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Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting, has fortified the Jamaican Government’s determination to nail lottery scammers and stamp out the illegal activity, which has affected a number of United States citizens. Minister Bunting gave the administration’s commitment during meetings with various groups and stakeholders in Washington DC, where he is joined by State Minister for Science, Technology, Energy and...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, says the newly opened ARC Lumber Treatment Plant, is a welcome investment that will help to further grow the country’s economy. “The launch of this facility is a clear indication of the owner’s confidence in the country and its evolving business environment. The launch of the lumber treatment plant certainly represents...

The functions of the Regional Health Authorities will be among the issues put under the microscope, when the Ministry of Health begins discussions on health care reform. Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, told members of the Jamaica Association of Health Service Executives (JAHSE) on Wednesday, March 13, that he intends to undertake the process of health care reform...

A Bill which seeks to empower the Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, to write off arrears of taxes as well as penalties determined to be uncollectible, was approved by the House of Representatives on March 12. Piloting the Bill, the Minister noted that this is part of the overall commitment to general tax reform and...

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is to inject US$210 million into the Financial System Support Fund to assist institutions that may experience difficulty as a result of the National Debt Exchange (NDX). The additional support will bring the amount in the fund to US$850 million, up from the US$640 million that the IMF originally put into the facility, when it...

Regulations seeking to establish a Tribunal to which any person aggrieved by the decisions of the National Health Fund (NHF) Board, may appeal, were passed in the House of Representatives on March 12. In his remarks, Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, explained that the Regulations provide for the constitutional, proper administration and overall function of the tribunal. “In...

The Social Development Commission (SDC) is expressing satisfaction with the public response to its series of Participatory, Accountability and Responsibility (PAR) parish sessions. According to Executive Director of the SDC, Dr. Dwayne Vernon, the feedback has been positive to date, with citizens voicing approval for the agency’s work and how the various activities have impacted their lives. “What has come...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade will receive a boost to its fleet, following the signing of a contract for the procurement of three brand new fire trucks. These units are being acquired at a cost of US$1.35 million and are expected to be added to the company’s fleet within the next eight months. The contract was signed on Wednesday, March 13,...

Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, says every Jamaican must become involved in the work of the justice system, as this is essential in building a stable society. “Justice is central to the goal of building a cohesive and civilized society (and)… essential to the goal of investment, economic growth, and development,” he stated. Senator Golding was speaking...

Persons owing property taxes have been responding positively to the drive by the St. Elizabeth Parish Council to collect the outstanding amount of $870 million. This was noted by Mayor of Black River, Councillor Everton Fisher, at a Social Development Commission (SDC) parish forum, held on March 11 at the St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS). The Mayor said that...

Data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) reveal that for the period January to November 2012, earnings from total exports were valued at US$1,524.7 million, an increase of US$34.8 million or 2.3 per cent, compared to the similar period in 2011. Additionally, during the same period in 2012, earnings from non-traditional domestic exports were valued at US$769.5 million, an...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Noel Arscott, says that all options will be explored to ensure efficiency in the collection and disposal of solid waste islandwide during the 2013/2014 financial year. He said that a submission is being prepared for Cabinet’s approval in this regard. “I, however, want the country to understand that there is a correlation...