Negotiations have started between the Government and a German firm to establish a major dry dock facility that has the potential to employ 500 Jamaicans when operational. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2016/17 Budget Debate in Gordon House on May 24. He noted that the project is part of plans...

The Government will be investing $300 million through the Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP) and the European Union’s Poverty Reduction Programme (PRP), to benefit hundreds of at-risk youth. This initiative will benefit youth in communities prioritized by the national Community Renewal Programme (CRP). This was revealed by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in his 2016/17 Budget Debate presentation...

The Government is negotiating with a major investor to revitalise the country’s rail service at a cost of US$270 million. Making the disclosure on May 24, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said the revitalisation project is expected to employ thousands of persons and stimulate economies of the communities through which the rail service passes. “Furthermore, the reintroduction of...

The National Housing Trust (NHT) will partner with several public and private sector entities to develop more than 10,000 housing solutions over the next four years. Among these is the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) , which Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says will develop 700 housing solutions at Caymanas, in St. Catherine, at a cost of over $5...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is committed to pursuing effective social protection and human capital development, even as it strives for shared prosperity, economic growth and job creation. Making his 2016/17 Budget Debate presentation in the House of Representatives, yesterday (May 24), the Prime Minister said as part of this move, the Government intends to...

The Government has increased the income band for persons accessing zero percent loans from the National Housing Trust (NHT) from $7,500 to $12,000 per week. “This means that all workers in Jamaica, who earn $12,000 per week and less will be able to access interest-free loans from the National Housing Trust,” Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness said. He...

The Government has increased the budgetary allocation to the Programme of Advancement through Health and Education (PATH) by $520 million. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the announcement on May 24 during his contribution to the 2016/17 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives. He said that PATH remains a critical social protection intervention and human capital investment...

Head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Mission Team to Jamaica, Dr. Uma Ramakrishnan, has welcomed the Government’s implementation of the amended personal income tax threshold, describing it as a “bold step” in restructuring the revenue regime. Phased implementation of the new regime, which commences on July 1, will see the threshold increase to $1.5 million by the start...