Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, broke ground on November 23 in Pennants, Clarendon, for the construction of a $10-million pilot ‘water shop’, which is expected to serve some 1,000 residents. On completion of the project early next year, residents will benefit from three months’ free water. Thereafter, a cost will be applied. The ‘water shop’...

Four local entities have received close to $10 million in grant funding from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to carry out projects in the areas of music, gender, youth development and science. The recipients are Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) for the revival of mento music; Institute of Gender and Development Studies at the University of...

The Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA), the Health Education and Promotion Officers, and the Matrons and Assistant Matrons in Infirmaries are the latest public-sector groups to sign the Heads of Agreement for the 2015/17 contract period. The associations signed during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service on Thursday, November 24. State Minister, Hon. Rudyard...

Governor-General the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen has reappointed the members of the Jamaica Privy Council with effect from September 3, 2016, following consultations with Prime Minister Andrew Holness. The Privy Council members who will advise The Governor-General are: • The Honourable Mr. Justice Paul Harrison, OJ, CD – Senior Member • The Honourable Dennis Lalor, OJ, Hon. Ll. D...

On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, I wish to speak especially to our men. I know that some of you turn away at the mention of the phrases “gender violence” and “women’s issues”. It’s not that you are all bad and do not care. I know it’s because you don’t see a place for yourselves...

The Government is implementing a policy to ease the long wait at public pharmacies by contracting private entities for the dispensing of drugs to persons who obtain prescriptions from State-run facilities. Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said starting next month, the National Health Fund (NHF), will be engaging private pharmacies, through a pilot project, where a person,...

Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, says the dismantling of criminal gangs and degrading their capacity is an important element in the Government’s fight against crime. Minister Montague, who was addressing the opening of the Regional Security Conference on November 22 at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge, said it is estimated that 70 per cent of murders in Jamaica are...