Three thousand young people are to participate in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development’s Summer Employment Programme. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, provided details of the initiative during his contribution to the 2018/19 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 16. In 2017/18, more than 2,300 young people from the 228 divisions were employed to undertake...

Entrants in the Scientific Research Council (SRC) 2018 National Science and Technology Fair will benefit from the opportunity to have their displays selected for development support. The June 12 event invites schools to showcase their innovative projects in the areas of education, agriculture, food and agro-processing, energy, information and communications technology and electronics, security, health, sport, among others. Ten prototypes...

The Dispute Resolution Foundation (DRF) is urging persons from all levels of society to get training in mediation in order to play a role in resolving conflicts. Content Delivery Leader at the DRF, Paul Hines, said certification in mediation could be beneficial to student and youth leaders, community leaders, as well as members of community groups and other organisations. “I...

Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Hon. Andrew Wheatley, says the proposed National Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) Policy will go to Cabinet shortly. He made the disclosure during his 2018/19 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 15). The policy seeks to advance Jamaica’s economic, social and environmental agenda by ensuring that ST&I are integrated into...

Twenty-eight houses will be built for indigent persons across the island this financial year at a cost of $52 million. This was disclosed by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, during his contribution to the 2018/19 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 16. He noted that two concrete structures will be built per...

The National Land Agency (NLA) is working with three entities to facilitate the implementation of electronic land titling in Jamaica. They are Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), and the World Bank. Consultants are being employed to assist with designing the system, which will include legislative changes to the Registration of Titles Act, to allow for records...

Minister without Portfolio in the Finance and the Public Service Ministry, Hon. Fayval Williams, says the Government has “put in motion and is far along with the analytic work” that will guide the eventual establishment of a policy framework for disaster risk financing ahead of a disaster. “Local and international stakeholders will be consulted. It will be based on the...

Cabinet is to be asked for its approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and Israel Aerospace Industries, to facilitate the creation of the region’s first Cyber Academy. The academy is intended to build a professional and skilled cyber workforce by providing training and practical experience and certification in the areas of cybersecurity, cyber defence and cyber intelligence....

The Government plans to utilise lands owned by the Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ) and the National Insurance Fund (NIF) in Boundbrook, Portland, to facilitate the relocation of 11 government agencies. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, explained that the objective is to provide more comfortable surroundings for staff and members...