Jamaica’s state-run gaming industry regulatory authorities are to be merged into one governing body. Finance and the Public Service Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw, who has portfolio responsibility for the industry, says the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) and Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) will be combined to form the new Gaming Commission. He said consideration will be given to incorporating...

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. is urging United Kingdom (UK)-based Jamaicans to seek to regularise their status. This, he said, is important in protecting their interests and that of their families, and to avoid the pain arising from deportation. The State Minister was addressing a recent community meeting hosted by...

Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda, has indicated that ongoing discussions are being held with investors showing interest in the acquisition of certain sugar estates. Speaking at the Sugar Industry Authority (SIA) inaugural post-crop seminar in Mandeville, on September 21, Mr. Samuda said he is hoping to close a deal with prospective buyers interested in the Long...

The Tourism Linkages Council and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), have welcomed the $1-billion loan facility being made available by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to assist small and medium-sized tourism enterprises to upgrade their properties and attractions. The money will be made available through the National Export-Import (EXIM) Bank. Endorsements came from Chairman of the Council, Adam...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the Government intends to capitalise on the tremendous media exposure and positive publicity that was generated by the success of the country’s athletes at the recent Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He noted that the Jamaica House hospitality hub at the Rio Games “was a big hit” as patrons from around...

Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, has endorsed this year’s Guardian Group Foundation’s ‘Keep It Alive’ 5K Night Run, noting that it is in keeping with efforts to promote the health benefits of exercise. “We want to express our appreciation to Guardian Life for the efforts they have put into this annual event, because it benefits public health and...

Prime Minister Andrew Holness holds bilateral meeting with Costa Rica President H.E. Luis Guillermo Solís at the United Nations Headquarters this morning (Sept. 23).