The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is moving to increase the surveillance of agro parks through the introduction of technological aids, in a bid to heighten security. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, says plans are in place to utilise features such as geofencing and closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs). “That is something that we [have asked] to be brought forward coming...

Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklyn Witter, says the sugar industry requires an overhaul that must be rooted in a complete modernisation strategy. Mr. Witter was delivering the main address at the 86th annual conference of the Jamaica Association of Sugar Technologists (JAST), held at the Research Division of the Sugar Industry Authority...

The Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC) is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2023 with a year of activities. Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on November 2, Chairman of the Bustamante Hospital 60th Anniversary Planning Committee, Dr. Brian James, highlighted some of the major upcoming activities. He pointed out that several activities are scheduled for November, which he referred to...

The Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection (PQPI) branch of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has earned ISO/IEC 17020:2012 accreditation for its export process. PQPI is Jamaica’s first line of defence against the introduction of exotic pests and diseases. The branch is mandated to ensure that only the highest quality, pest-free cut flowers and fresh produce are exported from and...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has developed four audiovisual toolkits that are to be rolled out to the public shortly. Consultant to the Ministry and Government Senator, Dr. Saphire Longmore, who made the disclosure, said the toolkits will cover the four main tenets of health – mental, social, physical, and spiritual. She indicated that the resources are intended to...

The Jamaican Consulate in Atlanta has partnered with the Atlanta Hawks to assist students in Jamaica and Atlanta. Proceeds from the basketball game, Atlanta Hawks versus the Miami Heat, which will be held at State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, on November 11, 2023, will benefit tertiary and final-year high-school students who are pursuing studies in the science, technology, engineering,...

The Government is eliminating the General Consumption Tax (GCT) on the importation of horses to provide better quality breeding stock and stimulate growth in the horse racing industry. The House of Representatives, on Wednesday (November 1), approved the General Consumption Tax (Amendment of Schedules) (No. 2) Order, 2023 to allow for the measure. Minister of Finance and the Public Service,...