The Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) will be monitoring the Government’s implementation of two key benchmarks under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Precautionary Stand By Arrangement (PSBA) for the January to March quarter. Co-Chair, Keith Duncan, said these are the drafting of a Consultation Paper for a Crisis Resolution Framework, and the establishment of a Financial Inclusion Council. He was...

The University of West Indies (UWI) and Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) will stage a series of workshops under the Regional Entrepreneurial Assets Commercialization Hub (REACH) Project, from February 13 to 17 at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston. The workshops will target current and prospective entrepreneurs who will be provided with technical skills training in business planning, development,...

The Government will be fast-tracking the implementation of accompanying regulations for the DNA Evidence Act during the 2017/18 legislative year. This is expected to, among other things, facilitate the activation of the National DNA Register that will be pivotal in forensic investigations by the police. National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, made the disclosure while speaking with journalists following Thursday’s...

The spouses of non-resident High Commissioners and Ambassadors recently visited the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF), 42 Trafalgar Road, St. Andrew, to gain insights into the programme for adolescent mothers. Girls 17 years and under who become pregnant while still attending school are referred to the centre, which addresses problems of interrupted education and other social issues that occur...

Several of Jamaica’s multilateral partners have praised the Government’s ongoing implementation of restorative justice initiatives in reducing crime and violence. Head of Cooperation at the Canadian High Commission in Jamaica, Walter Bernyck; Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Chief of Operations, Harold Arzu; and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Jamaica, Mark Connolley, have endorsed the measures being undertaken through the...

Chairman of Jamaica’s National Cruise Council (NCC), Michael Belnavis, says the problem of visitor harassment has been seriously curtailed in most of the resort towns where visitors can now freely walk the streets. According to Mr. Belnavis, the Courtesy Corps, a security unit formerly known as the Resort Patrol, and which falls under the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), must...

The Department of Correctional Services has received 700 pieces of riot gear from the United States Government, valued at US$90,000. The equipment, which will assist Correctional Officers in carrying out their duties and quelling disturbances which may arise in the facilities, includes: 100 riot batons, 100 riot baton holders, 100 riot helmets with visors, 50 handcuffs, 100 goggles, 50 metal...