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KINGSTON — Interventions by the Office of the Utilities Regulation (OUR) has resulted in over $6 million being secured for utility users for 2010, the agency’s Director of Consumer and Public Affairs, Michael Bryce, said Wednesday August 31. Speaking at a press briefing at the OUR in New Kingston, Mr. Bryce said the $6.3 million was secured primarily through debit...

KINGSTON — The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has announced that a former Director General, J. Paul Morgan, will lead the investigations into the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited's (JPS) billing practices. The seven-member team will also examine the recent meter changes by the JPS, as well as conduct meter inspections and audits. The investigations commenced a week ago and...

KINGSTON — Efforts are being made to fast track amendments to the Telecommunications Act so as to enable the Office of Utilities and Regulations to discharge its obligations more effectively. Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding, made the disclosure during the sitting of the House of Representatives on Tuesday August 30 at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, when he...

KINGSTON — Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles, says the United States (US) Overseas Employment Programme remains in tact and viable. “Indeed, we have begun to see improvements in the numbers since the recession and the prospects appear favourable,” he said during on August 30 sitting of the House of Representatives held at the Jamaica Conference Centre,...

KINGSTON — Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, has assured that the Government is fully committed to the six-week timeline that it has given to have changes to the Telecommunications Act brought to Parliament. Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding, in announcing the Government's approval of the acquisition of the Claro network by Digicel...

KINGSTON — As parents and guardians make final arrangements for the new academic year, which begins on Monday, September 5, the Road Safety Unit (RSU) is appealing for road safety rules to be incorporated into the preparations. Speaking with JIS News, Acting Education and Information Officer at the RSU, Da’Reon Sevanell, says it is important to educate children how to...

KINGSTON — The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) widely regarded as a critical barometer of investor confidence, recorded increases in all its indices for the June 2011 quarter, relative to the previous quarter and for the similar period last year. Data contained in the latest Quarterly Monetary Policy Report (QMPR) of the Bank of Jamaica (BoJ) indicated that except for the...

MONTEGO BAY — Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Audrey Sewell, has lauded the men and women, who volunteer their time and efforts to serve on school boards across the island. “You…have signaled to us in the Ministry of Education that the spirit of volunteerism and patriotism is still strong and alive in this country, because unlike your counterparts,...

TORONTO — There are events and experiences that are forever etched in the mind of Jamaican-born journalist Ewart Walters. Among them is the day of August 17, 1951, when Hurricane Charlie swept across the island, leaving in its wake, utter devastation, with hundreds dead, and thousands of others injured and homeless. Then, there is his experience at Calabar High School...

The goal of achieving greater dialogue and consensus around national issues and challenges will take an important step forward on September 20 when leaders across sectors sign the code of conduct that will provide momentum for the Partnership for Transformation (PFT) process. The move comes after three years of monthly meetings at Jamaica House, involving leaders from government, private sector,...

MONTEGO BAY — Minister of Tourism and Member of Parliament for East Central St. James, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has allocated some $11.25 million for scholarships to teachers in training, books and uniforms for students in the area, and to assist the Spot Valley High School's sixth form computer programme. According to Mr. Bartlett, all these projects have been made possible...

MONTEGO BAY — School supplies valued at $1.5 million have been presented to some 610 students from 28 inner-city communities in the parish of St. James. The items, which included bags and books, were handed over by the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) of St. James on August 30. “We are happy to know that as an organisation we are able...