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The Ministry of Health is aware of reports circulating of alleged cases of Influenza A (H1N1) (Swine Flu) in the island. The Ministry is assuring members of the public that there is no truth to these rumours. Routine testing of persons with flu-like symptoms continue at health facilities and all our tests have so far been negative for Influenza A...

The Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) will be moving to prepare the technical plans and seek the necessary approvals for the proposed Luana Gardens housing development in St. Elizabeth, following the recent selection of a design of the project. After a three-month long competition, staged between December 1, 2008 and March 30 this year, the design submitted by Kingston 10...

'Paving the way to growth and development through the protection of intellectual property rights,' is the mantra that characterises the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), the agency responsible for the administration of intellectual property rights in Jamaica. Established in January 2001, JIPO, which falls under the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, has the critical mandate of administering intellectual property...

The second Executive Committee Meeting of the Regional Ministers and High Level Authorities of Housing and Urbanisation in Latin America and the Caribbean (MINURVI), which was scheduled for the Jamaica Conference Centre, in Downtown Kingston on May 8, 2009, has been cancelled. The move is in keeping with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) that persons postpone travel...

Wife of the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Most Honourable Mrs. Allen, has encouraged students to be "hungry and thirsty for reading." But, even as she urged them to read widely, she cautioned students to, "guard well what you read, because you can read things that can also destroy your minds. Books, like friends, should be few and well chosen, for...

The Ministry of Health is asking all persons who may have travelled to areas currently affected by the Influenza A (H1N1) virus (formerly called Swine Flu) in the last two weeks to contact their health care provider, the nearest health centre, hospital or the Ministry immediately. Director, Emergency Disaster Management and Special Services at the Ministry of Health Dr. Marion...

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security Senator the Hon. Arthur Williams, has been transferred to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service. Mr. Williams will be assigned special duties in the Public Service Division of the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service. He will have day-to-day responsibilities for matters affecting public sector workers under the...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Hon. Karl Samuda, has said that the use of the Consumer Alert publication is an effective medium of keeping consumers informed, so as to exercise greater intelligence in their purchasing decisions. Speaking at a press briefing last week at the Ministry's offices in New Kingston, the Minister pointed out that the bi-weekly publication of...

Ebony Park HEART Academy, in Clarendon, one of Jamaica's chief agricultural training institutions, is well on its way to ensuring the country's food security, through its agro-processing operations. The institution has embarked on a drive to minimise wastage of agricultural produce, by processing an array of products, including jams, jellies, hot pepper sauce and tomato paste. At the recently staged...

Dental nurse attached to the Clarendon Health Department, Sonia Walker, is appealing to Jamaicans to practise proper oral hygiene, as dental problems often lead to other health complications. In an interview with JIS News, Miss Walker explained that while good oral hygiene generally results in healthy teeth and a beautiful smile, it also helps to preserve the health of the...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Hon. Karl Samuda, has said that measures will be implemented to discontinue certain ill-practices that have been identified in the used car industry and to ensure that dealers comply. "A complete review will be undertaken, and the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) has been asked to do a survey of all existing used car dealers...

Q: Has there been any detection of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus in Jamaica? No, the virus has not been detected in Jamaica. Q: How likely is it that the virus will be in Jamaica? A: Although there have been no reported cases in Jamaica thus far, given the porosity of our borders and the unrestricted movement of people and...