Jamaica health, tourism, sport and culture lead CVM Sunrise broadcast

CVM Sunrise’s June 10 broadcast brought together Jamaican public affairs, sport, culture and health discussions, with presenters moving from local service upgrades and tourism concerns to art, cricket, men’s wellness and music.

The programme reported that the Bamboo Community Health Centre in St. Ann had reopened after a $68.1 million improvement project carried out by the National Health Fund and the North-East Regional Health Authority. The work included expanded and repaired buildings, a car park, new furnishings and fittings, with a standby generator also expected. The upgraded centre is to provide services including oral health checks, family health care, antenatal and postnatal clinics and child health clinics.

In the morning news package, CVM reported that Jamaica had strengthened surveillance at ports of entry because of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tourism stakeholder Richard Wallace, chairman of the Negril Tourism Destination Council, said he did not expect the outbreak to significantly affect Jamaica’s tourism sector, while Planning Institute of Jamaica director general Dr Wayne Henry noted that projections could shift as more information becomes available.

Flooding in sections of St. Thomas was also highlighted after heavy rainfall affected the main road. The National Works Agency said early checks suggested some drains had been blocked by sand, gravel and construction debris placed near or inside drainage channels.

The broadcast also carried court coverage from the ongoing Clansman trial, where a prosecution witness became emotional while identifying a photograph of deceased man Zamari McKay. In sport, Mount Pleasant beat Molynes United 5-1 to win the first Popeye’s Challenge Cup at the JWN Spalding Sports Complex.

Elsewhere on the show, visual artist Joshua Solas discussed Bad Art Gallery at 92 Hope Road, Kingston, which opens Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Psychologist Dr Andre Baitman addressed anxiety and emotional distress in men, urging healthier spaces for boys and men to express and manage emotions. Directors Sean Green and Kino Johnson promoted the return of Mound Mania at Sabina Park, while artiste Stacious spoke about new music, including “Tears” and “Velvet Sweetheart.”