The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the lead implementation agency for the Reducing Small Arms and Light Weapons Joint Programme (SALIENT), is reporting significant achievements under the initiative in Jamaica. Launched on June 17, 2022, SALIENT Jamaica was designed to reduce violence, curb the supply and proliferation of illicit firearms in the country, and address the root causes of crime....

In a move to regulate the management of Jamaica’s road infrastructure, the Government has proposed the implementation of a unified ‘One Road Authority’. The regulatory body will monitor and manage the various road networks, addressing long-standing issues related to maintenance, accountability, and development. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with Responsibility for Works, Hon....

The Government has received humanitarian and medical supplies valued at $60 million from the Government of the Republic of India. These supplies, which come 30 days ahead of the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, are expected to bolster the nation’s capacity to effectively respond to natural disasters and medical emergencies. The items were officially handed over by High Commissioner...

In a landmark move to strengthen Jamaica’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the global climate agenda, seven state-of-the-art Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling and Reclamation (RRR&R) Centres, valued US$70,000, were officially launched on Wednesday (April 30). The facilities aim to advance the country’s efforts to phase out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) sector, in line with the Montreal...

Four strawberry farmers have accessed financing of $43 million from the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), to improve and expand their production. Their success stories were outlined at the Strawberry Cluster Open Day hosted by Diandra Rowe, CARICOM’s Champion Youth Farmer for 2023, at Abbey Garden Farm in Mandeville, Manchester, on April 30. The four farms are Synergy Business Solutions,...

Increased export earnings from hot pepper are among the projected outcomes from the soon-to-be concluded ‘Improving Phytosanitary, Food Safety and Market Access Opportunities along the Hot Pepper Value Chain in Jamaica’ project. The project aims to support increased compliance to sanitary and phytosanitary standards for production and export of Jamaica’s hot pepper to the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK),...

The top four institutions have advanced to the second phase of the Westmoreland Primary Schools’ Container Gardening Project. They are New Hope Primary, which took first place, Grange Hill Primary, which placed second and New Works and St. Paul's Primary, which tied for third place. Organised by Icon Importers and Distributors Limited, the competition is designed to promote sustainable agriculture...