Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, says he is extremely encouraged by the overwhelming public support for the Enhanced Security Measures that have been effected in the parish of St. James since January 18. The Minister was speaking following a tour of sections of Montego Bay on Sunday, February 4 along with senior military and police personnel. During the...

Business process outsourcing (BPO) once viewed as stop-gap job option, has become a career of choice for many bright, young Jamaicans. In fact, many of them are moving to Montego Bay, which has become the centre of the country’s BPO operations, to take up positions in the sector. Among them is Junior Rogers, who tells JIS News that “I came...

The National Identification System (NIDS) will make doing business easier with the use of one identification card. Chief Technical Director in the Office of the Prime Minister, Jacqueline Lynch-Stewart, says NIDS will provide easier access to services with the use of the National Identification Number (NIN). She cited banking services for example, where more than one form of identification is...

Farmers in Portland who were severely impacted by recent heavy rains are to benefit from support to begin replanting and to protect their lands against flooding. Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon, Karl Samuda, said that $30 million was allocated by Cabinet to assist the farmers to purchase seeds, fertilisers and other materials. He informed that $25 million will...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson, on Friday (February 2), presented relief grants to residents of sections of Portland and St. Mary who were severely affected by floods in January. Approximately 112 residents in Portland, and 101 residents of St. Mary were identified as needing additional assistance, as they had already received some help when supplies were...

Debate on the Child Diversion Bill began in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (January 30). The Bill seeks to enable the implementation of child diversion measures in dealing with children who come into conflict with the law. Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, in opening the debate, noted that among the main objectives of the Bill are: ensuring that...

The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) Act was passed in the House of Representatives recently. The Bill seeks to establish MOCA as an independent body to fight organised crime in Jamaica, including detecting and investigating crime kingpins and persons who facilitate their activities. The organisation will be transformed into an elite law-enforcement investigative agency, operating autonomously of the...