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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr. Ken Baugh, has discounted criticism of the Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) clause, which is contained in the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union (EU) and CARIFORUM countries. He emphasized that the MFN clause only has implications for trade agreements with the larger developing countries, which he said...

Jamaica will continue to press for additional flexibilities in the tariff cutting formula for small, vulnerable economies; the recognition of long-standing preferences in agriculture, and for longer transition periods to facilitate adjustment, in the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) Doha Development Round discussions. This is necessary, as participation in these discussions remain central to balancing Jamaica's trading interests at the multilateral...

Jamaica intends to open new missions in Spain, Brazil, India, Russia, Haiti, and a country in the Persian Gulf over the next three years. In making the announcement during his 2008/09 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House, yesterday (June 25), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr. Kenneth Baugh said the opening of new missions...

The draft report of the audit of the local child protection system will be ready in a month's time, and this will help to shape the way abused children are treated by the legal system in Jamaica. The audit was conducted by noted United Kingdom child psychologist, Dr. Tony Butler at the behest of Children's Advocate, Mary Clarke, and Executive...

The Government is moving to improve infirmaries across the island, in an effort to have a safer environment for the over 1,500 residents. The residents include the aged, the disabled, the mentally challenged, the abandoned, and the homeless. Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government Reform in the Office of the Prime Minister, Robert Montague, in his contribution to...

The Government has approved expansion of the Boscobel Aerodrome and the development of a specialist hospital in Tower Isle, two major projects in Western St. Mary. The expansion of the Boscobel Aerodrome will cost US$1 million. Improvements will be made in areas such as lengthening the runway, expanding the terminal building, granting immigration and customs status, and having the runway...

Jamaica and its CARICOM partners are poised to commence negotiating a free trade agreement with Canada, which is the region's third largest trading partner. Speaking in the 2008/09 Sectoral Debate in the House on June 25, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Dr. Ken Baugh informed that the negotiations with Canada have been in the pipeline since 2001 and, although...

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, with responsibility for Local Government Reform, Robert Montague, has said that part of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) would be used, in partnership with a processor, to start a pig rearing project and provide assistance to farmers in Western St. Mary. Making his contribution to the 2008/09 Sectoral Debate in...

The United Kingdom is to impose tough new sanctions that could include a hefty fine and possible imprisonment of people who fail to ensure that visiting family members leave the United Kingdom (UK) before their visas run out. This could significantly affect the many Jamaicans who have close family ties in the United Kingdom. A release from the UK Border...

This year's special focus on young people and the second and third generation of Jamaicans in the Diaspora at last week Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Kingston, has received positive reviews from members of the Jamaica Diaspora UK Youth Association. For Omar Richards, the conference was a 'phenomenal' experience. He was particularly enthusiastic about the special focus on youth, achievement and...

A CARICOM passport is to be introduced by December this year, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr. Kenneth Baugh has said. He said this would be done as a symbol of regionalism and visible proof of the region's common identity, and to promote hassle-free travel within member countries. Making his contribution to the 2008/09...

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Local Government Reform, Robert Montague, has said that the Government is moving towards converting waste to energy, in an effort to reduce the nation's energy bill. Making his contribution to the 2008/09 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, yesterday (June 24), Mr. Montague noted that the...