The Senate, on Friday (October 25), approved a motion to formulate the Elderly Care and Protection Act, to safeguard Jamaica’s senior citizens. Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, advised that during the next sitting of the Upper House, he will propose the appointment of a Special Select Committee to consider the motion. The committee will...

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has explained how ‘family life’ is accommodated in the island’s correctional facilities. The DCS has developed programmes that seek to mirror activities done normally in society, to aid the rehabilitation process of inmates. Speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, Head of the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, Superintendent Ivan Randall, indicated that family...

The National Works Agency (NWA) is now ramping up activities to repair sections of the North Coast Highway in Hanover; through the Relief Emergency Assistance and Community Help (REACH) programme. These repairs will be carried out over the course of the next two weeks. Community Relations Officer for the NWA’s Western Region, Janel Ricketts, says that the project is valued...

Chief Fiscal Economist in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Terron Francis, says the Government is holding talks with the World Bank regarding the development of another disaster risk financing instrument for Jamaica. This, he points out, is to aid in mitigating the impact of natural disasters on the national budget. “We are currently in discussion with the...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has announced plans to introduce a new policy, which will result in service contractors being engaged on a long-term basis to repair and maintain equipment at hospitals across the island. Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, made the disclosure at a press briefing held on Thursday (October 24) at the Bustamante Hospital for...

The National Housing Trust (NHT) is encouraging aspiring homeowners to participate in its two upcoming Home IT Expos. Senior Marketing Coordinator, Jywanza Hall, says the first is slated for Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay on Saturday (October 25) from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.. The second is set for Emancipation Park in Kingston on November 2. He advises that...

The Government is to launch a platform in the coming months that will simplify proof of life verification for all government pensioners, and this will be done in phases. At present, the pensioners are required to submit a Life Certificate once every quarter to continue receiving their money. Life certificates must be stamped and signed by a justice of the...