Work to further strengthen the local business environment to facilitate private-sector investments will continue under the Jamaica Foundations for Competitiveness and Growth Project, during the next fiscal year. Approximately $972.5 million is earmarked in the 2020/212 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives, to finance the programmed engagements. The project, which commenced in September 2014, aims to enhance...

The Government has budgeted $393 million in the upcoming fiscal year to undertake construction and renovation works at several correctional facilities. The allocation will be used to construct changing rooms and roads at Tower Street, Rio Cobre and St. Catherine adult correctional centres, and internal security fencing at Brick Yard Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre; and repair security cameras at...

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) will be spending $151 million to acquire vehicles in the new fiscal year. Details of the project, titled ‘Acquisition of Vehicles – Department of Correctional Services (DCS)’, are outlined in the 2020/21 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. The allocation will be used for the procurement of assorted fleet vehicles, which...

Work on the construction and improvement of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) facilities will continue in the new financial year. A sum of $1.5 billion has been provided for the undertaking, in the 2020/21 Estimates of Expenditure now before the House of Representatives. The objective is to facilitate the construction of facilities for training, accommodation, offices and storage. The allocation...

The Global Services Skills (GSS) Project will receive a provision of approximately $309 million from the 2020/21 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. The project, being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is geared towards promoting the growth of the GSS in Jamaica, particularly in higher value-added segments. It is intended to provide better skilled workers,...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, broke ground for the construction of an $11-million water shop in Tryall, St. Elizabeth, on February 14. The project, to be undertaken over six weeks, will include installation of a 30,000-gallon community water tank, which will provide potable water to residents of Tryall and surrounding areas. The new water shop...

Regional Director for the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information’s region four, Dr. Michelle Pinnock, says the visit of the Logos Hope to Montego Bay will help to boost literacy and promote education in western Jamaica. During the visit of the ship from February 13 to 23, students, teachers and parents will have the opportunity to access more than 5,000...