The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) is reporting third quarter calendar year growth of 5.8 per cent for July to September, compared to the corresponding period in 2020. In a statement on Friday (December 31), STATIN said the outturn was attributable to growth in the services and goods producing industries, up 7.1 and 2.4 per cent respectively. The Institute noted...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, says the Government is keen on implementing the public sector compensation review, beginning April 1, 2022. The review is intended to overhaul the structure of salaries and other emoluments in the public service to make it more equitable. Dr. Clarke noted that it was in the interest of...

The Government and the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) have signed a new 12-month Heads of Agreement for a four per cent wage increase for approximately 50,000 public-sector employees, for the period April 2021 to March 2022. The agreement also provides for a one-off $40,000 payment to civil servants earning up to $1.5 million per annum, and retroactive payments...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, says the Government will be prioritising additional policies that facilitate a more inclusive economy for Jamaicans. Dr. Clarke notes that work to this end has commenced with the introduction of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), now being piloted, and passage of the Microcredit Act in Parliament. He...

The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) is working assiduously to ensure a safe and secure return of cruise operations at all the island’s ports by early December 2021. Assistant Vice President, Marketing Communications at the Port Authority, Kimberley Stiff, said that the entity is hosting a series of meetings “to apprise various interest groups and the communities in which we...

Members of the public are invited to participate in the Harmony Beach Park Social Media Video Competition. Submissions are open until Friday, October 29 at 4:00 p.m. The competition is being done as part of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) Hero’s Welcome promotion, which provides discounts at select attractions until month-end. Acting Marketing Manager, UDC, Jodi-Ann Reid, in outlining the...

The Government is expanding support for young people pursuing training and other engagements in agriculture. Minister with responsibility for Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, said that $120 million has been allocated to the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, as part of a commitment to facilitating development within educational institutions. Additionally, he said the Ministry will...

The Rural Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (RYEEP) will be expanded to provide more young people with the necessary training, along with the requisite tools, so that they can pursue successful agricultural businesses. Minister with responsibility for Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon. Audley Shaw, said that the move is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to increase youth engagement in the...

Superintendent of Pilotage at the Port Authority of Jamaica, Dr. Hortense Ross-Innerarity, is calling for continued collaboration between governments and the shipping community to develop and support initiatives to improve the welfare of seafarers. She said it is important to continue the conversation to engender a culture of awareness, inclusion, acceptance, and recognition of all seafarers, irrespective of gender, nationality,...