The Government has increased the contingency provisions within the Budget to offset the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) to $10 billion. Making the announcement in the House of Representatives today (March 17), Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, said the banking sector has agreed to forgo the reduction in asset tax announced recently for...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) wishes to advise the public that considering the Government of Jamaica’s announced restrictions on gatherings in public spaces, The Mandela Park in Half-Way-Tree has been closed until further notice. The NSWMA continues to closely monitor the announcements of the Ministry of Health and Wellness and all stakeholders to ensure we have accurate and...

Today, Bank of Jamaica briefed members of the Jamaica Bankers Association and the Jamaica Securities Dealers Association, on measures that the central bank would implement in order to assure financial institutions of adequate access to both foreign currency and Jamaica Dollar liquidity, throughout this challenging period. With the sharp contraction in the tourism industry and the likely disruption to remittance...

Failure to adhere to the measures announced by Government to curtail the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), including the closure of places of amusement, will attract a fine of up to $1 million or imprisonment not exceeding 12 months. This was outlined by Attorney General, Marlene Malahoo Forte, at a press conference on Monday (March 16) at Jamaica House, in...

In an effort to reduce and eliminate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Government has restricted the opening of all bars, nightclubs and other areas of entertainment, effective March 18. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made this announcement during a press conference on Monday (March 16) at Jamaica House. “I know I am going to be criticised...

The Government is advising that effective March 18, all travellers from countries where there is local transmission of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) will now be required to self-quarantine for up to 14 days. Speaking at a press conference held on Monday (March 16) at Jamaica House, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton said this is...

Western Parks and Markets (WPM) Waste Management Limited has implemented strict protocols to maintain efficient service delivery while safeguarding employees and the public against the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Regional Operations Manager, Garnet Edmondson, told JIS News that measures implemented at WPM’s offices in St. James, Westmoreland and Trelawny, include: mandatory sanitising of hands upon entering the buildings to guard...