Term of the Home Circuit Court at the Supreme Court building in downtown Kingston was disrupted by a security issue. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

5. Avoid croc habitats during heavy rains – NEPA

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is advising the public to exercise extreme caution in areas close to swamps, rivers, gullies and other known crocodile habitats, as the animals are likely to be displaced during the heavy rains. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.

6. Mental health, suicide helpline established

A mental health/suicide helpline is to be established by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the non-governmental organisation Choose Life International (CLI) to provide support to persons in need of assistance. See full story on The Gleaner’s website.