Prime Minister Andrew Holness has indicated that he will be taking a keen interest in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs and their alignment with Vision 2030. He says that SDGs are aligned with key development concerns and priorities of the region. “We are paying close attention to the implementation of the accelerators as recommended in the SDGs...

The Early Childhood Commission (ECC) is well underway with work to certify 300 additional basic schools meeting its 12 qualifying Standards, over the Board’s three-year tenure. This exercise, when completed in 2019, will bring the number to 317, following last year’s certification of the first 17 of the approximately 2,700 early childhood institutions in operation. The ECC’s Acting Executive Director,...

It is a well-known fact that proper hygiene is necessary for good health and this is especially true for children who are more susceptible to germs and bacteria. It is also true that proper bathroom facilities are needed for this to happen, so imagine then your child not benefitting from such conveniences at their school. This was the case for...

Director of the Environmental and Conservation Division at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) Anthony McKenzie, says protected areas can contribute to the economic development of Jamaica. “They offer many environmental services such as clean water and fresh air. The headwaters of many of Jamaica’s main rivers are located in the Blue Mountains and the Cockpit Country forest reserves....

Vice Chairman of the Economic Growth Council (EGC), Ambassador Nigel Clarke, says the inclusion of aspects of the policy recommendations by the EGC in arrangements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an indication of the Government’s commitment to implementing the proposed strategies for economic growth. “We at the EGC take that as a sign that the Government is serious...

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says the time has come for efforts to be ramped up to bring real development and planning to the city of Montego Bay, St. James. Addressing a World Town Planning Day conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on November 8, Dr. Chang said...

The diaspora is being touted among the specific areas that will be engaged to attract investment for achieving economic growth. Chairman of the Economic Growth Council (EGC), Michael Lee-Chin, speaking in a panel discussion and signing ceremony at the Courtleigh Auditorium on November 7, said the diaspora is a central repository for investment capital. He said the EGC will be...