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The state-owned Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), armed with a new Board of Directors and Managing Director, has been mandated to achieve financial stability, restore order to the public transportation system, increase customer service, and in general, provide an “efficient and civilised public transportation service." This charge was given to the newly installed leadership by Minister of Transport, Works and...

Minister of Education,   Hon. the Rev. Ronald Thwaites, says for the education system to further flourish and develop, it is critical that stakeholders begin to look beyond the traditional methods of teaching to effectively engage students. “What is quite clear, as we look across the educational enterprise in the world and in Jamaica, is that we have to device new...

Students from eight schools across the island have so far participated in a School Outreach Programme organized by the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ). Implemented in September 2011, the programme is designed to sensitise students about developments in the local broadcasting industry; new media such as social networks, text messaging, blogs and the impact on broadcasting; the switchover from analogue...

Education Minister, Rev. the Hon. Ronald Thwaites, has emphasised the pivotal role which Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) play in the development of the country’s education  system. Addressing a meeting of  the PTA at Jamaica College (JC) on March  12, Rev. Thwaites contended that PTAs  are  “most central” to educational transformation in Jamaica. He pointed out that  the role of teachers is...

Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Hon. Robert Pickersgill, says the Government is committed to putting a fully developed local government structure in place, as a means of effective governance and sustainable urban development. He said the administration also “firmly believes” that in order to advance an urban development agenda for Jamaica, “the voice of the people must be...

The Ministry of Youth and Culture is finalising activities for this year’s celebration of the nation’s 50th anniversary of Independence. Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, told JIS News that she is “very pleased” with the plans made so far for Jamaica 50, noting that work is progressing smoothly and that a  Committee has made some adjustments to...

Cabinet has approved a contract in the sum of US$1.45 to Titan Maritime LLC to remove debris from the sea floor at the Petrojam main dock. Minister with responsibility for  Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, made the announcement at yesterday’s (March 14) Jamaica House press briefing, held at the Office of the Prime Minister. The debris resulted from an...

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Coconut Industry Board (CIB) are using everything at their disposal, including research and replanting, to combat the lethal yellowing disease, which is threatening the livelihood of some 8,000 coconut farmers in Jamaica. Currently, these farmers are cultivating 3.3 million coconut palms on 13,500 hectares of land, producing approximately 97.4 million nuts for...

Cabinet has given approval for a special Benefit Order to allocate 30 serviced lots in the National Housing Trust’s (NHT) Mailersfield Housing Scheme, in Westmoreland, to the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing. Making the announcement at the Jamaica House press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, on March 14, Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon....

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, says the government is committed to working closely with the trade union movement, in order to maintain a vibrant and efficient labour market. “This government has taken the stance to widen and deepen the dialogue and collaboration with the union movement and all other stakeholders in the productive process, as we...

Minister with responsibility for Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy, says the restoration of the concept of the Programme for Resettlement and Integrated Development Enterprise(Operation PRIDE), could significantly address the country’s housing demand. He said that the Government is of the belief that “this excellent concept” can continue to be used as a vehicle to augment the delivery of affordable housing...

A three-day workshop organised by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), which began on March 14 in Kingston, is expected to significantly upgrade the preparedness of personnel involved in disaster management in several Caribbean Countries. The workshop, which is being supported by funding from the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), will examine and iron out...