Jamaica’s fisheries production amounted to more than $30 billion for calendar year 2023, representing contribution of just over one per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The total production, from marine captures and aquaculture was 14,583.15 metric tons valued at US$195.3 million. Principal Director for the Fisheries Compliance, Licensing and Statistics Division at the National Fisheries Authority (NFA),...

Persons interested in participating in this year’s Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Culinary Arts Competition now have until Friday, May 10, to submit their applications. The deadline, which was initially set for April 27, has been extended, giving persons more time to complete their free online registration via the JCDC’s website at www.jcdc.gov.jm. The competition is open to persons aged...

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is to unveil two more water trucks this week, which will be used to service communities in St. Elizabeth and St. Catherine. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, made the disclosure during Wednesday’s (April 24) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House. He also informed that of the $90 million earmarked to support farmers being...

Two Orders that will increase the national minimum wage and the minimum wage for industrial security guards were approved by the House of Representatives on Tuesday (April 23). These are the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Order, 2024, and the Minimum Wage Industrial Security Guards (Amendment) Order, 2024. They were piloted by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles...

More educators are being encouraged to obtain electronic vouchers to purchase laptop computers by e-Learning Jamaica Limited (eLJAM), under its Own Your Own Device programme. Chief Executive Officer, eLJAM, Andrew Lee, told JIS News that this is to ensure that every teacher in the public education system has access to the technology they need to excel in their roles. “Every...

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, says the reopening of the JISCO Alpart in Nain, St. Elizabeth, remains a priority of the Government. Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday (April 24), Mr. Green noted that the plant is the country’s only high-temperature aluminium refinery, uniquely capable of processing lower-grade bauxite found in...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is intensifying efforts to ensure the safety and preparedness of firefighters in responding to fires involving electric vehicles (EVs) and lithium-ion batteries. Commissioner Stewart Beckford told JIS News that, to date, more than 700 firefighters have received specialised training in relation to such emergencies. “It is not just about electric vehicles; devices like laptops pose...