Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, has renewed his call for more philanthropic groups and individuals to contribute to the continued growth and development of the country's education sector. He noted that while the Government spends $80 billion annually or 30 per cent of the recurrent budget on education, "that is not enough; we need much more money, also...

Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, says significant strides have been made in securing and preserving Jamaica’s oral and intangible cultural heritage. She pointed out that the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica (ACIJ), an agency under the Ministry of Youth and Culture, has been working to protect the intangible pieces of Jamaican culture. “We got some funds from...

The Government has received approximately $810.2 million (US$6.8 million) in World Bank grant funding support to improve climate and weather data collection and information management within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The undertaking is part of a package of projects, valued of approximately $3.57 billion (US$30 million), which are being financed in Jamaica under the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience...

The Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) is reaping rewards from improvements made to its service delivery processes. Customer Service Director at PICA, Lesline Chisholm, told JIS News that during the period 2012 to 2014, PICA implemented technological solutions, and provided facilities and services for customers with special needs. Focus was also placed on improving efficiency through staff motivation, while...

Government is spending nearly $40 million to upgrade two health centres in the parish of St. James, which will benefit over 20,000 residents in more than seven communities. The projects are in keeping with the ongoing thrust to improve the country’s primary health infrastructure to provide holistic care for Jamaicans. A total of $26.7 million has been allocated to renovate...

A call has been made for Jamaicans, particularly those sufferings from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), to take care of their oral health. Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, said that poor oral health presents an added danger for persons, who suffer from conditions such as cardiovascular (heart) disease, cancers, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes. NCDs are responsible for over 70...

Her Royal Highness, Princess Royal, Princess Anne, is hailing the wonderful reception from the Government and people of Jamaica during her three-day visit to the island. She said she was “wonderfully entertained with that real flavor of Jamaica” during her visit, which got underway on September 30. Her Royal Highness made the comment during her address at the closing ceremony...