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The Ministry of Justice is seeking to address concerns about persons who seem to go missing in the prison system, due to their mental deficiency. The Government is to bring to Parliament, amendments to the Criminal Justice Administration Act, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, A.J. Nicholson informed the Senate on October 1, during his contribution to the State of the...

The government of Jamaica, in response to the steady increase in oil prices, has instituted an energy conservation and efficiency programme, targeted at public and private sector agencies and homeowners.The move is designed to cut down on the country's huge oil bill, which is expected to reach US$1billion this year. As part of the programme, a multi million dollar conservation...

The Portmore Municipal Council will this week, serve notice to persons rebuilding permanent structures in sections of Hellshire that were flooded during Hurricane Ivan. "I notice permanent structures are beginning to come back and this coming week, we're going to serve notices to stop all permanent structures," declared Mayor George Lee, at a Town meeting at the Council in Portmore...

As of next week, the government will begin issuing $220 Million worth of agricultural stamps to farmers and fishermen whose livelihood have been affected by the passage of hurricane Ivan. Prime Minister P.J. Patterson made the disclosure in Maroon Town on Friday (Oct. 1), during a tour of hurricane ravaged communities in the parishes of St. James and Hanover. He...

Jamaica continues to benefit from international assistance for its hurricane relief and reconstruction efforts with a donation of US$250,000 from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Michael Ronan, Royal Caribbean's Regional Vice President for Government Relations, made the presentation to Consul General Ricardo Allicock at the Jamaica Consulate in Miami recently. Mr. Ronan said the company has had a long and meaningful...

Members of the public are being invited to plant a tree on October 8, which is being observed as National Tree Planting Day. Conservator of Forests, Marilyn Headley, said that some 45 organisations, schools, and individuals across the island were expected to participate in the event, which is being held in celebration of National Wood and Water Day. A number...

I rise to speak today with a combined sense of duty and of gratitude. It is, of course, my duty to make this presentation on the State of the Nation from the perspective of the Ministry of Justice and the Chambers which I am privileged to lead. On this occasion, however, I am also profoundly influenced by feelings of gratitude....

Four community stalwarts from the County of Surrey have been presented with the prestigious Governor General award for outstanding service to their communities. The awardees are Kevin Brown from Kingston, Dr. Polly Bowes-Howell from St. Andrew, Captain Jonathan Patrick Lamey from Portland and Rev. Remia Renia Gordon from St. Thomas. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke, made...

Private donors have committed over $900 million to the Office of National Reconstruction (ONR) for the post hurricane relief and reconstruction efforts. ONR's Chief Executive Officer, Danville Walker, who made the announcement at a press conference held at the Ministry of Land and Environment on Half-Way-Tree Road on September 29, said that effort was being made "to convert the commitments...

Prime Minister P. J. Patterson has said that the government was working with tourism interests to return the sector to normality within the earliest possible period. The Prime Minister, who was speaking at the 50th anniversary dinner of the Half Moon Hotel at the property in Rose Hall last night (Sept. 30), pointed out that up to the end of...

Jamaica's relief and recovery efforts have received an additional boost with the donation of $465 million in post hurricane assistance by the United States Embassy. United States Ambassador, Sue Cobb, who made the announcement at a meeting at the Office of National Reconstruction (ONR) on Oxford Road yesterday (Sept. 30) said the money would be made available with immediate effect....

Upgrading of environmental practices and measures taken over the past four years by the Mining and Quarrying Association of Jamaica, along with the Ministry of land and Environment, specifically the Mines and Geology Division, were very helpful in minimizing damage caused by Hurricane Ivan. "The measures included keeping drainage clear, establishing proper terraces, maintaining clear river channels and removing excess...