The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) acknowledges the information presented by Carreras Ltd. at its recent press event. Several issues must be taken into consideration when assessing the current impact the illicit trade is having on revenue: 1) The advent of several additional players in the tobacco market (two local manufacturers and new importers) and the impact this is having on...

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government has an unremitting resolve to address crime and build a bond of trust between citizens and the security forces through professional conduct and mutual respect. To this end, The National Security Council (NSC) will be spearheading an integrated and comprehensive set of measures and actions, which will significantly and sustainably reduce crime in...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has hailed the new Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Rocky Meade, noting that he is very knowledgeable for the task. Mr. Holness, who was addressing the swearing-in ceremony at King’s House, on December 1, said Major General Meade will ensure continuation of the fine tradition of the army. The ceremony was presided...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, has welcomed the launch of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) Corporate Governance Code, which creates a framework to facilitate increased growth. He said the updated code is being launched in an environment of growing business confidence and where there is firm commitment by both the Government and private...

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the agricultural sector is poised to reap huge benefits from the nearly 15,000 hotel rooms that are slated to come on stream over the next five years. As such, the Minister is urging farmers to make adequate preparation to meet what is expected to be an increase in demand for food. "There is going...

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen brought Christmas cheer to young patients at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, during their official visit to the institution in Kingston, yesterday (December 1). They toured the Orthopaedic and Medical wards where they spoke with the children and staff and distributed toys, books, games and blankets to the...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson, is appealing to residents of St. Ann to make greater use of the community health centres in order to reduce overcrowding at the hospitals. She noted that the clinics provide quality care, and doctors at the facilities will refer persons to a hospital for advanced treatment if needed. “There are times...