An agri-food strategy is being implemented within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This is to enhance production and trade of regional agricultural products, enable greater access to a supply of nutritious foods, and reduce reliance on the importation of extra-regional foods. Addressing the opening ceremony of the ‘CARICOM @ 50’ virtual symposium on Friday (April 14), CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett,...

Canada is looking to strengthen relations with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Canadian International Development Minister, Hon. Harjit Sajjan, who visited Jamaica and Barbados from January 9 to 14, said the aim is to explore opportunities for strengthening partnerships and to continue building relationships in the region. During the visit, Minister Sajjan held discussions with government officials on shared priorities such...

Jamaicans are being encouraged to submit entries for the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) Logo Competition, under the slogan, ‘50 Years Strong: A Solid Foundation to Build On’. The competition, launched by the CARICOM Secretariat, is part of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of CARICOM on July 4, 2023. It is open to all nationals of CARICOM Member States and Associate...

Targeted technical assistance through the Canada-CARICOM Expert Deployment Mechanism (CCEDM) can help Jamaica’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and attainment of medium-term development goals. This was stated by Deputy Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Barbara Scott, at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’. Ms. Scott, who has responsibility for External Cooperation Management and Project...

Jamaica is the first country in the region to make significant progress in the development of a National Consumer Protection and Welfare Policy and Implementation Plan. Spearheaded by the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), the Policy seeks to ensure that consumers are protected from unsafe goods and unfair business practices, and that they are empowered to defend their rights and welfare....

The recently held Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, provided an opportunity for important bilateral talks between Jamaica and several other countries. Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) with Responsibility for Information, Hon. Robert Morgan, said that Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says a single-visa regime among CARICOM member countries should be the next critical consideration in rationalising entry protocols in the region. “[This is] for touristic purposes and can be provided for visitors coming into your space for 30 days or three days… a simple platform that allows everybody and anybody to apply for a CARICOM...