The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), through its departments and agencies, continues to ensure that food remains safe for consumers. Addressing a recent JIS ‘Think Tank’, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA), Dr. Lorice Edwards-Brown, said the Ministry takes its responsibility and mandate seriously in ensuring that food is wholesome for the...

The Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ) is urging owners of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs) to register their businesses. Public Relations Officer, COJ, Kawain Fearon, said that the process has been made easier through online registration, using the Electronic Business Registration form (eBRF). He was speaking at a business development information session for SMTEs, hosted by the Tourism Enhancement...

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) resolved 124 cases of complaints in April and May, securing approximately $3.8 million in compensation on behalf of aggrieved consumers. The disclosure was made by the entity’s Chief Executive Officer, Dolsie Allen, during a JIS Think Tank on Thursday, June 9. She noted that the number of cases settled represents approximately 25 per cent of...

Plans are in place to update and expand the scope and reach of the Jamaica Trade Information Portal (JTIP), says the Trade Board Limited (TBL). “The dynamic trade environment in which we operate requires us to be innovative and strategic in how we harvest, interpret, and disseminate trade-related information and data. JTIP, therefore, needs to be a well-organised and efficient...

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) says a Code of Conduct has been drafted to govern how microcredit institutions (MCIs) should operate under the Microcredit Act.  The Microcredit Act, passed in 2021, will take effect in July. The Act aims to formulate procedures for the licensing and regulation of MCIs that provide financing to individuals and operators in the micro, small...

Approximately 700 visitors are expected to be in Jamaica for next month’s staging of the World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) Eighth Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE). The four-day event, which is being held in the Caribbean for the first time, will take place from June 13 to 17 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James. The conference...

To facilitate ease of trade, inspection matrices and protocols have been finalised to improve efficiency in the physical inspection of commodities at the borders by Border Regulatory Agencies (BRAs), says State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn. He points out that the Veterinary Services Division (VSD), Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation...

Several pieces of legislation governing manufacturing and export are being targeted for review by the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce. This is with a view to effecting changes, where needed, that will serve to spur increased activities in these areas, thereby contributing to Jamaica’s attainment of higher levels of sustainable economic growth. Portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill,...

A digital transformation support programme is being designed for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), to aid in the adoption of technological solutions that will improve sustainability and advance the sector’s growth. The initiative, which will involve the integration of specialised digitalisation business development support, is being undertaken by the Industry, Investment and Commerce Ministry with the support of the...