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President of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), Mr. Lloyd Goodleigh, has emphasised that the trade union movement must maintain a high level of professionalism and relevance, which are key elements in a globalised society. "We have to acknowledge that in a globalised world, we are but one major institution in a labour market that we practise industrial relations,...

The Government will be placing increased focus on its Young Entrepreneurs Programme (YEP) in order to encourage more young people to own their own business. State Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Michael Stern, said today (April 8) that not enough youngsters are taking advantage of the programme, which was launched last year. "We are now moving to make...

The Zoe Life Social Service Centre in Tweedside, Clarendon, which houses a clinic, postal agency and other facilities to serve the community, was officially opened on Sunday (April 4). The centre, which was funded by returned resident Dr. Hyacinth Hue, also has areas for children and the elderly to receive care and counselling. A section of wall inside of the...

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, is set to begin a project aimed at enhancing competition in the Jamaican economy in April. The 2010/11 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives has revealed that $8.5 million has been earmarked for the Capacity Building in the Enforcement of Competition Law in Jamaica project. It is expected to improve...

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce's Plant Breeding and Diagnostics Technologies project is set to receive a $7.2 million boost this year. This is based on figures outlined in the 2010/2011 Estimates of Expenditure, that was tabled in the House of Representatives on March 25. The project began in 2007 and is intended to use radiation to induce mutation...

It is a mere 14 years old this year, yet its work can be seen, and its effect felt, across the length and breadth of Jamaica. Since its coming into being, its mission has been to address the immediate social and economic infrastructural needs of underserved communities, in a manner that is quick, efficient, transparent and non-partisan. It has managed...

Micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) are to receive a boost this year with a $24.4 million provision in the 2010/11 Estimates of Expenditure, for that sector. The funds are to be channelled into the Productive Integration of Micro-Enterprises in Jamaica/Industry Modernisation Project being implemented by the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC). The project aims to assist the micro,...

A second batch of Parish Council representatives were briefed on the functions and structure of the new Development Assistance Centre (DAC) being implemented in the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), to improve the turnaround time for building applications. Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Michael Stern, told those gathered at Jamaica House for...

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), mindful of the current economic hardship, is stressing the need for consumers to be well informed about managing their financial resources, and how to cope with the harsh global economic climate in which they have to live and operate. Chief Executive Officer of the CAC, Mrs. Dolsie Allen, is encouraging consumers to exercise more vigilance...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda, is imploring entrepreneurs in the small business sector to continue to hold strain and have confidence that the economy will begin to thrive. "It's difficult, but I just want to encourage you to feel confident not only in your ability to play your part and to grow your business, but to...

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Dr. Kenneth Baugh, has called on Jamaica's foreign missions to aggressively seek out new investment and trade opportunities for the country. Addressing members of staff of the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday (March 17), Dr. Baugh said there is an urgent need to engage the...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda, has refuted claims by Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL) that a waiver on 65,000 tonnes of slag cement, imported by TankWeld Metals, would cost the Government some $100 million in duties. "People are not bound to bring in anything into this country. They bring it in if it makes a profit....