Chair of the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA), Dr. Nadeen Spence, says the recent launch of the Medicinal Cannabis Special Permit Programme, is expected to promote inclusivity and opportunities for young people to participate in a structured and regulated industry. “Young people have this opportunity to explore how they can become part of an industry that has the potential to give...

National Commercial Bank Limited (NCB) has launched a $2 billion facility designed to provide access to financing to small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The NCB SME Growth Fund II is open to both new and existing NCB customers across Jamaica’s key growth sectors. Lauding the initiative during a luncheon at the AC Marriot Hotel in New Kingston on April 16,...

The Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) has issued nearly 200 licences since its establishment. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Farrah Blake, who made the disclosure, indicated that “almost 100 of those licences have been done within the last four years”. She was speaking during the official launch of the CLA’s Medical Cannabis Special Permit Programmes at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston...

The Government has pledged its support for a new regional initiative designed to help women led businesses grow, compete, and access international markets. The Caribbean Women Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade (GRIT) Project was officially launched in Jamaica on Wednesday (April 15), at Jack Sprat restaurant in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth. The four year Can$3-million initiative, running from 2025 to...

Stricter border requirements will be enforced under the new Motorcycle Helmet Standard, JS 374:2025 – Jamaica Standard Specification for Protective Helmets for Road Users. The Standard, launched by the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) on March 31, sets out comprehensive stipulations governing the design, quality, and performance of protective helmets. It establishes minimum safety requirements to ensure that helmets used...

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) will be establishing a regional motorcycle helmet-testing laboratory as part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the importance of using certified, high-quality motorcycle helmets to save lives and reduce head injuries. Executive Director of the BSJ, Dr. Velton Gooden, made the announcement at the launch of the BSJ Motorcycle Helmet standard –...

The Office of the Supervisor of Insolvency (OSI) continues to strengthen Jamaica’s insolvency framework through targeted professional development, highlighted by the successful staging of its Trustees’ Compliance Seminar on March 26. Held under the theme ‘Trustee Compliance, Bill of Costs, Taxation of Accounts, and Discharge under the Insolvency Act’, the seminar formed part of the OSI’s ongoing education programme for...