Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, yesterday (December 1) tabled legislation in the House of Representatives that will establish the Independent Fiscal Commission. Dr. Clarke said the tabling of the Independent Fiscal Commission Act, 2020 is consistent with the Government of Jamaica’s policy commitments to institutionalise fiscal transparency and strengthen Jamaica's fiscal responsibility framework....

A study on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on adolescent mothers shows that 72 per cent of the girls are “coping well”. Executive Director of the WCJF, Dr. Zoe Simpson, revealed the findings at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on Monday (November 30). The survey was conducted by 20 counsellors, who interviewed 388 adolescent mothers enrolled...

Jamaicans are being encouraged to desist from open burning of garbage and other debris as they engage in clean-up and beautification activities for the Christmas season. Speaking in a recent JIS News interview, Public Relations Officer at the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Emilio Ebanks, said that persons can be charged for open burning under the Country Fires Act. “Open flames...

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) now has a more integrated and interactive web portal. This new website was virtually launched on Tuesday, in collaboration with the Vocational Training Institute (VTDI) and can be accessed at www.ksamc.gov.jm. The website design and hosting arrangements were successfully completed by VTDI students free of charge and the KSAMC is expected to...

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has received 534 tablets for students with special needs from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), under the 'One Laptop or Tablet Per Child' initiative. The tablets, valued at US$100,000, are aimed at providing the beneficiaries with greater access to online learning. The first batch of more than 200 devices has already been...

Justice Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, says a Joint Select Committee of Parliament will be named shortly to look at the Integrity Commission Act, which is due for review. The Integrity Commission is mandated to promote and enhance standards of ethical conduct for parliamentarians, public officials and other persons, by consolidating laws relating to the prevention of corruption and the award,...

The Ministry of Justice will turn the spotlight on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) at its Access Justice Live virtual town hall on Wednesday (December 2) at 3:00 pm. ADR is a method of settling disputes without litigation and includes restorative justice, arbitration, mediation, or negotiation. The Ministry is looking to increase the use of ADR to resolve conflicts and reduce...