Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr. Andrew Wheatley today outlined the Government of Jamaica’s intention to pursue greater use of Open Source Software as part of its thrust to transform ICT within government while at the same time reducing the attendant costs associated with the use of proprietary software. Guided by recommendations outlined in an Open Source Policy Framework...

Jamaica’s Benjamin Fraser is the Caribbean and the Americas Regional Representative on the Commonwealth Students’ Association (CSA). Mr. Fraser was among several CSA Executives who were installed by the Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on February 22, in Nadi, Fiji, during the 20th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and Integrated Partners Forum. During his tenure, Mr....

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has pledged to ensure that there is gender balance on all Boards as well as in Government. Speaking at a special International Women’s Day Breakfast hosted at Jamaica House on Thursday (March 8), Prime Minister Holness said the government will do a better job in promoting and selecting more women to the Boards of public bodies. He also...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Audley Shaw, says debt service has been reduced by $89 billion for fiscal year 2018/19. This, he said, is due to proactive liability management activities, including smarter borrowing. “In addition, non-debt spending has been increased in this year’s budget by $54 billion, including $15 billion more in capital expenditure, $13 billion more...

The allocation to the Ministry of National Security for fiscal year 2018/19 has increased by 23.4 per cent, moving to $78.5 billion up from $63.6 billion in 2017/18. Opening the Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on March 8, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Audley Shaw, said the increase will facilitate the provision of machinery and...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says countries have an obligation to prioritise food security, which is a core component in improving the quality of life of their citizens. He notes that studies have shown that it is when people have the physical, economic and social access to adequate, safe and nutritious food to meet their preferences and dietary...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon. Karl Samuda says that the Caribbean needs to revisit its agricultural priorities. Chief among these priorities are the region’s trade policy, food security, and its response to climate change, which he said is now emerging as one of the most significant impediments to growth and development. Other priorities are nutrition and...