The Financial Secretary, Devon Rowe, states for the record that, "under the current Heads of Agreement signed this year for the 2015/17 Contract period, there are no planned job cuts. The measures that are under consideration, include management of vacant positions, voluntary retirement and voluntary separation." In addition, Rowe says, "reform measures which include technology-aided processes are underway as part...

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Derrick Kellier, says the agricultural sector remains buoyant, delivering some 3.3 per cent of growth during the July to September quarter. He said the sector, which is a major employer and foreign exchange earner, is one of the pillars on which the country’s agenda for economic growth rests. As such, he said that the...

Police Commissioner, Dr. Carl Williams, says the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), which is marking 148 years of existence this year, must engage in a continuing process of change in order to remain relevant and to effectively serve the public. “We cannot remain the police force of our grandparents’ era. We must realign our operation and adopt innovative crime fighting techniques....

Gymnast Reiss Beckford is aiming to make history by becoming the first ever Jamaican gymnast to compete in the Olympics. Reiss, who recently represented Jamaica at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow, paid a courtesy visit to the Jamaican High Commission in London on Tuesday, November 24. The visit was a part of his campaign to garner the support...

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier, says the time has come for a “new kind of agriculture” that incorporates more youth involvement and the infusion of modern technology. “Greater level of mechanisation and an increased use of high quality inputs at the appropriate time, based on the physiology of the plant and the composition of the soils (are necessary)…....

Government will be expanding the provision of cash grants under the Programme for Advancement through Health and Education (PATH). The enhanced benefits, to be facilitated through a $6 billion (US$50 million) loan agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in support of Jamaica’s Social Protection Strategy, will assist the most vulnerable and needy in the society, particularly children and pregnant...

Senior Resident Magistrate at the Kingston and St. Andrew (KSA) Family Court, Hon. Paula Blake Powell, is imploring families in need of assistance to take advantage of the free services offered by the Court. The Court, located at 55a Duke Street, offers support and assistance to families facing challenges including poor parenting, child delinquency, and domestic abuse, among other issues....