Come April 1, all drivers in the public transportation system will be required to wear uniforms. This is the directive from Transport and Mining Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, who says the stipulation will help to bring order and discipline to the sector. “We have an opportunity to change the face of this industry... we are moving to chart a new...

The University of the West Indies (UWI) is being encouraged to provide ongoing support, through research, for accelerated economic and social development in Jamaica. Minister without Portfolio in the Finance and the Public Service Ministry, Hon. Fayval Williams, noted that as a “knowledge producer”, the UWI is well positioned for this undertaking. She also urged well-thinking Jamaicans to join the...

The Post and Telecommunications Department is modernising its facilities and operations. Eastern Regional Coordinator, Natasha Russell Martin, says three post offices in Kingston, Ocho Rios and Falmouth were recently renovated, and notes that significant stakeholder support was provided. She told JIS News that the General Post Office (GPO) on King Street, downtown Kingston was refurbished, after being closed for one...

The Government has identified 2,000 acres of land in Mitchell Town, Clarendon for increased castor bean cultivation. This is expected to significantly boost local production of castor oil, according to Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw. “Exciting times are ahead and we are going to appropriate and put in technology to make sure that things are done...

The Government is looking to further build out the Jamaica Defence Force’s (JDF) new Maritime, Air and Cyber Command Unit. National Security Minister, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, said over US$36 million has already been spent to acquire state-of-the-art aircraft for the Division. A Beechcraft King Air 350 WR maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) and two Bell 429 helicopters, were commissioned into...

The Government will be intensifying its plastic ban monitoring and enforcement activities in the coming weeks. This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, during the sitting of the House of Representatives on February 5. He said monitoring will be spearheaded by the relevant regulatory entities, including the Jamaica...

Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says the vector control mechanism will be strengthened in order to reduce transmission of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses. He said that the enhanced programme will include boosting the number of personnel deployed to communities to assist in the elimination of mosquito breeding sites. Dr. Tufton noted that some 500 communities...