Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry, indicated that at this stage it is unlikely Jamaica will experience an economic recession in the short term, barring any unforeseen shocks. He addressed the matter on Tuesday, March 3, during the PIOJ’s quarterly hybrid media briefing, where he provided preliminary estimates on the economy’s performance for the...

The Energy Management and Efficiency Programme has been allocated $942 million in the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure. Being implemented by the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, the initiative is aimed at promoting fuel conservation by contributing to the avoidance of fuel imports. The funds allocated for the new fiscal year will go towards completion of the retrofitting of air-conditioning...

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is reporting an estimated 7.5 per cent decline in economic performance for the October to December 2025 quarter, compared with the corresponding period in 2024. PIOJ Director General, Dr. Wayne Henry, explained that the out-turn was largely influenced by the effects of Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread destruction through gale-force winds, storm...

The Jamaica Libraries and Information Network (JAMLIN) has launched a phased Jamaican Sign Language (JSL) training programme aimed at eliminating communication barriers within the nation’s public library system and promoting greater inclusion for members of the Deaf community. The initiative, titled ‘Bridging the Gap: One Sign at a Time’, was officially launched on Monday (March 2), at the University of...

The Government is driving the modernisation of public markets as part of a broader initiative to upgrade aging infrastructure and stimulate local economic activity across the island. Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, emphasised the critical need to upgrade long-standing market facilities during the contract signing and ground-breaking ceremony for the Alexandria Market in St. Ann...

One of Jamaica’s trailblazers in the music industry, VP Records co-founder, Patricia “Miss Pat” Chin, was honoured during the Embassy of Jamaica’s inaugural ‘Reggae Night’ in Washington DC, on February 26, held in celebration of Reggae Month. In a citation recognising Mrs. Chin for her extraordinary contribution to the island’s music and culture, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major...

The Government of Jamaica paid tribute to the legends who have contributed to the growth and development of reggae music at the annual Reggae Gold Awards on Friday (February 27). The function, held inside the National Arena in Kingston, culminated activities for Reggae Month. Heading the list of honourees was veteran singer Ken Boothe, who was inducted in the Jamaica...