By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
JAMAICA – Prime Minister and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Dr. Andrew Holness says if re-elected, his government will transform Port Antonio, St. Thomas, and St. Mary into a new economic hub. Addressing a large parish meeting in Port Antonio, Holness said tourism will anchor the plan, but wider development will follow. He noted that since the JLP assumed office in 2016, annual tourist arrivals have doubled from 2.2 million to 4.4 million.
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA – Ahead of the new academic year, the Ministry of Education will begin comprehensive school inspections on Tuesday, September 2. Director of Education Clare Browne said two teams, including representatives from the board of education, teachers’ union, and parent-teacher bodies, will visit schools to ensure readiness. Several schools, including Clare Hall Secondary, Princess Margaret School, and Antigua Grammar School, have received major renovations and upgrades over the summer. Browne expressed confidence that the September 8 reopening will fully prepare all institutions.
INTERNATIONAL – In Afghanistan, one of the country’s worst earthquakes has killed more than 800 people and injured at least 2,800. Rescue efforts are hampered by mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions. The tragedy comes as the Taliban-led administration continues to face reduced international aid and the mass deportation of Afghans from neighboring countries.
