For this fiscal year, the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology will be aiming to complete some key legislation. An omnibus legislation is among the list that will be drafted, to increase monetary penalties and custodial sentences, to modernise the portfolio’s legislation. “This is an entire portfolio matter,” Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Daryl Vaz. noted. He was...

Phase one of the Redevelopment and Modernisation Programme of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) has been approved by Cabinet. Making the disclosure during today’s (May 19) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Fayval Williams, said Cabinet also approved the inclusion of the project in the Public Sector Investment Programme. She...

Approximately 248 businesses are expected to utilise the E-Commerce National Delivery System (ENDS) platform this weekend, as the Government continues to expand the service island-wide. The web-based ENDS system enables quick-service industry and delivery stakeholders registered on the platform, to operate during the curfew hours implemented to combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. ENDS is a partnership between...

Cabinet has given approval for the integration of the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) to function as a Department of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. This was noted by Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Fayval Williams, during a virtual post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday (May 19). Mrs. Williams said Cabinet also approved the repeal of the...

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is forging stakeholder partnerships designed to bolster member countries’ capacity to manufacture medical supplies needed across the region. PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, says the entity is working closely with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Organization of American States (OAS), as well as member states to ensure that countries interested in expanding their...

Front-line workers are to receive special recognition for their contribution to the country, particularly for their vital role in the local management of the COVID-19 pandemic. The disclosure was made by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, during a JIS virtual ‘Think Tank’ recently. “Our front-line workers – our nurses, our doctors, our police officers and...

Additional mobile telecommunication services are to be provided for the country, following Cabinet’s approval for a third service provider, Rock Mobile, to be granted a licence to operate in Jamaica. This was disclosed by Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Daryl Vaz, who said the Government sees competition “as the best way to achieve quality service at affordable prices...