The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) saw an uptick in the use of its Contactless Clearance Process during the December busy period. Contactless clearance is the process by which customs will conduct inspection of non-commercial cargo valued at under US$5,000 CIF, without the importer or the agent being present for the inspection. The JCA rolled out the initiative in May 2023,...

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) is inviting more micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the manufacturing, agriculture and service sectors to register for its National Quality Awards (NQA) programme. Now in its 20th year, “the NQA is Jamaica’s first quality systems-based awards programme implemented to recognise and reward local companies that have demonstrated the application of standards and...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill (centre), shares a photo opportunity with (from left) Chief Executive Officer, National Land Agency (NLA) and Commissioner of Lands, Cheriese Walcott; and Chargé d'Affaires, Republic of Korea, Kim Jinwook. The occasion was an NLA/Korean International Cooperation Agency Feasibility Study Partnership Dinner at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston...

Exporters and export-ready firms are being encouraged to take advantage of the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) Enterprise Developmental Export Growth (EXPORT MAX) programme, which is being redesigned to provide more targeted assistance. Speaking at a recent ‘Exporter Information Session’ at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston, JAMPRO President, Shullette Cox, said the revamping process will result in “focused capacity-building,...

German Ship Repair Jamaica (GSRJ) Limited is now undertaking work on its second ship-servicing project with ‘The Vikrant Dolphin’. The vessel, which is currently moored in the shipyard in Kingston, is a diving support barge registered in St. Kitts and operating in the Gulf of Mexico within the offshore oil industry. Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon....

The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) will be hosting a series of online workshops geared towards teaching participants the fundamentals of starting and running successful businesses. To be held from January 23 to February 13, the four-week workshop will cover one of four modules each Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These are Entrepreneurial Mindset and Business Formalisation, Design...

Custos of St. James, Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, has underscored that a collaborative approach is needed to combat crime on the island. “This means asking ourselves ‘how can we come together as a united group to stem the crime and the mayhem’,” he explained. Bishop Pitkin was addressing the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) President’s Forum,...

Consumers are being reminded to request a warranty when purchasing appliances and other electrical items this holiday season. This urging by the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) comes against the background of the agency’s concern that too many persons are buying these items without a written guarantee for their replacement or repair, if necessary. Speaking during a recent Jamaica Information Service...

Consumers are being encouraged to strategise and reduce their use of cash during the holiday season and even beyond. The advice comes from the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), in light of an increase in complaints of challenges in accessing cash at automated banking machines (ABMs). Director of Communications, Latoya Halstead, told a JIS Think Tank on December 14 that those...