Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, has highlighted the importance of intellectual property (IP) protection to national development. He noted that IP remains the pillar for providing equitable reward for creators and those who invest in, distribute and manage these innovations. Senator Reid said that having a robust IP framework in place will help to...

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, says discussions are being held with two private investors to establish agro-conomic zones in Annotto Bay in St. Mary, and in Hanover.    The zones are to provide farmers with a reliable market for their produce, and contribute to the reduction of praedial larceny. Addressing the launch...

Jamaicans can now access reliable healthcare at a distance using the latest in information and communications technology (ICT). This is through the Doctor on Call application (app), which allows patients to consult with their doctors and obtain diagnosis through videoconferencing. The app was launched by Physician and Head of the School of Health and Health Technology of the University of...

Negotiations are far advanced with a motor-vehicle manufacturer to operate out of one of the six special economic zones (SEZs) that have already been designated by the Government.         Chairman of the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority, Metry Seaga, said that the entity’s operations will mainly entail assembly.  “We actually have some of the vehicles here now, and it’s a programme...

Acting Chief Technical Director at the Office of the Prime Minister, Jacqueline Lynch-Stewart, says the implementation of the National Identification System (NIDS) is important, as it will become the primary source for identity assurance, authentication and verification of Jamaican nationals. She said it will improve the governance and management of social, economic and security programmes. “The National Identification System project...

With the Government’s thrust towards economic growth, entrepreneurs should consider exploring the multimillion-dollar personal-care industry. Research done by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) shows that from 2015 to 2016 more than 14 million bar soaps and more than three million hand and organic soaps were imported into Jamaica at a cost of approximately US$22 million. Acting Manager, Marketing and...

A total of 263 teams from communities across the island are competing for $6 million in cash and prizes in the 11th staging of the Social Development Commission (SDC) National 20/20 Community Cricket Competition. The tournament, which began on April 30 with the preliminary rounds, will see teams over the next four months compete at the parish and regional levels,...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says despite massive growth projections for global travel and tourism, small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in the sector are yet to reap the full benefit. “As we observe tourism’s impact on the global economy and celebrate the contribution this sector makes in providing one in 11 jobs, we must also question why 80 per cent...

The Government’s economic reform agenda will be further boosted with the provision of another World Bank Development Policy Loan (DPL) in the sum of approximately J$9.05 billion (US$70 million). This provision will further underpin the Administration’s ongoing policy implementation, aimed at spurring growth and development while enhancing Jamaica’s global competitiveness. The loan, which is the third by the Bank since...