The Government has proposed new revenue measures expected to raise the $6.7 billion needed to fully finance the 2014/15 budget. This was disclosed by Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, as he opened the 2014/15 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on  April 17. He noted that the $540.1 billion budget is being funded from projected revenues and grants of $421.2 billion, leaving a financing gap of $118.9 billion. “This...

The rebranding of Cambridge High School in St. James is already resulting notable improvements in the school’s culture and the performance of its students. ​Principal of four years, Mavis Hamilton, who launched the rebranding initiative,tells JIS News that the school community is pleased with the improvements that are being made. ​Ms. Hamilton says when she took over the reins of the institution in 2010, she saw the need for a drastic turn around. “I quickly identified disciplinary deficiencies and low academic performance as the two major challenges facing...

​Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson has called on Jamaicans to join the fight against lifestyle-related diseases, by adopting a preventative approach to their health.​ The Health Minister was addressing the opening ceremony for the Bethel Town and Neighbouring Communities Association Incorporated (BTANCA - Inc) Health Fair on Wednesday, April 16 on the grounds of the Bethel Town Health...

With the Jamaican economy experiencing growth, Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, says the country must stay the course of structural reforms to obtain investments and job creation. Opening the 2014/2015 Budget Debate at Gordon House, on Thursday, April 17, the Minister stated that the Government economic reform programme is on track, and confidence in the...

Construction of 170 vending stalls at the Black River Market in St. Elizabeth is to begin shortly, following the signing of a $16.76 million contract, to undertake the works. The project forms part of the Government’s major redevelopment programme for markets across the island. It is being financed from $25 million allocated by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) for this...

Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison has lauded the Jamaican justice system as one of the best in the Commonwealth. She however acknowledged that like all other justice systems, there is need for tweaking, and continuous re-examination, in order to improve the service delivery. Mrs. Gordon Harrison made the comments on Wednesday, April 16, while addressing a two-day training seminar for...

Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting, is reporting a downward trend in murders and other crimes, even as he calls for community partnerships to sustain the drop. Speaking to journalists on April 16, at the Jamaica Police Academy, in St. Catherine, where 195 new members were added to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Minister noted that for the first...