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Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, says by next week he will report to the country, “once and for all,” the way forward in relation to an alternative source of energy. Addressing students and energy stakeholders at a seminar on energy management at the University of Technology’s (UTech) Papine campus on January 31, Mr. Paulwell informed...

The National Water Commission (NWC) is reporting that the Yallahs pipeline in St. Thomas is back in full operation. The pipeline, which takes water from the Yallahs and Negro Rivers to the Mona dam,suffered severe damage during the passage of Hurricane Sandy last October, and has been undergoing extensive repair and reinforcement works since November. Most of the work on...

Commissioner of Customs, Major Richard Reese, says the department has been making every effort to provide quality customer service to its clients. He said that measures have been put in place to enhance efficiency and service delivery.  Major Reese, who was addressing a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, said he was particularly pleased at the speed with which...

Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips says the economy will achieve significant growth in the near future, given huge investments in infrastructural development as well as in agriculture, tourism and other sectors. Addressing a Social Development Commission (SDC) parish forum, held on January 31, at St. Hilda’s High School, in Brown’s Town, St. Ann, Dr. Phillips...

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade will once again welcome diplomats who are accredited to Jamaica, as it hosts its annual Diplomatic Week from February 3 to 8, 2013. Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, January 31, at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices, Portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. A.J. Nicholson said the aim of Diplomatic Week is...

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development will be embarking on an anti-litter programme soon, which will include prosecution of those who continue to flout the litter laws. “We are currently reviewing the anti-litter fines and will be moving actively to prosecute those among us, who continue to discard waste in a wanton and careless manner on the streets,...

Approximately 1,000 plantain and banana farmers are set to benefit from the provision of fertilizer and insecticide, under the European Union Banana Support Programme (EUBSP), valued at $13.5 million. The official handing over ceremony for the funds was held on January 30 at the Banana Boxing Plant, in Trinity, St. Mary. Addressing the function, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon....

Some 23 non-resident Heads of Missions will arrive in the island this week for the 15th annual Diplomatic Week from February 3 to February 8. They will join resident ambassadors, high commissioners and charge d’ affaires for a busy schedule of activities which will include ministerial briefings and exposure to Jamaica’s culture and cuisine. Director of Protocol in the Ministry...

The Government has reiterated its dedication to strengthening the capacity of Jamaica Fire Brigade to effectively carry out its tasks in fire prevention and ensuring public safety, despite budgetary constraints. “We are taking it step-by-step in working towards expanding the fleet, refurbishing fire stations island-wide and increasing the number of officers,” said State Minister for Local Government and Community Development,...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, says the scrap metal trade is not to be blamed for every theft of metal, either from a private or public space. The Minister was responding to a concern raised in the House of Representatives on January 29 that the re-opening of the scrap metal trade poses a risk to public...

Youth and Culture Minister, Hon. Lisa Hanna, says that the Government will be equipping one police station per parish to deal with issues relating to children. Addressing the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of St. Andrew held on Tuesday, January 29, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, she informed that the police stations have been identified and...

Director of Family Health Services, Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, is encouraging Jamaicans to utilise the proper sanitation and personal hygiene measures, in an effort to prevent themselves and their children from contracting gastroenteritis. Dr. Lewis-Bell emphasizes that this is critical, especially as it relates to handwashing. The Ministry of Health is reporting an increase in the incidence of gastroenteritis in children...