Jamaican farmers and food processors are among over 28,000 in eight Caribbean countries who will be assisted by the Canadian Hunger Foundation (CHF) over the next six years. They will receive assistance to tap into markets being targeted to absorb as much as approximately $10 billion (C$100 million) worth of produce and products, under major initiative currently being rolled out....

The Government, in the last fiscal year, provided 55 housing solutions at a cost of $31 million under its Infill Housing Programme, which seeks to upgrade existing housing schemes and projects. Minister with responsibility for Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy said these developments took place in Manningsville and Gazeland, both in St. Elizabeth. “Plans for other sites have also been...

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke, says significant investments are being made in the sector by private entities, even while overseas markets are being expanded for Jamaican produce. He disclosed that currently business interests in North America are making plans to import Jamaican foods, while Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Donovon Stanberry, is in the United Kingdom finalising...

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell has written to Energy World International (EWI) giving the company the requisite notice regarding the revocation of their licence. This was disclosed by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller during the sitting of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, June 4. She was responding to questions posed by...

The performance of students in business subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level is expected to be greatly improved with a $500,000 pilot business education and entrepreneurship project. To be implemented in five Corporate Area high schools by September 2014, the project is an initiative of the University of Technology (UTech), through its Faculty of Education and Liberal...

Over one million Jamaicans are expected to have improved water supply under a $1 billion Tank and Pump Rehabilitation Project. Under the programme, 52 wells have been identified for rehabilitation, 11 of which have already been inspected by the Rural Water Supply Limited. Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Robert Pickersgill made the disclosure during his contribution...

Stamp duty rates on alcoholic beverages have been reduced, effective June 1, as part of the Government’s strategy for the systematic unification of the rates of taxation. Importers of beverages such as wines, liquors and cordials will now enjoy a US$00.60 reduction in stamp duty from US$1.60 to US$1 while beers have been reduced from US$00.90 to US$00.60 per litre....