Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says obesity among adults in Jamaica is increasing by one per cent every year, contributing to illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. He said if left unchecked, obesity and its consequences can retard and erode health and economic advances made over the last decade. It is for this reason, he noted, that...

A team of Chinese coaches arrived in Jamaica on January 11 for a 30-day training programme with coaches and athletes in seven sporting disciplines. The coaches will provide technical assistance in the areas of swimming, synchronised swimming, badminton, gymnastics, volleyball, football and basketball. They will commence their first session today (January 12) with coaches and representatives of various sporting bodies...

The National Water Commission (NWC) is encouraging Jamaicans living in deep rural communities to explore using tanks and catchment facilities to store potable water for domestic use. “It is not economically viable for the NWC to provide an efficient service and to generate a surplus that could be adequately reinvested if we take on some of these remote [and hard-to-reach]...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Audley Shaw, is appealing to beverage manufacturers to lower the sugar content in their products or force the Government to take action. He said they can either respond voluntarily “or we as a Government can respond to the needs of the country through appropriate policy prescriptions.” “There has to be a willingness...

Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Mike Henry, has hailed the signing of a J$5 billion (US$40 million) loan agreement between MBJ Airports and Scotiabank Jamaica for the upgrading of the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. He said that in addition to providing world-class travel facilities, the improvements to be undertaken will ensure the airport’s continued compliance with international...

National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, says that technology valued at US$45,000 is being procured to aid in the recovery of stolen cellular phones. He said the equipment is expected to arrive in the island within six to eight weeks and will be deployed on a phased basis following a period of training by the suppliers. The Ministry will be...

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, says the Government of Jamaica will ensure the continued growth of Petrojam as part of its commitment to the country’s energy security. “We are committed to the refinery upgrade, we will be embarking on a number of initiatives to ensure that the country’s sole refinery continues to operate at...