Having repaired 1,056 fire hydrants across the island in 2022, the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is encouraging citizens to take care of the devices. Hydrants are often damaged due to construction taking place in communities and motor-vehicle crashes. “If there is a hydrant close to your house, take care of it. Guard it zealously because that could mean your house...

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says discussions are being held with satellite Internet provider Starlink, regarding broadband connectivity expansion in hard-to-reach areas in Jamaica. Starlink was given the green light to commence operating in Jamaica in October 2022. Mr. Vaz noted that the entity’s introduction, has given “greater accessibility to areas that are not currently served...

The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda, has received the national minimum wage report. The report was compiled by the National Minimum Wage Advisory Commission, based on consultations, and was submitted to the Government for review. Mr. Samuda provided the update during the Standing Finance Committee’s review of the 2023/24 Estimates of Expenditure in the House of...

The Government will be spending $1.3 billion on bridge repairs and maintenance in the 2023/24 fiscal year. This represents an increase over the $70.7 million that was budgeted for the programme in 2022/23. “We are particularly pleased with the increased allocation under the bridge development and construction head [of the 2023/23 Estimates of Expenditure],” Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry...

A candidate has been identified for appointment as Jamaica’s first Fiscal Commissioner. This was disclosed by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, who indicated that the individual is expected to be sworn in shortly by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen. The Minister further advised that a provision has been earmarked...

Some 120,000 parents across Jamaica who need support with child-rearing are being targeted for intervention by the Ministry of Education and Youth. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams, said that the objective is to promote positive behaviour change within the home, school and wider society. She explained that under the measure, to be implemented by the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC),...

Individuals, particularly those in the music industry, are being encouraged to manage and monetise their intellectual property to secure their future. The call was made by Minister of State at the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, at the ‘Sounds of Success’ seminar, hosted by the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) at the Edna...