Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacqueline Bisasor-McKenzie, says the Ministry of Health supports the use of cannabis and products derived from the plant for research and medicinal purposes, where scientific evidence validates their benefits and effectiveness in treating specific conditions. Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on November 16, Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie said the Ministry is prepared to accept...

Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw, has endorsed the proposed establishment of the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange [JSSE]. This is being initiated by the Jamaica Stock Exchange [JSE] as part of its corporate social responsibility. The endeavour aims to create a platform that lists the country’s social enterprises and not-for-profit entities and their projects, designed to assist...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, says progress is being made in discussions involving the Government and private investors regarding the operation of the Monymsk and Long Pond sugar factories in Clarendon and Trelawny, respectively. He also stated that proposals and options for the processing of cane usually handled by Monymusk are being considered, while hinting...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, says the micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector represents one of the greatest growth potentials for Jamaica. He noted that data from the Tax Administration of Jamaica (TAJ) for 2015 show that approximately 97.6 per cent of classified taxpayers are MSMEs, contributing approximately 18 per cent of taxes. In...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, has called for the increased integration of Airbnb operations into community tourism offerings. He noted that the Airbnb concept is being embraced in places like Trench Town in St. Andrew, and “we want to see it accelerated” in order to expand offerings in the tourism sector and bring more visitors...

Jamaicans are being encouraged to give more support to local food producers, as this creates opportunities for the diversification of farms, and places greater focus on value-added products, micro and small business development and job creation. The call comes from Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, in a message read by Acting Permanent Secretary in the...

Bamboo is being explored as a possible alternative to the production of plastic and polystyrene containers as the Government embarks on a policy to ban the use of the materials. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, said the Government will be looking closely at the potential of the bamboo sector in...