Fitch Ratings Agency, on Thursday, March 18, 2021, affirmed Jamaica’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B+’ with the outlook remaining Stable. The rating action by Fitch reflected: - A favourable business climate according to the World Bank Doing Business Survey; - The expectation that Jamaica will be “one of the few Fitch-rated sovereigns to post a primary surplus...

The Government will be introducing two additional Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) this year, says Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. ZOSOs are operational in Denham Town, West Kingston; Mount Salem, St. James; and Greenwich Town and August Town in St Andrew. “We are planning to add an additional two communities, and restructure the operation of one existing ZOSO,”...

Body-worn camera systems are now being rolled out for members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). A body-worn camera is a wearable audio, video, or photographic recording system used to document images of activities. Making his contribution to the 2021/22 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on March 18, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said that the...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says he intends to get vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19) “in keeping with the prioritisation order”. He was making his contribution to the 2021/22 Budget Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Thursday (March 18), under the theme ‘Recovery: Faster, Stronger, Better’. Mr. Holness advised that he will receive his vaccine during...

More than 800 tourism workers have been resensitised about the COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols that were established for the reopening of the sector in June last year. The protocols were developed in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Executive Training Manager at the Tourism...

The Justice Ministry is reporting that 305 children have been referred to the National Child Diversion Programme since its implementation in March 2020. The programme involves implementing measures to divert children, who come into conflict with the law, away from the formal criminal justice system. It is in line with the country’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of...

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, has said that as of Monday (March 22), persons 75 years and older will be able to set appointments to receive coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines by calling the 888-ONE-LOVE telephone number. Dr. Tufton was speaking at the signing of a Vaccine Implementation contract with itelbpo smart solutions on Thursday (March 18)...