The 2018/19 session of Parliament got under way today (February 15) with the traditional pomp and pageantry. It was highlighted by the delivery of the Throne Speech by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen. His address outlined the priority programmes and policies to be pursued by the Government in the new fiscal year, which begins on April...

Work on the transformation of the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) into the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), is slated to commence during the 2018/19 fiscal year. Additionally, the proposed National Identification and Registration Authority Regulations are slated to be developed and tabled in Parliament by September 2018. These are among several engagements the Government will undertake during this year...

The Government will be intensifying efforts for Jamaican skilled workers and businesses to have greater access to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The position was outlined by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, as he delivered the Throne Speech at Gordon House on Thursday (February 15). He said that Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew...

The Jamaica Customs Agency’s (JCA) capabilities will be further strengthened in 2018/19 as the Government positions the entity to continue driving economic growth through trade facilitation, revenue collection and border protection. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, said that this year, the JCA will, among other things, improve the rate of detection of contraband, and prohibited and...

The National Housing Trust (NHT) will deliver 11,103 houses to the market for fiscal year 2018/19. The number comprises 6,369 housing starts and 4,734 housing completions. In addition, 8,000 new loans will be created. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, made the disclosure while delivering the Throne Speech to open the new parliamentary year in Gordon House...

A total of $220 million will be spent by the Government on two programmes geared at expanding and improving the island’s water capacity infrastructure. The projects are the construction and maintenance of rural water systems, valued at $120 million; and the rehabilitation of irrigation systems, costing $100 million. This was disclosed by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick...

The Government will be implementing a number of strategies for child development and protection during fiscal year 2018/2019. Included in the package are improvements to early-childhood educational facilities; additional investments for technology in schools; updating of the Child Care and Protection Act; and broadcast regulations to safeguard children and vulnerable groups. According to Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir...

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, says the Government is committed to providing additional resources and support to fight crime during the 2018/19 fiscal year. He says special attention will be given to the justice system, while social interventions targeting unattached youth will continue in earnest. The Governor-General was delivering the Throne Speech at the ceremonial opening...