Deaf Entrepreneur Eyes Career with Furry Friends
An Excerpt of an article shared by the Jamaica Star.
Paris Guthrie is working toward establishing a sustainable rabbit farming enterprise, driven by a clear vision of independence, long-term growth, and inclusion.
The 21-year-old, who is deaf, is using agriculture as a pathway to economic empowerment, supported by training and mentorship through the HEART/NSTA Trust Incubator Programme.
Paris Guthrie: Fledgling Agripreneur on the Rise, Building a Legacy in Rabbit Farming
An Excerpt of an article shared by the Jamaica Information Service (JIS).
“After graduating, I was staying at home, trying to figure out what’s next. Then this opportunity came. I was just excited,” Ms. Guthrie says.
Having successfully completed a series of training initiatives with the HEART/NSTA Trust during her tenure as a CCCD student, she was identified as a strong candidate for the Incubator Programme.
HEART Gave Me A Start: The Mikayla Salmon Story
“Fashion has been ingrained in my DNA; I believe it is an inborn gift.” This is how Mikayla Salmon describes her lifelong passion for fashion. That passion took root in childhood, sparked by watching her grandmother skilfully sew curtains. By the age of eight, Mikayla was
already creating clothes for her dolls on a semi-industrial treadle sewing machine, an early sign of a future designer in the making.
After leaving high school, she was encouraged to pursue formal training and in 2016, enrolled at the HEART/NSTA Garmex Academy. There, Mikayla not only refined her technical skills as a designer but also gained valuable knowledge in operating a successful fashion business.
Today, Mikayla Salmon is an emerging designer whose talent has already earned national and international recognition. Her
achievements include winning the 2025 JCDC Visual Arts Competition for Fashion (Clarendon), the 2018 Campari Pop Style
Fashion Competition (Kingston & St Catherine) and becoming a designer for one of the world’s most globally recognised fashion
brands, SHEIN. Mikayla credits her training at HEART for shaping her into a more disciplined and detail-oriented designer, while also building her confidence, assertiveness and belief in her own abilities.
Discover more about our programmes and be inspired by Mikayla’s journey.
Sowing Success: HEART/NSTA Trust and Jamaica 4-H Clubs Reap Big Wins Through Rural Youth Economic Empowerment
Over the past three years, a powerful partnership between the HEART/NSTA Trust and the Jamaica 4-H Clubs has transformed the lives of hundreds of young Jamaicans through the Rural Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (RYEEP), a national initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of agriculture entrepreneurs.
Launched in 2022, RYEEP was borne out of a shared vision: to empower young people in rural communities with tangible skills, resources, and opportunities to thrive in Jamaica’s evolving agricultural economy. The initiative was built to support young people, particularly those aged 18 to 35, through a comprehensive programme combining technical training, business development, coaching, mentorship, and venture financing.
AT THE HEART of Hurricane Melissa Relief
“The Trainees are not just learning, there’s actively contributing to critical infrastructure repairs” – Dr. Cherl McLaughlin | Deputy Managing Director with Responsibility for National Training
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Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for Service to Education Awarded to 3 Senior Executives of the HEART/NSTA Trust
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, three senior executives of the HEART/NSTA Trust were honoured with the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for Service to Education during a prestigious ceremony held on the North Lawn of Jamaica House. The medal is presented to educators with a minimum of 15 years of service, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the teaching profession, as well as their demonstrated commitment to community involvement, innovation and creativity. Among the distinguished recipients are Dr Taneisha Ingleton, Managing Director; Dr Janet Dyer, Director/Principal of the HEART College of Hospitality Services/The Cardiff Hotel & Spa; and Dr Aston Spencer, Regional Director for Region 2 (St Thomas, St Mary and Portland).
HEART/NSTA Trust Makes a Dazzling Impact at Carnival 2025 with “Yard Mas” Partnership
The HEART/NSTA Trust made an unforgettable representation at Carnival 2025 through a dynamic partnership with the YAAD Mas Band, delivering a unique fusion of beauty, wellness, and skills training those captivated thousands of revelers, At the heart of this successful collaboration was the HEART Beauty and Wellness Booth, at the vibrant “Yard Mas” Village at the National Stadium.
HEART/NSTA Trust Uplifts Tavares Gardens Primary on Labour Day 2025
In a spirited display of patriotism and unity, the Community Engagement Department of the HEART/NSTA Trust led a transformative Labour Day project at Tavares Gardens Primary School on Friday, May 23, 2025. Guided by this year’s national theme, “Protect the Environment: Our Land, Our Duty, Our Future,” the initiative brought together volunteers, resources, and heart to refresh and reimagine the school’s environment.
HEART staff volunteers from various departments came out in strong support, lending their time, skills, and energy to the project. The collaborative effort underscored the Trust’s commitment to community development and environmental stewardship while promoting a culture of service and civic responsibility among staff.
HEART/NSTA Trust Ignites Youth Inspiration Across Jamaica with National School Tour Series
The HEART/NSTA Trust has successfully completed a powerful series of national school tours aimed at sparking interest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) among Jamaican high school students. From January to March 2025, the Trust visited six secondary schools across five parishes, bringing with it a vibrant showcase of career possibilities, hands-on experiences, and motivational stories that demonstrated the real-world power of skills training.
Administrative Professional of the Year 2024
The HEART/NSTA Trust on April 23, 2025, hosted its annual luncheon for Administrative Profressionals in celebration of Administrative Professionals Day at the S Hotel in Kingston. Administrators drawn from all HEART institutions across the island were invited to the engagement which included the announcement of the Administrative Professional of the Year. Following an intense shortlisting exercise and an interview by a panel, Miss Renee Ricards emerged as the Administrative Professional of the Year 2024.