Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams, says the Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) policy will address issues within the technology sector, such as Internet access. “There’s one modality which I think underpins much of the success we’ve experienced in various innovations, and that is access to the Internet, which the ST&I policy is poised to address,” Mrs....

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is again appealing for mourners to adhere to the safety protocols that have been put in place for funerals in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19). “The Government remains concerned that many people are not respecting the gathering and distancing protocols at funerals and burials. Large crowds and close contact at...

Dining has been allowed in restaurants as of today (July 2) as the Government relaxes restrictions placed on these establishments due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Addressing the House of Representatives on July 1, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, emphasised that occupancy “must not exceed 50 per cent of [the facility’s] capacity at any one...

Fifty residents of St. Catherine are being trained as community health aides (CHAs) in keeping with the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ strategic framework to prepare the population to live with the coronavirus (COVID-19). The CHAs, who will be deployed in communities throughout the parish, are part of approximately 1,300 CHAs being recruited islandwide by the Ministry. Portfolio Minister, Dr....

Cinemas, playhouses and theatres will be conditionally reopened to the public for a period of 14 days, as of Sunday (July 5). These entertainment venues have been closed since March as part of measures instituted by the Government to curtail the local spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Speaking in the House of Representatives on July 1, Minister of Local Government...

The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC) in the Ministry of Justice has developed three new draft instruction templates to guide client Ministries as they prepare legislation. Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Judith Grant, told JIS News that the introduction of the templates forms part of efforts aimed at improving the procedures for crafting laws. She explained that the guides “deal with...

As at Wednesday (July 1), the island now has on record 707 confirmed COVID-19 cases. This follows the confirmation of five new samples that have tested positive in the last 24 hours. In the meantime, two additional COVID-19 patients have recovered and have been released from care, bringing that total to 555. (78.5% Recovery Rate). All five cases are imported,...