Morning Bites: 5 things to know for Thursday: Saharan dust; Gas price soars; Crocodile tourism; Today's Weather; Clovis Toon; Breaking News and more

Morning Bites: 5 things to know for Thursday, August 17, 2023 Brace for Saharan dust Grab your mask! The latest plume of dust from the Sahara Desert, which has been affecting the island for most of this week, is expected to reach its peak starting today. That’s according to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The phenomenon, which is [common during the summer months]( has the potential to influence air quality and should raise an alarm for people who suffer from asthma, dust-related allergies, sinusitis or other respiratory illnesses. $27 billion in Gov't contracts for pharmaceuticals The Government has awarded 61 contracts, valued at $27 billion, for the procurement of essential drugs under the 2023-2026 Pharmaceutical Awards Programme. The National Health Fund (NHF) signed the contracts with the 34 local and international suppliers at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Tuesday. Big increase in gas, diesel prices Motorists should see a big increase at the pumps in the pricec of gasoline and diesel effective Thursday, August 17, based on the latest ex-refinery costs from Petrojam. See full price listing [here](. Advertisement Evening reception for Chevening scholars An evening reception will be held at 6:00 this evening at the Trafalgar Road residence of the British High Commissioner to Jamaica to commemorate the 2023 Chevening Scholars. Fourteen Jamaicans have been selected for the 2023 Chevening Awards. The scholars will be recognised for this achievement. British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Judith Slater will bring remarks. Bartlett addresses graduation ceremony for youth entrepreneurs Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett will today deliver the keynote address at the graduation ceremony for the Central Jamaica Social Development Initiative (CJSDI) NW Youth Entrepreneurship Training Programme. The ceremony will take place at the Tropics View Hotel at Hatfield, Manchester beginning at 2:00 pm. The programme is graduating 40 youth entrepreneurs from across Manchester who have been trained in the principles of effective business operation since April 2023. TODAY'S WEATHER FORECAST Hazy conditions are expected to dominate today, according to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. In the morning, it is expected to be sunny and hazy. In the afternoon, isolated showers and thunderstorms are anticipated across western parishes. ICYMI: WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING Crocodile tourism warning: Poaching of reptile threatens livelihoods in Black River There are growing fears that increased crocodile poaching could lead to a fallout in wildlife tourism in the Black River and [jeopardise thousands of livelihoods in the southwest Jamaica region](. Manchester farmers feeling the heat of drought, rising costs Some farmers in Manchester are reportedly [buckling under the weight of the severe drought and rising costs]( among other issues affecting cultivators in the central Jamaica parish. Tufton warns of Ja’s declining health profile, urges lifestyle changes Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says Jamaica’s current [health profile is on the decline]( as more individuals, including an increasing number of young people, are getting ill. CLOVIS TOON TODAY IN HISTORY Marcus Garvey is born On this day in 1887, Jamaica’s first National Hero, black nationalist Marcus Garvey was born in St Ann's Bay. For more stories, visit our website at www.jamaicaobserver.com or [sign up for our e-paper](. [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Website]( Copyright © 2023 Jamaica Observer, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 40 - 42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue Kingston 5 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](.