Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon Christopher Tufton, has confirmed that one of the 46 deportees who recently returned has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). The deportees arrived in the island last Tuesday (April 21), from the United States of America. Dr. Tufton, when asked about the health status of the deportees during a virtual press conference...

National Security Minister, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, signs a condolence book, which was opened at the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) head office in Kingston for late employee, Jodian Fearon, who succumbed to health complications on April 24. Dr. Chang signed the book on Tuesday (April 28), which would have marked Ms. Fearon’s 24th birthday. Observing is Minister without...

The National Health Fund’s (NHF) ability to respond to the dreaded coronavirus (COVID-19) has been significantly boosted with the recent handover of $168 million in medical supplies by the Issa Trust Foundation and its international partner, Direct Relief. The donation, which comes at a time when Jamaica’s COVID-19 cases have surpassed the 350 mark, includes asthma inhalers, antibiotics, diabetes and...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, says the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has responded “favourably” to the Government’s request to access the institution’s Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI). This is part of the Administration’s measures to cushion Jamaica against the economic fallout being projected as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “I received a...

The 24-hour curfew imposed in St. Catherine to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and which would have ended on Wednesday (April 29), has been extended for a further three days. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the announcement on Monday (April 27), at a digital press conference, held at the Office of the Prime Minister Media...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is working with employers to retain workers as the country continues to grapple with the economic and social fallout from the coronavirus (COVID-19). Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Collette Roberts-Risden, told JIS News the Ministry has been meeting with a number of employers and trade unions to discuss strategies to prevent the layoff...

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Collette Roberts-Risden, is encouraging employers to utilise the Employment (Flexible Work Arrangements) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act as the country continues to observe social distancing protocols to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). “The flexi-work arrangement speaks to persons working 40 hours and their 40-hour work week being flexible. Most employers...