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Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips says the implementation of pension reform will have to begin this fiscal year. Dr. Phillips, who was speaking to JIS News in an interview on September 14, said the reform, which is an essential element of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement, now under consideration, will likely begin early in the...

Candidates sitting the Caribbean Examinations Council's (CXC) regular and advanced level external examinations now have the benefit of the organization's newly published study guides, to boost their preparations. The CXC, in partnership with British publishing firm, Nelson Thornes, has published some 19 study guides this year, covering 11 subject titles in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), and eight in...

Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. The Hon. Peter Phillips, has emphasised that the country cannot persist with spending 80 per cent of the budget on wages and debt payments. "This is what we mean when we say the debt stifles the country's potential for development, because it is the 20 cents that remain out of each dollar that is...

The Palisadoes coastal strip in Kingston and Half Moon Bay at Hellshire in St. Catherine are to undergo a major clean-up on Saturday, September 15, as part of  activities by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) to highlight the observance of International Coastal Clean-up Day. The Half Moon Bay exercise is being done in collaboration with the Urban Development...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has cleared some 65 illegal mini dump sites across the island as part of efforts to strengthen the campaign against rodent infestation and improper garbage disposal. This was disclosed by the agency's Executive Director, Jennifer Edwards, during on September 12 Jamaica House press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister. "We have...

The Government will be spending approximately $74.9 million for the upgrading of infrastructure in the March Pen community in St. Catherine. Speaking at the Jamaica House press briefing, on September 12, Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, informed that Cabinet has given approval for Phase Two of the project. She said the scope of work in...

Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, is urging Jamaicans to report cases of rodent infestation to the relevant authorities. The Minister’s call came against the background of recent media reports of rats and roaches at the abandoned Supreme Court building in downtown Kingston. "We won’t know where there are problems everywhere. All we ask of the...

The Jamaican and South African Education Ministries are moving to collaborate on several key areas of mutual interest, aimed at strengthening the countries' bilateral relations. This follows discussions between the Education Ministry and a visiting South African delegation, led by South Africa's Minister of Higher Education and Training, Hon. Dr. Bonginkosi Nzimande.   Speaking  at a press briefing hosted at...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will embark on a National Food Safety Compliance pilot project for the export market, as it looks to improve the safety of fresh produce being exported to the United States as well as those consumed in Jamaica. Being funded by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) at a cost of approximately $49 million, the...

A project aimed at raising some $15 million to assist in the acquisition of two Linear Accelerators (LINAC) for the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, and a Kingston hospital, was launched today, September 13. The activity took place at the offices of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.  Linear Accelerators represent the latest in technological developments for...

Four judges, who have been appointed to serve in the Supreme Court, were sworn into office on September 13, at a ceremony held at King's House. They are: David George Batts, who will serve as Puisne Judge; Sharon Ayton George, Master-in-Chambers; while Sonia Bertram Linton and Vivene Juliet Harris have been appointed to Act as Master-in-Chambers. Governor-General, His Excellency the...

Cabinet has approved a US$3.9 million contract to Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), in California, USA, for the provision of maintenance services for cargo inspection machines deployed at the ports of Kingston and Montego Bay and the bonded warehouses in Kingston. Speaking at the Jamaica House Press Briefing, Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, said maintenance...