Portia Simpson Miller to be honoured as Jamaica advances health, airport and finance plans

Former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is to have the Western Children’s Hospital in Montego Bay named in her honour, Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced Tuesday during Workers’ Week activities in downtown Kingston. The Labour and Social Security Ministry’s main building was also renamed the Portia Simpson Miller Building, recognising her years of public service. Opposition Leader Mark Golding welcomed the decision, saying her record in tourism, economic management and national leadership remained significant. Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. also praised her contribution to workers and social welfare. Simpson Miller, Jamaica’s first woman prime minister, was absent because of health challenges, and her grandniece accepted on her behalf.

Jamaica has also signed a four-year memorandum of understanding with Ghana to help ease shortages in the health sector, especially among nurses and specialised medical staff. Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said the agreement supports Vision 2030 and follows work on similar arrangements with the Philippines, India and Nigeria. Ghanaian nurses and doctors are expected to be deployed temporarily, while also gaining professional development.

Mental health professionals warned that social media is placing growing emotional pressure on children and teenagers. Child psychologist Dr Patrice Charles-King said many young people are struggling with self-esteem, online conflict and emotional regulation as more communication shifts to screens. She urged children to pause before responding online, leave harmful groups and set healthier boundaries.

In business, the planned Negril airport is expected to support economic activity in Westmoreland and Hanover. More than 200 acres have been identified at Little London, with a first phase estimated at US$287 million. The facility is being designed with a 2,240-metre runway and could handle Boeing 737-size aircraft from the United States and Canada. Government will also seek to raise $6 billion through two benchmark investment note offers.

Regionally, Barbados and Guyana will allow approved travellers to move between both countries using electronic ID cards from July 1. Caribbean Airlines, meanwhile, is cutting several loss-making routes, including services affecting Dominica, St Kitts and Guyana-Suriname, after losses across selected markets reached US$18.84 million by April 2026. In sport, World Athletics approved the qualifying system for the 2027 Beijing championships, while the Concacaf Caribbean Cup draw placed Jamaican clubs Cavalier and Portmore United in Group B.