Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, says the Government will continue to implement measures to strengthen the island’s creative economy, in a bid to ensure that Jamaicans can further tap into the lucrative global industry valued at over $1 trillion annually. He said the creative economy, inclusive of film, music, fashion, animation and merchandising, has the potential...

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has, for the first time, published its National Compliance Plan, which strategically outlines the compliance approaches to be used during the current 2015/2016 fiscal year. The plan, available on the agency’s website as at July 1, allows the public to be informed about the administration’s tax compliance focus for the year. The strategies outlined will ensure...

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, July 7, approved legislation to permit conch exporters to pay the export levy for the 2015 season in installments. The passage of the Conch (Export Levy) (Special Provisions) Act will allow exporters to complete payment within three months of the date of submission of the application for an export health certificate and export licence....

A Bill to modernise Jamaica’s public procurement legislation was passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 7. The Public Procurement Act will reflect new policy thinking and international best practices in the area. Opening the debate on the Bill, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Hon. Horace Dalley, said it will facilitate greater participation...

A Bill seeking to create a legal framework for the regulation of activities, practices, apparatuses and facilities involving ionizing radiation and nuclear technology was passed in the House of Representatives on July 8. The Bill entitled, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Act, was piloted by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton. The Minister noted that all activities...

Commissioner of Police, Dr. Carl Williams, says the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is pursuing legislative amendments to the Firearms and Bail Acts, to boost the crime-fighting capabilities in the island. The Commissioner was responding to questions posed by journalists during a press conference, held at his Old Hope Road offices in St. Andrew on July 6, to update the nation...

The Customs (Amendment) Act, which seeks to facilitate the implementation of best practices and standards by Jamaica Customs, has been sent to a Joint Select Committee of Parliament for consideration. The Bill was tabled in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 7 by Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips. It will provide for the establishment of...

During the first quarter of 2015, the Jamaican economy grew by 0.4 per cent when compared to the similar quarter of 2014. This growth was due mainly to a 0.6 per cent increase in the Services industries. All industries within the services industries recorded increased levels of output with the exception of Electricity & Water Supply and Producers of Government...