Acting President of the University of Technology (UTech), Ambassador Burchell Whiteman, says the University’s Engineering Department can assist in the development of Jamaica. He argued that the students of the Engineering Department, who worked on the University’s recently commissioned Solar Energy Project, have benefitted tremendously from the learning exercise, and are willing to partake in other such undertakings. “UTech is...

The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) is reporting a decrease of 3.3 per cent in the unemployment rate for April 2014. STATIN says the unemployment rate for April 2014 was 13.6 per cent, compared to 16.3 per cent in April 2013. The latest Labour Force Survey compiled by STATIN also shows that the unemployment rate among youth aged 14 to...

Bilateral cooperation in education between Jamaica and the People’s Republic of China has advanced significantly since the countries established diplomatic relations in 1972. China’s Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Dong Xiaojung, said over 600 Jamaicans have either been awarded scholarships to study or participated in training programmes in the Asian country over the 42-year association. Another 11 students have been...

The Senate, last week, approved adjustments to the proposed Tax Collections (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2014, and the Tax Penalties (Harmonization) Act, 2014, with 18 additional amendments to those advanced by the Lower House, on July 23. The amendments are intended to improve and increase collection of the various domestic tax types. This by introducing new collection mechanisms and also achieving...

Government is finalizing several regulatory functions in the agricultural sector to further strengthen the industry, and will shortly complete divestment arrangements for the Cocoa Industry Board. “Through our restructuring initiatives, we are currently rationalizing the regulatory functions of our Commodity Boards,” stated Acting Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Derrick Kellier, while delivering the keynote address at the Denbigh Agricultural,...

Persons attending the Independence Grand Gala at the National Stadium in Kingston on August 6 are being reminded that firearms, bottles and other potential weapons will not be allowed at the event. The Grand Gala gets underway at 5:30 p.m. Other restricted items include knives, ice picks, machetes, aerosol sprays, large igloos, glass bottles, frozen water or drinks, and umbrellas...

Principal Director of Culture in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, Dahlia Harris, is inviting more corporate sponsors to come on aboard for festival 2014. She said it is not too late for companies to make their contribution to the slew of activities planned for this year’s Emancipation and Independence celebration. She noted that if companies are unable to give...