The first Supplementary Estimates for the 2013/14 financial year was tabled in the House of Representatives, on February 25, by Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips. It reveals that the budget has been revised downwards from $520.886 billion to $500.7 billion, a reduction of $20.15 billion. The Estimates show a decrease in the recurrent or housekeeping...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, has emphasized that, “the global village in which we live, requires persons with skills and certification,” to undertake projects that will result in sustained development. “Without that in today’s world, you will be lost, because times have changed and things are moving at a rapid rate,” the Minister said. He was...

Fitch Ratings on Tuesday, February 25, upgraded Jamaica’s long term foreign currency and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) to ‘B-’ from CCC. The rating agency also raised the short-term foreign currency rating from C to ‘B’ and the Country Ceiling from B- to ‘B.’ The outlook was also upgraded to “Stable”. The ratings were supported by the following positive...

Jamaica’s cuisine took the spotlight at the Taste of Travel Stage, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre from February 22 to 23. Chef at the Embassy of Jamaica, Ms. Sherene James, who represented the country, displayed her creativity during a live demonstration of how to prepare an array of Jamaican dishes. Hundreds of show goers viewed the preparation...

The Minister of Youth and Culture, the Honourable Lisa Hanna, MP has described the late Jamaican singer Bunny Rugs as a true Reggae Ambassador who had contributed the country’s rich and evolving culture. At a celebratory service on Monday, February 24, at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kingston for the singer who was born Williams Alexander Clarke, Minister Hanna said it...

Wards of the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home in Walderston, Manchester, now have a modern sports complex, which was built by Yohan Blake’s YB Afraid Foundation. The facility, which opened earlier this month, boasts a world-class basketball court and football field. It is one of the major projects undertaken by the Foundation at Mount Olivet since 2011, when it came on...

Jamaica was a much sought after destination at the 10th annual Washington DC Travel and Adventure Show held from February 22 to 23 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Destination Jamaica was on brilliant display as the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), along with hotels and attractions such as Sandals, Beaches, Mystic Ridge Resorts, Island Routes, and tour operators, mounted...