The Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) is reporting positive response to its ‘Pon di Corner’ community sensitisation meetings. The sessions, which got under way more than two weeks ago, seek to raise awareness about Jamaica’s economic programme, which is underpinned by the three-year International Monetary Fund (IMF) Stand-By Agreement (SBA). The precautionary SBA is an insurance against unforeseen economic shocks...

Jamaica has embarked on the first phase of a global initiative that will enable the country to cash in on efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forestry Degradation in Developing Countries (UN-REDD) aims to provide positive incentives to countries to contribute to climate-change mitigation through activities in the...

The Economic Growth Council (EGC) is finalising a proposal for submission to the Government, which is aimed at significantly reducing the timeline of the development approvals process to as little as 90 days. Council member, Hugh Hart, said that a special subcommittee is working to complete the document to enable the Council’s central body to make a submission to the...

Economic Growth Council (EGC) Chairman, Michael Lee-Chin, says funds have been identified to enable the National Security Ministry to conduct a feasibility study for the creation of a Global Immigration Card for members of the Jamaican diaspora. He made the announcement during the EGC’s second quarterly national report at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in Mona,...

The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation will be undertaking a revision of residential densities, with the objective of issuing new residential zoning standards. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Daryl Vaz, said the review will involve relevant agencies and planning authorities. “This will take account of current trends in urban renewal and development to facilitate an increase in the housing stock,...

A Beach Management Plan has been prepared for all of the island’s publicly owned or managed recreational beaches, and is to be examined by Cabinet. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says this is being done to upgrade public beaches. Making his contribution to the 2017/18 Sectoral Debate in the House...

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says a study is being undertaken for the implementation of an electronic titling system by the National Land Agency (NLA). The study is being done with the assistance of the World Bank. It will involve a tour of Land Information New Zealand by a team...