Preparations are in high gear for Jamaica’s hosting of the fourth Ministerial Meeting for the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA) on February 27 and 28, 2020. Energy ministers from across the region are expected to converge at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James for the two-day event, which will be chaired by Minister of Science,...

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams, says the Government will be working with telecommunications providers and other stakeholders to address issues impacting service to consumers. She said that the “quality of service challenges that operators are facing today calls for the Government to take a more assertive approach with all stakeholders to find solutions… and improve broadband...

Stronger penalties are coming for persons found to have stolen equipment and infrastructure used by telecoms service providers. Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams, said the Government plans to shore up the existing policy and regulatory framework to protect investments in the sector and ensure more reliable connectivity for customers. “I commit to working with colleague Ministers...

Former International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Jamaica, Dr. Uma Ramakrishnan, says the institution remains steadfast in its support for the country’s economic reform agenda, following the conclusion of programme arrangements on November 10. “We continue to be open to provide any technical assistance and capacity building that the country may need. We are hands-on in this and I...

The Government will be spending $1 billion over the next three months to support enhanced measures to contain the spread of the dengue virus. Of the sum, some $469.9 million is earmarked for the procurement of 31 mounted fogging machines; 35 fogging vehicles; ultra-low volume flushing solutions; 25 handheld fogging machines; 150 cases of Natular tablets for water treatment; and...

The Government will be undertaking a major mitigation, sanitation, drain-cleaning and beautification programme at a cost of $1.3 billion. The programme, to be executed over the next few months up to February 2020, will be implemented by the National Works Agency (NWA) and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), with the Ministry of Health and Wellness providing guidance. Prime...

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Floyd Green, says the Government is giving priority to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as a driver of economic growth. He noted that “quite recently, in Parliament, it was decided that we will set aside 20 per cent of the government procurement spend solely for our...