Under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, there has been renewed impetus by CARICOM Countries to tackle critical issues confronting the regional body. Yesterday, at the Ninth Meeting of the Prime Ministerial Sub Committee on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the agenda items covered free movement of persons, skills, services and establishment, the role of the Private...

Finance and the Public Service Minister, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, on Thursday (September 6), officially opened Jamaica’s first agent banking facility, which is operated by GraceKennedy (GK) Group subsidiary – First Global Bank (FGB) at the Boulevard Supercentre, Washington Boulevard, St. Andrew. The launch is consistent with the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy (FIS), aimed at expanding access by persons...

The island’s farmers are being encouraged to diversify agricultural production and grow more non-traditional crops for the export market. Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw, who made the call, said that crops such as caster beans, sorghum, cannabis, coconuts and industrial hemp are in high demand overseas. He disclosed that a major coconut farmer from Guyana is...

Executive Director of the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), Michael Tucker, is calling for greater enforcement of the laws governing underage drug and alcohol use. “We understand that the police have been under significant pressure… however, the children’s health and often their welfare and safety are at risk when they get into places where they get alcohol and often...

The country’s physiotherapists are being hailed for their work in helping to improve the quality of life of Jamaicans who suffer injuries and illnesses. Acting Deputy CEO and Director of Production at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Enthrose Campbell, who is the survivor of a car crash that resulted in a crushed hip, requiring her to undergo surgery, said she...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will be embarking on a series of two-day roadshows to raise public awareness about the services of the Labour Department. These roadshows, which will be held in five parishes, will begin at the Cecil Charlton Park in Mandeville, Manchester, on September 19 and 20. This will be followed up by shows in St....

The Ministry of Health has released the preliminary key findings of the third Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey. The findings were released today (September 6), at a media briefing held at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge and Conference Centre at the University of the West Indies. The survey was done in collaboration with researchers from the Caribbean Institute for Health Research...