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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....

Over the next month, Jamaica will begin paying 10 per cent more for rice from Guyana, resulting in a minimum 10 to12 per cent increase to consumers on the local market. This was stated by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda, at a press conference at the Ministry, in New Kingston, today (March 17). The Minister explained...

Local manufacturers will get a chance to market their goods and services, and network with international buyers at EXPO Jamaica 2010, which will be held from June 17 to 20 at the National Arena in Kingston. The biennial event, hailed as the Caribbean's premiere trade show, is being staged under the theme: 'Brand Jamaica to the World!' and will feature...

Over 100 individuals and entities, who participated and contributed to the success of the Kingston Urban Renewal Project (KURP), were recognised at an awards and recognition function held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston, yesterday (March 4). The aim of the 18-month project, which draws to a close on March 12, is to contribute to the improvement of the...

Jampro, formerly Jamaica Trade and Invest, has re-opened its office in Canada after a five-and-a-half-year absence. The office, managed by Regional Manager, Robert Kerr and with support from Senior Consulting Officer, Nardia McKenzie, will service all of North America and is situated at the Jamaican Consulate General in Toronto. Speaking to JIS News recently, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce,...

A programme to recognise and highlight recently established small businesses and provide them with necessary publicity and support to enhance their operations, was launched yesterday (March 2) at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston. A partnership between the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA) and Continental Baking Company Limited (National Baking), the initiative dubbed: 'The Bold Ones: New Champions of Manufacturing'...