Employees in the public and private sectors are invited to enrol in the Management Institute for National Development (MIND) State Protocol and Business Etiquette workshop, scheduled for June 30 to July 8 at its campus on Old Hope Road. The workshop is aimed at equipping the participants with the necessary skills and confidence to display the appropriate behaviour and decorum...

The body set up to monitor the country’s economic reform programme (ERP) is expressing strong optimism that Jamaica’s economy will continue its positive performance this fiscal year. The Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC), co-chaired by Richard Byles, says several critical factors have contributed to this level of optimism about the future of the economy. Mr. Byles told journalists at the...

The inaugural Jamaica Film Festival, which aims to provide an avenue for local filmmakers to showcase their work, was launched on June 10 at the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) offices in New Kingston. To serve as a display of Jamaica’s artistic talent, the festival will be heavily focused on creating business opportunities for persons in the film industry, while promoting...

Four staff members from the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) are currently participating in a seminar entitled Chinese Culture & Economy for Government Officials from Developing Countries in Beijing, China. The four are among 25 participants from several developing countries who are pursuing the programme which was organized by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce through the Beijing International Chinese...

Members of the Joint Select Committee of Parliament, which reviewed the new Road Traffic Act, have recommended the use of hands-free electronic devices while driving. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy, who opened debate on the committee’s report in the House of Representatives on June 9, said the devices must be...

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday (June 9), passed the Copyright (Amendment) Act, which seeks to increase the protection of creative works used in Jamaica. The passing of the legislation takes Jamaica a step further in becoming compliant with its treaty obligations, having signed the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performance and Phonograms Treaty. Under...

Venues all across the island are expected to come alive with the celebration of culture as Jamaicans observe Emancipation and Independence activities from July 31 to August 6. In addition to the usual festivities there will be some new events such as island-wide festival floats and street parade; and the festival bandwagon, which is a mobile showcase of the best...