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Minister of Health, John Junor has said that HIV/AIDS could no longer be seen as merely a health problem, but also a development issue, as it comprised the rate at which any country could progress. The Minister, who was addressing the World AIDS Day breakfast this morning (Dec.1) at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, pointed out that HIV/AIDS had proved to...

Among the issues to be discussed at this year's Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) meeting slated for December 1 and 2 at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, is the implementation of a new award - the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Competence for graduates of secondary schools in the region. In an interview with JIS News, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of the...

The government has concluded its negotiations with the bargaining units of the police force, with yesterday's (Nov. 29) signing of the heads of agreement with the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF), for the 2004/06 financial period. The deal, which is similar to that accorded to the members of the Police Federation, the United District Constables Association and the Police Officers...

Christopher Sinckler, Executive Director of the Barbados-based Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC), has said that developing nations, such as those in the Caribbean and Latin America, have not benefited much from the process of trade liberalization. "We can empirically show by evidence that liberalisation, unbridled, too fast, too deep, too wide-spread, is disastrous for Caribbean territories,"Mr. Sinckler said, noting that...

The first cochlear implant surgery to be undertaken in the Caribbean will be done at the Kingston Public Hospital on Saturday (December 3). The medical team will be led by prominent Jamaican otolaryngologist and surgeon, Dr. Howard Francis of Johns Hopkins University and Dr. Ediel Brown, Chief of the Ear, Nose and Throat facility at the Kingston Public and Bustamante...

The Ministry of Agriculture has given its support to the development of the local organic agriculture sector through an investment of $20 million in the National Organic Agriculture Enhancement Project (NOAEP). The funds will assist with the development of a national policy on organic agriculture, international and local organic certification, as well as research and development. Speaking with JIS News,...

Manchester High School has emerged victorious in the Heritage Debate Competition for schools in central Jamaica. The finals for the competition, which is sponsored by the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) and the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), were held yesterday (Nov. 29) at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville. Manchester High amassed a total of 99 points out of a...

The parish of St. Mary will observe World AIDS Day (December 1), with a candlelight vigil and concert in honour of persons who have died from the disease and those who are currently affected by the illness. The function, which is being sponsored by Jamaica AIDS Support, in association with the North Eastern Regional Health Authority HIV/STI Control Programme, the...

Farmers have been encouraged to make better use of modern technology, so as to obtain better yields. Speaking yesterday (November 29) at a special agricultural expo and field day for students at Lacovia High School, St. Elizabeth Homecoming Foundation (SEHF) Director, Dr. Randolph Watson stressed that it was high time for farmers in the country to take a more business...

The House of Representatives yesterday (November 29), gave the nod to a Bill amending the Pensions (Prime Minister Act) to provide enhanced pension benefits to retired Prime Ministers and their surviving spouses or children. Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. Omar Davies who piloted the Bill, said it was unfortunate that the Bill, which has been long in gestation, was just...

The House of Representatives yesterday (Nov. 29) approved a $500 million loan to the Jamaica Mortgage Bank for the financing of housing developments in several parishes. Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. Omar Davies who piloted the resolution seeking the government guarantee, informed that the loan, which is being sought from the Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS), would go towards the...

The Ministry of Justice will launch its public awareness campaign on restorative justice, with its 'Restorative Justice Opportunities' symposium on November 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Girl Guides Association of Jamaica headquarters in Kingston. The keynote address will be delivered by Executive Director of the Centre for Justice and Reconciliation at Prison Fellowship International, Daniel Van...