The Government is to conduct a strategic review of the residential care sector, aimed at improving the outcomes for all children. “We are looking at the whole pie, the disparity between financial support of the Government homes and private homes and see how we can ensure that our children are able to access the best possible service,” said Minister of...

The Government will be conducting a review of the 2013 Micro, Small and Medium-size Enterprises (MSME) and Entrepreneurship Policy. Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, said the review will be undertaken over the next three months. Among the objectives are to update the policy, create a standard definition of MSMEs in order to improve reporting of...

Persons interested in participating in the ‘Christmas in July’ trade show are invited to apply before the June 17, 2016 deadline. The application form is accessible at the Ministry of Tourism’s website at www.mot.gov.jm or its partners’ websites: www.jbdc.net; www.jma.com.jm and www.jamaicatradeandinvest.org. The event seeks to provide Jamaican producers of corporate gift and souvenir products with the opportunity to access a...

The launch of a competency-based training programme in dietetics and nutrition has been hailed by Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton. Speaking at the ceremony on June 3, in Kingston, Dr. Tufton said the programme is critical, especially at a time when nutrition-related chronic illnesses are ranking at the top of the disease profile in the country. The Supervised...

The Ministry of Health is looking to implement a volunteerism policy for the country’s public hospitals. Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said the aim is to facilitate compassionate care for patients who may be recuperating from surgeries, or need to spend long periods at hospital. He said that volunteers, under the supervision of hospital staff, could perform services...

Jamaica will be pursuing potential business opportunities at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from August 5 to 21. The country’s Ambassador to Brazil, Her Excellency Alison Stone Roofe, says the Jamaican Embassy is collaborating with agencies, such as Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), on several activities that will also target the Paralympics...

Transport and Mining Minister, Hon. Mike Henry, says that mined-out bauxite lands across the island will be returned to productive use, especially in the area of agriculture. During a tour of two water harvesting and greenhouse cluster projects in St. Ann on June 2, Mr. Henry said he is determined to ensure that the lands are returned to the people...