Thirteen microcredit institutions that provide financing to individuals and micro, small and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) have been licensed since the implementation of the Microcredit Act, 2021. “We have over 100 microcredit institutions that have applied to be licensed, and that’s a process that will take some time,” said Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke....

The National Works Agency (NWA) has completed rehabilitation of the Martha Brae to Holland road in Trelawny. This was disclosed by Community Relations Officer at the NWA’s Western Office, Janel Ricketts, who informed that the roadway was completed last month at a cost of $15 million. She said the project forms part of a targeted approach to upgrade the 16-kilometre...

Individuals making disclosures to the Integrity Commission (IC) under the Protected Disclosures Act, 2011 are encouraged to do so in good faith and in the public’s interest. This urging comes from the agency’s Senior Complaints Review Officer, Alecia Darby, who implores persons providing information to do so responsibly. “It is not about making a complaint because you have a vendetta...

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is seeking to fill 100 slots for the third phase of the Technology Advancement Programme (TAP) to cultivate a new generation of tech-savvy coders for the digital age. USF’s Communication Officer, Timothy Simmonds, said the free-of-cost initiative is currently open to applicants between 18 and 29 years old, who will receive training in coding at...

The Ministry of Education and Youth is providing support to schools for the psycho-educational assessment of grade-six students who are performing significantly and consistently below the desired grade level. The results will be used to guide the teaching and learning plans for the new school year. Grade-six teachers/supervisors are being advised to inform the Ministry of the children who qualify...

The Government has established more than 2,000 permanent posts for doctors within the public health system. Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2023/24 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, on May 3. This is being supported by the recent compensation review processes, as well as forward planning...

The Refuge of Hope Shelter in Albion, St. James, has received a donation of supplies from Team Elevation, a group of students from the Vocational Training Development Institute (VTDI). Comprised of project management students of the VTDI, the group donated medical supplies, seedlings, farm tools, among other items, to the facility as part of their school project. Speaking at the...