The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is today advising that this morning, one of its employees at the Consulate General in New York tested positive for the Covid-19 Virus. She is a locally recruited member of staff born in Jamaica but a naturalized US citizen, and is presently receiving treatment within the US public health system. The Minister...

As Jamaica moves forward with its new thrust towards education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), the Government plans to establish six new STEM high schools or academies that will serve as Centres of Excellence for STEM education. “We are also collaborating with private-sector entities to establish a National STEM Teacher Development Centre, as the development of a cadre...

The National Health Fund (NHF) is providing increased access to medication supplies as needed, for patients using government hospitals and health centres, while encouraging the use of alternative methods of filling prescriptions in order to cut waiting time in Drug Serv pharmacies. This is in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Jamaica. Mr. Everton Anderson, CEO of NHF says, “We...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is appealing to the private sector to collaborate with the Government and teachers to develop a comprehensive and relevant education system that will benefit all Jamaicans. “A truly relevant education system cannot be delivered by the public sector or private sector alone. Working together, the Government, educators and the private sector must develop...

The National Health Fund (NHF) has seen a twenty-five per cent increase in the weekly subsidies for NHF Card beneficiaries, moving from an average of $90 million to $115 million. This is occurring as more cardholders are making use of the 90 days’ supply of medication available under the programme, and the relaxation of rules governing the supply of certain...

The Government has increased access to climate finance and finalised the development of Jamaica’s country programme for engagement with the Green Climate Fund, with a pipeline of projects totalling more than US$200 million. This investment, which was done in 2019, will help to improve access for funding climate investments in both adaptation and mitigation actions. Additionally, the Government developed tools...

Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Valerie Veira, says the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) provides an opportunity for micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) operators to find new ways to expand their services and meet the needs of their consumers/clients. “It is now a time to do some serious reflection on how we do...