The House of Representatives has approved the Fourth Supplementary Estimates for the fiscal year 2025/26, which reflects an increase in government expenditure of $14.36 billion. The Estimates, approved on February 3, proposes a total expenditure of approximately $1,391,236,935, an increase of the Budget from the third supplementary estimates of $1,376,876,935. In her remarks, Minister of Finance and the Public Service,...

The subsidy paid to persons who serve as jurors in civil and criminal trials will be increased following passage of relevant legislation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (February 3). Under the Jury (Amendment) Bill, the payment for jurors will move from $2,000 to $6,000 for each day or any part of a day that they serve. The Bill,...

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday (February 3), passed legislation to strengthen Jamaica’s cybercrime framework, providing stronger protection for children and sharper tools for law enforcement and prosecutors. Closing the debate on the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, addressed...

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has reiterated the Government focus on attaining peace as the next stage of the national security strategy. “There is no doubt that on the issue of keeping Jamaica safe and secure, Government policy is working. This is beyond debate. The statistics are there and we are now moving to the next phase...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has signed a Statement of Intent with the Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica (HRMAJ), formalising a collaborative working partnership with the association. The agreement was signed by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., Acting Permanent Secretary in the MLSS, Dione Jennings, and the leadership of the association, during the opening ceremony...

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) has taken its SmartFare card activation drive to St. Thomas, encouraging commuters to sign up for the convenient, cashless service. The SmartFare card is JUTC’s modern payment system, replacing older cards and cash with a simple tap-on, tap-off functionality. It features an account-based system that allows for easier top-ups, balance checks via mobile app...

The Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ) is encouraging Jamaicans to learn the warning signs of a heart attack, know their personal risk factors, seek early medical attention when symptoms occur, and take steps to reduce their risk. Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on Tuesday (February 3), Consultant Cardiologist and HFJ Chairman, Dr. Andrine Chung, said that there is significant...