CVM Sunrise covers St Catherine ad rules, school mental health and Hantavirus readiness

CVM Sunrise’s May 21 broadcast brought together public policy, health, sport and community features, with discussions ranging from outdoor advertising in St Catherine to Jamaica’s readiness for emerging health threats.

In the headlines segment, the programme reported that the St Catherine Municipal Corporation is working on a formal policy for outdoor advertisements. Spanish Town Mayor Norman Scott said the framework is meant to bring clearer standards, transparency, fairness and order to the approval and placement of billboards and other displays. The move followed the removal of a billboard the local authority considered inappropriate, exposing gaps in rules governing advertising content.

The show also highlighted the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ expansion of psychosocial support in schools. Dr Judith Liba Thomas, team lead for the mobile mental health service, said the Wellness Express is intended to give students private, safe spaces to speak about emotional and psychological challenges. Spot Valley High School hosted a wellness event under the initiative, which involves the health, education and labour ministries.

In Morning Checkup, opposition spokesperson on health and wellness Dr Alfred Dawes discussed Hantavirus, describing it as a zoonotic illness mainly linked to rats and mice. He said Jamaica has not had known cases, but warned that the country must strengthen rodent control, port surveillance and intensive-care capacity because serious infections can require ventilator support.

Sports coverage included the Popeye’s Challenge Cup round-three draw, with Jamaica Premier League clubs entering the knockout competition alongside Jamaica Football Championship teams. Featured matchups included Arnett Gardens against the Roaring River-Duncan’s FC winner, Molynes United against Soccer Club Browns Town, and Chapelton Maroons against Reno.

Other segments featured author Orlando Grant discussing his book Boys Have Dreams Too, and Kerianne and Ian Green outlining Thelma Ruth Global Grace Limited, a senior living and nursing care facility in Green Acres, Spanish Town.