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The National Housing Trust (NHT), will undertake development of some 1,055 housing solutions, through joint venture arrangements, during the current fiscal year. This forms part of efforts to provide prospective homeowners access to affordable mortgages and terms of agreement for the solutions being provided, as outlined in the NHT's Annual Report and Financial Statement for 2007/08. In addition, 482 solutions...

Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, informed the House of Representatives yesterday (Oct. 7) that certain public sector entities are only being exempted from normal procurement procedures in respect of specific, clearly defined transactions. He explained that the exemptions relate to five Government entities which, because of the nature of some transactions in which they engage from time to time, are required...

A task force has been set up to identify appropriate initiatives and areas where capabilities need to be strengthened, in order to better protect the nation's children who are at risk. "The task force is to report to me with its recommendations by the end of the week," Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, told the House of Representatives yesterday (Oct. 7)...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw, informed the House of Representatives yesterday (Oct. 7), that Cabinet has approved increases in pension to Government pensioners, including widows/widowers and dependents, with effect from July 1, 2008. This, he said, is in keeping with Cabinet's decision on July 8, 1991 in which it was agreed that Government pensioners should be...

The House of Representatives, yesterday (Oct. 7) passed an Act to amend the Loan Act, in order to increase the borrowing authority under the Act, from $700 billion to $920 billion. "Since the last time that the ceiling was raised to $700 billion we have had an increased reliance on both the domestic and international capital markets, for debt financing...

The Government is pursuing several improvement projects in the area of water distribution and sewage treatment within Kingston and St. Catherine, which when fully implemented, should take care of the 10 million gallons per day shortage of water in the Corporate Area, and reduce pollution in the Kingston Harbour. Making the disclosure, Minister of Water and Housing, Dr. Horace Chang,...

Triple Olympic champion and World Record holder, Usain Bolt, was on Tuesday (Oct. 7), presented with the Keys to the City of Montego Bay by Mayor Charles Sinclair, during a civic ceremony at Sam Sharpe Square. Amidst tumultuous applause from hundreds of flag-waving citizens who attended the function, Mayor Sinclair presented the city's highest honour to Bolt, in recognition of...

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Senator Dwight Nelson, has informed that Cabinet has agreed on the amendment of the Constitution, of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for the termination of a number of conventions. Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing today (Oct. 8), at the Office of the Prime Minister, he explained that...

Minister of Water and Housing, Dr. Horace Chang, is expressing concern over the continued degradation of the country's watershed areas, and is warning of the resulting problems to the environment and quality of life for individuals. "The improved management of our watershed is important if we must have a constant supply of water. Degradation of our environment compromises our water...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw, has said that his Ministry is working to make the Customs Department more comfortable for staff, as well as the general public. He said that the Customs House, is already being repaired, noting that beyond the refurbishing of the facilities, efforts would be made to ensure that there was also adequate...

The Minister of Finance and the Public Service, the Honourable Audley Shaw, is currently at the University Hospital in St. Andrew, where he is being examined by a team of doctors who are conducting a series of tests. Mr. Shaw fell ill earlier today and out of an abundance of caution decided to seek medical assistance. Further information on Mr....

The National Housing Trust (NHT) spent $16.9 billion on housing during the financial year 2007/08, representing an increase of 26 per cent over the $13.4 billion expended in the previous financial year. According to the NHT's Annual Report for the period, this was equivalent to 145 per cent of contributions collected during the current year, compared to 144 per cent...