Led by strong performances in mining and agriculture, Jamaica recorded third quarter growth of 1.4 per cent between October and December 2013, relative to the corresponding period in 2012. Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Collin Bullock, who made the disclosure at the institute’s quarterly media briefing on February 19, at its New Kingston offices, informed that...

Minister of State in the Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Ian Hayles, has likened the protection of the environment as similar to saving money in the bank for future security for one’s family and self. He describes global climate change as one of the most important challenges to sustainable development being faced by the Caribbean region in...

The Ministry of Health is reviewing its customer care policy, in a bid to ensure that Jamaicans are afforded the highest level of service within the public health sector. Making the disclosure on February 19, portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, said it is intended that “(persons) will receive from our doctors and nurses and administrative persons…quality service.” “We are...

Students attending the Stimulation-Plus (STIM-PLUS) Early Childhood Development Centre in Rockfort, East Kingston, now have access to a new, fully equipped facility with specialised equipment to enhance learning. Erected by the Digicel Foundation at a cost of $30 million, the temporary facility will house the students of the Early Stimulation Programme (ESP), while a permanent structure is being constructed by...

The Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) Bill, popularly called the ‘anti-gang’ legislation, was passed in the House of Representatives on February 18 with 22 amendments. The Bill makes provision for the disruption and suppression of criminal organisations and outlines offences, in order to restore a sense of security in the Jamaican society and strengthen the capacity of law enforcement...

Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, has called on the Jamaica Diaspora groups to explore investing in education infrastructure, through public-private partnerships. “We fully understand the need for investments and this is a reasonable business proposition. I challenge the Diaspora and the financial agencies in Jamaica to move forward in this direction,” the Minister said. Rev. Thwaites was delivering...

At a time when focus is being placed on entrepreneurship and small business development, one enterprising young lady is taking the charge to start her own business, while still in high school. She is 18-year-old Mahalia Gordon, a student at the Central High School in May Pen, who has developed ‘Gordonna’s Everybody’s Natural Blend’. The condiment, formulated from locally grown...