More than 30,000 taxpayers are expected to benefit under the Special Arrears Settlement Programme, says Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams. The programme, which was introduced by Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) in January, aims to encourage taxpayers with outstanding principal sums for selected tax types to pay these by March 31, 2025. Tax types on which...

The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), through its Boosting Innovation Growth and Entrepreneurship Ecosystems (BIGEE) programme has opened a six-week - Call for Proposals, from February 10th to March 19th for the Jamaica Business Fund (JBF). This is a grant fund product aimed at supporting groups of businesses, operating as clusters, where funding of up to US$250,000 is available for...

The policing capabilities of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have been bolstered with the acquisition of 274 new vehicles. The vehicles, representing investment of $1.7 billion by the Government, comprise 121 pick-up trucks, 55 sport utility vehicles (SUVs), three Coaster buses, five Hiace buses, and 90 motorcycles. Addressing Wednesday’s (February 19) handover ceremony at the Police Commissioner’s headquarters at Old...

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) has indicated that it is closely monitoring policy measures in the United States (US) and assessing the likely impacts on the Jamaican economy. “It is too early to determine the precise nature and magnitude of these changes, as they are still being announced and rolled out. However, these new US policies may have a...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is eyeing the Independence period as a timeline for the completion and reopening of the Buff Bay market in Portland. The Minister visited the facility recently, where he reminded that the market was one of those chosen to be renovated when Jamaica had celebrated its 50th year. “So, we want...

The Portland Health Department is embarking on a programme to eradicate rodents from town centres. The parish has seen an increase in rat infestation in recent months. Public Health Inspector, Samuel Brown, said the programme will cost more than $16 million and will involve interventions such as setting baits and public education on how persons can assist in ridding their...

Farmers are being encouraged to conserve water as part of drought mitigation strategies during the dry season. With normal to below normal rainfall expected over the upcoming weeks, methods of keeping crops well-watered are crucial for farmers to preserve their investments. Senior Plant Health and Food Safety Officer with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Francine Webb, says techniques such...