Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, is reporting gross foreign exchange earnings of US$2.34 billion for the first 10 months of the year, representing a 10.8 per cent increase over the corresponding period in 2016. The figure puts the country in good position to reach the US$3-million mark for the year. “So, we have two full months to go, and...

Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Mike Henry, says Cabinet is to receive a submission shortly on the National Minerals Policy (NMP) for the management and development of Jamaica’s mineral resources. He noted that the draft document focuses on the sector’s diversification and continued growth. “It is proactive, flexible and visionary. It brings together the elements that have guided the...

Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, has commended National Baking Company for responding to the need to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Jamaicans through its ‘Balance Your Life’ campaign. The initiative, which was launched on Tuesday (November 14) at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, will provide consumers with information on how to make healthy consumption choices...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government will be providing funds in the 2017/18 Supplementary Estimates for road repairs islandwide. Mr. Holness said a significant allocation is being set aside in the Estimates, slated to be tabled in Parliament next week, at which time details of this and other provisions are expected to be outlined. “If you...

The Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund has invested $3.3 billion in the development of the health sector over its 15 years of existence. Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, William ‘Billy’ Heaven, said the funds have been spent on the construction and upgrading of health facilities, promoting a healthy lifestyle, training of personnel, research, and cancer treatment,...

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Sancia Bennett Templer, is calling on healthcare professionals to play their part in reducing antibiotic resistance by only prescribing and dispensing antibiotics when they are needed, and in accordance with current guidelines. “The ripple effect of antibiotic resistance is enormous, as when medications do not work as they should, the treatment process takes...

Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Mike Henry, says Jamaica’s bauxite and alumina industry is on a growth path, driven by the reopening of the Alpart plant in Nain, St. Elizabeth, by Jiuquan Iron and Steel Company (JISCO) Limited. The company has proposed to invest some US$3 billion over a three-year period in the upgrading of the 1.65-million-tonnes-per-annum plant, which...