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Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said the increased interest in ethanol as an alternative source of energy provides significant opportunities for the viability of the local sugar industry and will serve as an important plank in the privatization of sugar assets. Mrs. Simpson Miller was speaking today (Aug. 9) at the official opening of a US$20 Million ethanol plant built...

Jamaica has reached two major milestones in education. For the first time in our history, the country has achieved universal enrollment in the early childhood education sector, meaning that all children in the basic, infant and pre-school age group of three to five years are registered in an educational institution. This comes as Jamaica is also reporting that the University...

Jamaicans over age 50 are being encouraged to get tested for colon cancer, which is on the increase in western countries, including, developing countries like Jamaica. Statistics from the Cancer Registry of Jamaica show that the disease affects 13 of every 100,000 persons in the population and is the third most common cancer affecting males and females worldwide. "It is...

The Registrar General's Department (RGD) is reminding parents to ensure that they obtain a copy of their children's birth certificate as part of back to school preparations. To assist with this, the RGD's mobile outreach team will be among the exhibitors at the third staging of the Grace Vienna Sausage Back-to- School Trade Fair on August 11 and 12 at...

Corporate Communications Manager at the National Water Commission (NWC), Charles Buchanan, is encouraging Jamaicans to conserve on water use during the summer months as well as low rainfall periods to prevent lock offs. Mr. Buchanan, who was speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, noted that customers can do a number of things to conserve on water such as turning...

Jamaicans in South Florida were treated to an exciting evening of fun and entertainment at the annual cultural variety show, Culturama 2007, held last Sunday (Aug. 5) at the Coral Springs Centre for the Performing Arts. The event, now in its seventh year, featured traditional folk and contemporary dance, drama, oratory and musical performances. The premier family show for the...

Hundreds of Jamaicans in South Florida turned out for the annual ecumenical service in celebration of the nation's 45th anniversary of Independence held recently at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale. Chief celebrant was the Rev. Robert Thompson, Suffragan Bishop of Kingston, who told the congregation that after 45 years of Independence, the level of maturity and the continued...

I am proud and overjoyed to participate in this milestone event, so fittingly marked by the presence of the distinguished President of Brazil. On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I extend to you Mr. President, the First Lady and your delegation a warm Jamaican welcome. Your visit underscores the commitment of the Brazilian government to further deepen...

Minister of Agriculture and Lands, Roger Clarke, has said that the Ministry is in the process of establishing an investment centre that will promote and facilitate the creation of viable and sustainable projects in the agriculture and agro- industry sectors. The Minister, who was speaking at the opening of the recently concluded Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show in May Pen,...

The second annual community cultural tribute and scholarship fundraiser honouring the life and legacy of the late Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley (Miss Lou) will be held on September 7 at the Sierra Norwood Calvary Baptist Church in North Miami. The function, which will be held under the patronage of Consul General to Miami, Ricardo Allicock, will also mark Miss Lou's 87th...

Minister of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, Phillip Paulwell, is encouraging inventors to register creations being submitted for the Minister's Innovations in Science and Technology Awards with the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office. The Minister, who was speaking at the launch of the second Minister's Innovations in Science and Technology Awards 2007 yesterday (Aug.8) at his Trafalgar Road offices in Kingston,...

Overseas Jamaicans who contributed to the NHT up to 1999, can easily apply for a refund of their contributions through the NHT's website at www.nht.gov.jm. The NHT's refunds-on-line service has been available since January 2006. Up to May 2007, more than 67,000 persons have claimed their refunds using that facility. "Many of those who have applied are Jamaicans now living...