The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is reporting a growth in financing support to the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector. Data from the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) indicate that loans to local business firms increased by 18.5 per cent in 2023 relative to 2022. Government initiatives such as the provision of funds to organisations for on-lending, tax incentives...

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has found feedback shared on the IrieFINS online licensing and registration platform, to be critical in how improvements are done. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Information System was developed in collaboration with the Transformation Implementation Unit (TIU) and the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service. Principal Director, Fisheries Compliance, Licensing and Statistics at the NFA,...

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has welcomed the latest Fitch Ratings, which has affirmed Jamaica’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘BB-’, with the outlook remaining positive. “Jamaica’s BB- ratings reflect stronger governance than the peer median. What does that mean? That Jamaica’s management is better than countries in its peer group. It reflects significant progress...

With the construction of the $574-million tilapia hatchery, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is looking to further boost the aquaculture sector with the production of freshwater prawns and the establishment of an ornamental fish farming project. This was disclosed by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, during this week’s post-Cabinet press conference at Jamaica House on Wednesday (February 19)....

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is urging persons to adopt a simple yet life-saving habit of closing their bedroom doors while sleeping. Commissioner, JFB, Stewart Beckford, told JIS News that this practice can increase survival chances and reduce the spread of fires. “Once you go into the room to sleep, close your door. If a fire starts, for argument’s sake...

A sum of $350 million has been earmarked in the 2025/26 Estimates of Expenditure for the completion of the Montego Bay Waterfront Protection project, which is being implemented by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC). The project’s main objective is rehabilitation of the Montego Bay groynes to reduce the loss of beachfront acreage to coastal erosion and protect valuable coastal resources...

The Princess Margaret Hospital in St. Thomas has taken steps to enhance patient service delivery through the introduction of its Family Care System. Speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ on Thursday (February 20), Senior Medical Officer (SMO), Dr. Dwight Whittle, explained that the system is designed to strike “a happy medium” between relatives of patients and their...