The Government is moving apace to streamline the complex compensation and allowance system across the public sector. Finance and the Public Service Minister, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, said that a policy, philosophy and accompanying strategies will be developed over the next 18 months. He noted that the objective is to attain a wage bill to gross domestic product (GDP)...

Over 2,000 previously unregistered machines were licensed during a Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) licensing amnesty late last year. “That was an important breakthrough in terms of bringing the kind of control we want to the industry,” said Chief Executive Officer at the BGLC, Vitus Evans, at a recent JIS Think Tank. He said that the amnesty was undertaken...

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is being finalised between Jamaica and India to upgrade the quality and scope of resources in healthcare, medical education and training, and research in both countries. Specifically, the agreement will result in the exchange and training of medical doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. It will also facilitate the setting up of healthcare facilities and...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson, says the Government is intent on breaking the “cycle of informality”, where more and more Jamaican workers will be trained and transition into the formal economy. This approach, she argues, will allow for workers to better access social benefits, such as housing solutions, and will also be better able to contribute...

Coordinator of the Restorative Justice Unit in the Ministry of Justice, Dr. Kahilah Whyte, says restorative justice continues to play a pivotal role in circumventing conflicts in the Jamaica society. “It [restorative justice] continues to be important in the effort to circumvent what we commonly refer to as jungle justice here in Jamaica. Restorative justice really gives males, women and...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, says funds have been set aside in the upcoming Budget for the pursuit of research at the tertiary level. He said that further details of the allocation will be provided in the Estimates of Expenditure, which will be tabled in the House of Representatives next week. He noted...

Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, is encouraging Justices of the Peace (JPs) to assist in protecting the country’s recent economic gains, by standing against wrongdoing. Delivering the keynote address at the commissioning of 171 new JPs for St. Catherine on February 6 at the Portmore Seventh-day Adventist Church, the minister said that while several expansions have been taking place...