The Ministry of National Security is assuring citizens that its national closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance programme – Jamaica Eye – is not infringing on their right to privacy. Speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, Legal Officer, Ministry of National Security, Tonelle Beecher, noted that the programme is voluntary “and not something placed on you mandatorily”. “What we are really...

As the nation gears up to celebrate 56 years of Independence next Monday (August 6), Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has called on Jamaicans to focus more on the sciences, commerce, industry and trade for the development of the economy and to make their mark in those areas across the world. Speaking at the Governor-General, His Excellency the...

Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) Governor, Brian Wynter, says proposed safeguards against money laundering and terrorism financing are among notable developments emerging under the Government’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), since its launch in March 2017. The strategy is an ambitious portfolio of project activities designed to empower Jamaicans financially, through improved access to financial information and products tailored to meet...

The Youth in Agriculture (YIA) village at this year’s Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show, will highlight methods to reduce the impact of climate change on agriculture under the theme ‘Youth in Agri-business: Sustaining the Environment”. Denbigh is being held from August 4 to 6 at the Denbigh Showground in May Pen, Clarendon. The village, which is being hosted by...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says he will be making an announcement shortly on measures to combat plastic and styrofoam pollution. “I think we must now, after reflecting and celebrating our Independence, make a commitment to protect and preserve our environment. I intend, very shortly, just after the Independence celebration, to make some announcements regarding plastics and styrofoam,”...

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange, says plans are in place to revive the country’s Culinary Arts Festival and Competition beginning next year. Introduced during the 1970s, the festival, which showcased the island’s rich culinary food and delights, was later discontinued after having been staged for a number of years. “It will now be resuscitated and have...

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, has hailed the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) as a catalyst for social change in Jamaica. The Minister, who was speaking at the NPSC’s Mentorship Programme graduation ceremony, held at the Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa in St. Ann on Tuesday (July 31), said the Commission has...