The Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI) has endorsed the Government’s $710-billion Budget for the 2017/18 fiscal year, which is expected to keep Jamaica’s economic programme on track. Co-Executive Director, Dr. Damien King, believes its formulation is “clearly the right course” taken by the Administration to position Jamaica to record further macroeconomic stability and debt reduction. Additionally, he says the Administration’s...

The Accountant General’s Department (AGD) is to be relocated to the Oceana Building in downtown Kingston by the end of April. Accountant General, Carlene Murdock, made the disclosure at a JIS Think Tank on Friday (March 24). She said the move is necessary, as the existing location at Public Building West, downtown Kingston, is no longer suitable for the expanding...

The Legal Aid Council’s Mobile Justice Unit will continue to provide free legal services to nine communities in Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine during the month of April. The Unit, which began operations in January 2017, is targeting 50 communities throughout Jamaica this year. Executive Director of the Council, Hugh Faulkner, told JIS News that he is encouraging persons...

Mayor of Montego Bay, His Worship Homer Davis, says the impact of natural disasters can be mitigated by the level of preparedness carried out by communities. Addressing a Business Disaster Preparedness Seminar at the St. James Municipal Corporation on March 23, the Mayor said there is no real substitute for adequate preparation. “Today, disaster comes in many different forms. As...

Executive Director of the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI), Dr. Fritz Pinnock, cannot disguise his immense joy as he speaks of the institution being granted university status, following the passage of legislation in both Houses of Parliament. The Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) Bill 2017 was approved in the Senate on February 24, following approval in the House of Representatives on January...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says that steps will be taken to improve the facilities at the Buff Bay and Port Antonio Fire Stations in Portland. He gave the assurance during a tour on Friday (March 24), where he stated that it is important that the island’s fire services be afforded the best facilities possible....

Chairman of the National Housing Trust (NHT), Ambassador Dr. Nigel Clarke, says the entity has embarked on an ambitious and aggressive drive to assist persons in realising their dreams of owning their own home. During 2017/18, the entity will commence construction of almost 6,000 housing solutions across Jamaica and provide loans for mortgages at a cost of $28.6 billion. Approximately...