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Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, has said that the Independent Oversight Panel (IOP) appointed by Cabinet will not intrude on the authority of the Office of the Contractor General. She said the body, which will provide oversight for three major infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, will, in fact,...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, has endorsed the move to establish a National Statistical System (NSS), noting that it will, undoubtedly, support the government’s thrust towards data-driven and evidence-based policy making. Mr. Hylton said he hopes this model will also be replicated throughout the region with the eventual establishment of a regional statistical system, which would...

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Roger Clarke, has endorsed the annual pan-jerked chicken competition, staged by the Caribbean Broilers Group of Companies, describing it as an example of the government’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and producing and eating more local foods. Speaking at the launch of the 2012 tournament on May 1 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, Mr. Clarke...

Minister of Transport, Works and Housing, Hon. Dr. Omar Davies, is expected to make an announcement soon as to how the government intends to clear some $11 billion in debt owed by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC). Dr. Davies, who disclosed the extent of the debt on May 1, during the debate on a motion brought to the House...

Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, says the restoration of the historic Ward Theatre is pivotal to the government’s efforts to preserve the nation’s cultural heritage. “I think, as a people, we need to respect our culture, and traditions as the Ward stand as a symbol of excellence. It is extremely important, not only to Kingston but to...

President of the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF) Wayne Chen, has praised the government and labour union leaders for helping to achieve an enviable record of industrial peace in Jamaica. Speaking with JIS News, Mr. Chen noted that the JEF and its tripartite partners in industrial relations must be commended for the hard work they do behind the scenes to achieve...

The ‘Jamaica 50’ Secretariat will be receiving valuable support from private sector marketers as it begins ramping up publicity on celebratory activities. Director of the Secretariat, Robert Bryan, told a JIS Think Tank on Tuesday (May 1) that efforts to co-opt support from private sector professionals and companies for the activities is far advanced and the public should soon see...

Jamaicans may soon see a lowering of rates on both local and international calls. This is as a result of the passing of the Telecommunications (Amendment) Act 2012 on Tuesday (May 1) by the House of Representatives. The legislation grants the Office of Utilities Regulations (OUR) power to set interim rates for wholesale and retail services where there is a...

The Jamaica 50 programme has been gaining significant traction as the country's golden jubilee approaches, with some $134 million already committed under the private/public sector funding component. Making the disclosure at Wednesday May 2 Jamaica House press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, Youth and Culture Minister, Hon. Lisa Hanna, said that the money is part of the...

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, has lauded the initiative by a group of business leaders headed by Adam Stewart, to raise funds for the Montego Bay-based Cornwall Regional Hospital, and to continuously support the development of the health facility. The group called ‘We Care for Cornwall Regional Hospital’, is seeking to raise about $156  million (US$1.8 million) by...

Activities in the United Kingdom (UK) to celebrate Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence are gathering momentum, with a flurry of events to take place from May 16 to October 16. The first of three ‘Jamaica 50’ Lectures will be held at the Jamaican High Commission in London on May 16, with Executive Chairman of GraceKennedy Limited, Douglas Orane, to speak...

The House of Representatives on May 1 approved a motion allowing unfinished business on the Order Paper to be carried over into in the new session of Parliament. The move serves to signal that sittings of Parliament will the prorogued soon for the 2012/ 13 session to begin. Leader of Government Business in the Lower House, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, explained...