Montego Bay, March 24, 2025 – The 12^th Global Leadership Summit (GLS) Jamaica will be held virtually on Thursday (March 27) under the distinguished patronage of Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.

The Summit, being hosted by the Global Leadership Network (GLN) Jamaica under the theme ‘Design Your Future, Innovate, Inspire and Transform’, aims to equip mission-driven leaders with cutting-edge insights, innovative strategies and invaluable global connections to shape a thriving future.

The event will be divided into four sessions featuring presentations by eight transformational leaders. They include Executive Director, Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Dr. Carey Wallace, and Founder and Senior Pastor at Life Church in the United States and Best-Selling Author, Craig Groechel.

Country Leader and Central Regional Chair of GLN-Jamaica, Dr. Grace Kelly, said the Summit is set to be a “transformational experience”, noting that the event’s virtual format augurs well for achieving the initiative’s goals.

“It’s going to be so dynamic that, wherever you sit, you are going to feel as if you are in the real physical space, because we are going to be there behind the scenes, communicating with you, answering your questions. So you can watch this in the comfort of your home. I’m assuring the teams, those who will be attending, that after the day of the Summit, we will make arrangements for those who may [want] to watch it again, just so that they can get the full experience,” she told JIS News.

Dr. Kelly emphasised that, “We are investing in leaders who will shape Jamaica’s future… leaders who will innovate, who will create jobs, who will strengthen communities, and who will inspire a new generation of changemakers.”

She also highlighted that the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information sent out a bulletin about the event. Additionally, the Nursing Council of Jamaica is granting five continuing education credits to nurses who participate in the Summit.

For his part, Summit Co-Chair, Reverend Dave Falconer, told JIS News that the event promises to be an “unforgettable experience”.

“GLS is a world-class leadership conference that empowers leaders, providing them with fresh, actionable and inspiring leadership content wherever they lead,” he said.

He informed that, “it brings together leaders from every sector of the society, [such as] churches, business, corporate, government and unions”.

“It’s a galvanising event that emanates from the US (United States) and will simulcast in the United States and Canada and through videocasts around the world in up to 136 countries,” Rev. Faulkner further indicated.

Persons can register online to attend the event at iteneri.com/summit2025 or call 876-343-2252 for details.

The registration cost per person in Jamaica is $6,500, with students paying $3,000. For individuals registering overseas, the cost is US$50 per person and US$30 for students. Group rates are also available for leaders who want to bring their teams.

Lead Producer of GLS Jamaica, Dwayne Madden, advised that registration will be facilitated up to March 26, details of which can be accessed online, while pointing out that more than 1,000 persons can be accommodated.

Thereafter, he said a link will be forwarded prior to the Summit to enable participants to ensure they are “ready to go on March 27”.

CONTACT: SERENA GRANT

Release: JIS

Kingston, Jamaica, March 22, 2024 – More than 21,000 customers have benefited from the National Water Commission (NWC) Amnesty Programme as of March 14, 2025.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, provided the update during his contribution to the 2025/26 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday (March 20).

“Total reconnections, so far, total 3,271, with a further 5,135 awaiting reconnections. This has yielded over $207 million in revenue collected for the NWC and that would have been uncollectible otherwise. We have also written off over $600 million of debt from those who most needed it, restoring the supply of water and returning dignity to households,” Dr. Holness said.

He noted that the amnesty is helping the most vulnerable and, as such, has instructed the NWC to extend the programme for a further two months.

In November 2024, the Prime Minister announced that the NWC would provide an amnesty to customers cut off from the utility for more than six months.

This amnesty has benefited pensioners, Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) beneficiaries and members of the disabled community, with up to a 100 per cent reprieve, and 50 per cent for other categories of customers.

Contact: Latonya Linton

Release : JIS

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Anguilla, March 22, 2025 – The new premier of Anguilla is historically, a woman, Cora Richardson-Hodge, who led her Anguilla United Front (AUF) to a dominating victory of at the polls in the February 26 General Election in the British Overseas territory; gaining four seats and 49% of the vote.

When she addressed the nation from the House of Assembly on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 as the newly sworn-in Premier, her focus was on commitments made on the campaign trail; to build a more inclusive, dynamic and sustainable Anguilla.

“Our primary goals include: economic diversification. We recognize the need to move beyond traditional industries, and by investing in areas like renewable energy, technology and agriculture we can create a more resilient economy that offers opportunities for all,” said Richardson-Hodge.

Young people are also a priority, said Premier Richardson-Hodge who reminded of the AUF’s ‘People First’ plan.

“Our youth are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are valuable contributors to our present and the architects of our future.  They are innovators, dreamers and change makers. However, for them to flourish, we must prioritize their needs and aspirations that is our People First agenda places their needs at the forefront.”

Mentorship programs are coming, so is investment in business ideas to broaden the commercial landscape of the island nation, she said.

“We will establish initiatives, that support young entrepreneurs in their business endeavours by providing mentorship programs, access to funding and training in business development.  We aim to foster a generation of entrepreneurs who can create jobs and drive economic growth in Anguilla.”

The Premier wants to modernise education and resuscitate healthcare for the 16,000 residents of Anguilla.

“We pledge to improve educational facilities and transform our healthcare services into institutions of which we can be proud.”

Responsible tourism is also prioritised for the new AUF Government administration.  Renewable Energy is elevated in the new regime, she said.

In her maiden speech, she informed Anguillans that their involvement and solidarity are essential.

“Governance is not just for the appointed, it is for every Anguillan, and we will establish regular forums for community feedback and consultation, ensuring that your voices guide our decisions.

To achieve these ambitious objectives, unity is essential.  We must come together, government officials, business leaders, civil society and most importantly, the people of Anguilla,” said the representative for Sandy Hill, a 15-year MP.

Premier Richardson-Hodge reached across the aisle with her words, inviting the members opposite her physically to be tied to a better Anguilla, bi-partisanly.

“It is time to transcend political divides and collaborate for the greater good.  Let us focus on what binds us together, our love for Anguilla and our committee for a brighter future for our families and our children.  And as we embark on this journey, I urge each one of you to join us in embracing this People’s first agenda.  Each one of us plays a vital role in shaping the future of Anguilla. Let us work side by side as partners in progress as we reclaim our narrative and craft a legacy that future generations will be proud of.”

The AUF won eight of the 11 seats with the outgoing Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) headed by now former premier Dr Ellis Webster, winning the other three seats. Webster was among the victorious candidates for his party.