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The St. Catherine office of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), has reported that agricultural production in the parish had reached some 80 per cent following the passage of Hurricane Ivan last September. RADA parish Manager, Andrew Carty, told JIS News that currently there was an over-supply of produce such as tomatoes, cabbage, lettuce and other vegetables. He noted that...

Consul General to New York, Dr. Basil Bryan has said that Jamaicans abroad, driven by their passion and love for the country, have continued to support their loved ones at home. "The Jamaican, who lives outside of Jamaica, has a tremendous passion in his or her heart for Jamaica and it is that passion that drives the commitment to assist...

The Joint Industrial Council (JIC) for the building and construction industry recently signed a two-year wage agreement, which will see employees in the sector receiving a 21 per cent increase in wages and salaries. The agreement, which was signed at the offices of the Incorporated Master Builders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) in Kingston, took effect on February 1 and covers...

Come March 1, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will welcome a senior member of the British Metropolitan Police Services into its ranks, as part of efforts to enhance the capabilities of local law enforcement. Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips, made the disclosure at a press conference held at his Oxford Road office on Wednesday (Feb. 2), where he...

On Tuesday (Feb.1), the House of Representatives approved a Resolution to increase the stamp duty payable by in-bond merchants from six to eight per cent as is provided for under the Provisional Collection of Tax Act. Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Omar Davies, who moved the Resolution, explained that during the 2003/04 fiscal period, a decision was taken to...

Today's ceremony marks a major milestone in the growing relationship between the peoples and Governments of the People's Republic of China and the Caribbean. On this very special and historic occasion, we have come together to open a new chapter in the relationship of our nations as we formally establish the China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Co-operation Forum. Since their arrival...

The much anticipated China-Caribbean Economic & Trade Cooperation Forum 2005 got underway today (Feb. 2) at the Jamaica Conference Centre with Prime Minister P.J. Patterson declaring the event open. The Forum, which was attended by a large Chinese delegation led by Vice President His Excellency Zeng Qinghong, and heads of state and heads of government from across the region, also...

Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has said that while he agreed on the use of the system of competitive tendering in the vast majority of cases involving infrastructural projects, to ensure transparency and accountability, there were procedures to be adhered to in the event of exceptions to the rule. "Anything else should be the exception rather than the rule and should...

Minister of Land and Environment, Dean Peart has reported success following Jamaica's participation in nine days of talks in the island of Mauritius, and Japan last month. Minister Peart said Jamaica's participation in the international meeting, held in Mauritius to review the Implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) was...

Hurricane affected farmers in Portland have benefited from $500,000 worth of farm tools and supplies from the Council of Voluntary Social Services and United Way of Jamaica to resuscitate their farms. The donation, which includes cabbage seeds, sweet pepper seeds, fertilizer, mist blowers, power saws and spray pans, are being distributed by the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS). JAS Parish Coordinator...

Tourism industry stakeholders in St. Ann are preparing for the staging of a trade fair to be held in the resort town of Ocho Rios from February 7 to 12. The event is being organised by the Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) in collaboration with the Port Authority of Jamaica. "Most...

The Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) has planned several activities for 2005 as it carries out its mandate of working to prevent violence. Dr. Elizabeth Ward, executive member of the VPA and Director of Disease Prevention and Control in the Ministry of Health, told JIS News that the organisation would be collaborating with the Violence Free Day campaign committee to observe...