A sum of $8.5 billion has been allocated in the 2020/21 Estimates of Expenditure, currently before the House of Representatives, towards the continuation of the Integrated Support to the Jamaica Social Protection Strategy project. The initiative, which commenced in November 2015, is being implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security through funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)....

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is assuring residents of Vineyard Town that they are at no health risk if the St. Joseph’s Hospital is used as a quarantine centre. Speaking at a town hall meeting on February 11, in the community, the Minister said the hospital will only house persons who display “elevated temperature” for...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, says the Government is looking to introduce micro-insurance as part of overall policy safeguards against risks associated with climate and weather-related events. The Minister was speaking at the opening of the European Investment Bank (EIB) 2020 Caribbean Roadshow two-day symposium, at the AC Marriot Hotel in Kingston on...

As part of efforts to support victims of gender-based violence, the Government will be increasing the number of shelters for abused women. This was disclosed by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, while delivering the Throne Speech at the ceremonial opening of Parliament on Tuesday (February 11). Giving an update on the development of shelters for abused...

The Government has allocated $232.8 million for the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) III. This is outlined in the 2020/21 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. The allocation will go towards initiatives to enhance security and justice in targeted communities through gender-responsive justice services. For the new fiscal year, the Victim Services Division is expected to...

The Government has allocated $67 million for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programme in the 2020/21 Fiscal Year. This is to enhance Jamaica’s energy efficiency and conservation potential, through the design and implementation of concrete Energy Efficiency (EE) and Energy Conservation (EC) cost-saving measures in the public sector. Details of the programme are outlined in the 2020/2021 Estimates of Expenditure,...

A sum of $255.2 million has been allocated for the Justice Sector Reform Programme as outlined in the 2020/21 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. The project seeks to strengthen the quality of service delivery and access in the justice sector; improve the treatment of children in the criminal justice system, and to enhance sector governance and...