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Minister of Local Government and Environment, Dean Peart has said that Jamaica is viewed as having one of the best systems of local government in the western hemisphere, and one of the most advanced reform programmes. "Jamaica's prominent role in advancing the local democracy agenda in the Caribbean has taken on new dimensions in the last three years, because of...

Jamaicans 18 years and older, who were unable to complete their secondary schooling, will get a second chance to do so, through the High School Equivalency Programme (HISEP), which was launched yesterday (July 27). HISEP is a programme of the Ministry of Education and Youth and the HEART Trust/National Training Agency (NTA), with the National Council on Technical and Vocational...

The Government of Jamaica is moving to repeal the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Act and replace it with the Disaster Management and Mitigation Law, which will provide for improved measures to mitigate against loss of life and property in the event of disasters. Local Government and Environment Minister, Dean Peart made the disclosure during his contribution to the...

Opposition Spokesman on Mining, Energy and Telecommunications, Clive Mullings has suggested that the Weights and Measures Act be amended to include volumetric measurement of any equipment or receptacle and to prescribe the methods of measurement and the compulsory calibration of all equipment, including pumps, used in the sale of liquids to the public. Mr. Mullings, who was making his contribution...

The National Minerals and Quarry Rehabilitation Bond policies are to be completed and presented to Cabinet for ratification in early September. "These policies are intended to assist in ensuring greater order within the minerals industry," said the State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Victor Cummings, in his 2006/07 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House on July 26....

Some 24 farmers representing all parishes will be vying for the National Champion Farmer title, which will be awarded on Sunday, August 6 at the Presidential Pavilion at this year's Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show in May Pen, Clarendon. Speaking with JIS News, Manager of Field Services for the JAS, Sharon Leslie said that the National Champion Farmer competition began...

Superintendent of Police, Derrick Knight has urged the Clarendon Lay Magistrates Association and by extension, the communities of that parish to determinedly join the police in the fight against crime. Speaking at a special meeting of the Association on Thursday (July 27) at the St. Gabriel's Anglican Church Hall in May Pen, Superintendent Knight said, that with an eight per...

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Millers says the age we are living in demands continuous education and a philosophy based on lifelong learning and has called on tertiary institutions, in particular, not to only pass on technical knowledge, but seek to inculcate a passion for learning which serves both personal and national liberation. She was speaking at the UTECH Alumni Hall...

The death of Jamaica's beloved folklorist, the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley (Miss Lou), was recognised in the House of Representatives on July 26, with the government and opposition members paying tributes in her memory. State Minister for Tourism, Entertainment and Culture, Dr. Wykeham McNeil in his statement on behalf of Minister Aloun Ndombet Assamba, expressed regret at Miss Lou's passing. "I...

The Portland planning committee is putting the final touches on the parish's display for this year's Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show, which gets underway next Saturday (August 5) in May Pen, Clarendon. Crawford Clarke of the planning committee told JIS News that the exhibit would highlight the importance of banana production to the national economy as well as to sensitise...

New legislation is being drafted to govern management of the fisheries sector and fines have been significantly increased to deter illegal activities in the sector, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Victor Cummings has informed. "The draft fisheries policy provides a framework that addresses issues such as managing fishing capacity, restoring depleted fish stocks and the...

State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Victor Cummings, has said that for the Rural Physical Planning Division this year, the focus would be on the development of an education programme to sensitise stakeholders on the need for proper soil fertility management, so as to increase food production. He also noted that attention would be given to the...