As the Government continues to strengthen the nation’s coronavirus (COVID-19) testing capabilities, Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC), Sharonmae Shirley, is assuring that only test kits approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness are being used in accredited medical testing facilities. “Currently in Jamaica, the MOHW has only...

Effective April 1, students seeking a loan from the Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB), will now only require one guarantor instead of two. This was announced by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, who said this is being done to broaden accessibility to this loan facility, particularly for low-income families. “One hurdle that creates a...

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) will open select Tax Offices this Saturday March 13 and every Saturday up to April 24, 2020, as it continues in its efforts to bring greater convenience to taxpayers as the fiscal year end draws closer, in addition to facilitating persons paying Property Taxes due in April. The Saturday operations are expected to provide persons with yet another option do...

In light of the country’s increasing coronavirus (COVID-19) positivity rate, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is urging Jamaicans to comply with the measures implemented to reduce its spread. These measures include physical distancing, staying at home, avoiding crowded situations, frequently washing and sanitising hands and surfaces, adhering to curfew hours, wearing masks, and obeying the...

The Ministry of National Security today convened its first Correctional Services Technical Working Group (CSTWG) meeting to address the findings of an investigation into the Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre by the Independent Commission of Investigation (INDECOM) in July 2020. While the general findings of the investigation highlighted positive aspects of the juvenile facility, INDECOM alleged several incidents of inappropriate...

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dunstan Bryan, has informed that, to date, some 580 persons have been trained to be part of the country’s vaccination programme. He made the disclosure while responding to questions regarding the turnout of nurses for training sessions, during a virtual press conference on March 8. “We have had several training sessions...

Chief Public Health Inspector for Westmoreland, Steve Morris, says take-up of the COVID-19 vaccine has shown efficacy in reducing hospitalisations and the rate of infections. Speaking in an interview with JIS News, Mr. Morris said countries that have been vaccinating citizens have seen declines in the number of people being hospitalised due to the virus. “So there are benefits as...