More

A revised selection mechanism for the beneficiary identification system (BIS) under the Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), will be submitted to Cabinet for approval shortly. This was disclosed by Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier, who informed that the new system “takes full note of some issues that were identified and seeks to make the...

Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, says work has commenced on two of the eight proposed agro parks to be established island wide, being undertaken over the next three years at a cost of US$8 million. Dr. Phillips was speaking at the signing and launch of the $240.7 million (€2.25 million) Economic Partnership Agreement Capacity Building Project,...

The Government is planning to establish a branch of the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) in Montego Bay, St. James, next year. This was disclosed by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, during the IDT’s Christmas luncheon, held at Heather’s Garden Restaurant in New Kingston, on December 13. “Come next year, we will be looking more deeply into...

Education Minister, Rev. the Hon. Ronald Thwaites, has reiterated his commitment to restructuring the education budget in an effort to ensure that there is equity across the sector, particularly as it relates to early childhood education. Speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry’s Heroes Circle offices on December 12, Mr. Thwaites said that at present, early childhood education only...

Education Minister, Rev. the Hon. Ronald Thwaites, has informed that the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) Bill is now in its final stages. The proposed legislation makes provision for the strengthening of the regulatory framework for the teaching profession and the establishment of the Jamaica Teaching Council, as the agency responsible for excellence in the teaching profession through regulation (registration, licensing,...

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Sharon Ffolkes Abrahams, says that the Government is actively seeking opportunities for public-private partnership to develop additional Information Communication Technology (ICT) space to meet growing demand. She noted that some 26 companies are providing over 13,000 jobs in the offshore business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, while other investors...

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Dr. Morais Guy, says the Ministry is looking at implementing a modern Trespass Act, which will address the issue of squatting. “The former administration had looked at amending portions of it, but the suggestion is being made that we do a complete overhaul because this Act is dated from...

About 3,000 residents in several communities in rural St. James now have access to  potable water. This is due to the upgrading of the Prospect Spring intake  in Lottery, at a cost of approximately $5 million. It was  funded through the Rural Water Upgrading Programme, under the Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Communities to benefit from the...

The Ministry of Youth and Culture will be staging a joint press conference on Tuesday, December 18,  to discuss issues relating to children in State care, among other matters. The Ministries of Justice and National Security; the Inter-ministerial Committee; and several other stakeholder agencies will also be participating in the press conference. This was disclosed by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Lisa...

Some 18 persons, who are benefitting from temporary work in the food processing industry under the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), are to be permanently employed at the end of their 26-week stint. The workers have been employed to Southern Fruits and Food Processors in Bull Savannah, St. Elizabeth since July, through the efforts of the Ministry of Labour and...

Yet another keepsake in celebration of the country’s history and achievements was launched on Wednesday (Dec. 12), when the Institute of Jamaica officially unveiled Jamaica Journal Volume 34. This special issue of the Jamaica Journal is in celebration of 50 years of independence and five decades of Foreign Service. It explores the various ways in which Jamaica has influenced the...

The Ministry of Education has collaborated with academia to develop a “respect agenda” aimed at addressing anti-social behaviour among students, and promote the importance of education. This was disclosed by Portfolio Minister, Rev. the Hon. Ronald Thwaites last evening (December 12), at a thanksgiving dinner held at the Terra Nova All-Suites Hotel off Waterloo Road in honour of retirees of...