Jamaicans in South Africa are among millions of people from around the world who continue to reflect on the life and contributions of former South African President, Nelson Mandela, following his death on December 5. JIS News caught up with a few who shared their reaction to the passing of one of the world’s greatest icons. Desmond Smith, a Jamaican...

Businesses should now be afforded greater access to credit, following passage of the Security Interests in Personal Property Act (2013), in the Senate, on December 12. The Bill was passed with 105 amendments after a lengthy debate with contributions from Opposition and Government Senators. A requirement under the agreement between the Government of Jamaica and the International Monetary Fund (IMF),...

After years of consultation and scientific research, the Local Management Plan for the Cockpit Country Forest Reserve was officially launched on December 11, at the Lowe River United Church Hall, in South Trelawny. Work on the document lasted from 1998 to 2006, when an agro-forestry baseline study was done, followed by a bio-physical inventory study of the area which resulted...

More than 200,000 residents across the Portmore Municipality are expected to benefit from improved sewage facilities, as work gets underway on the approximately $2.3 billion Portmore Sewage Project. The works, to be undertaken by contractors, Surrey Paving and Aggregate Company Limited, over a 45-month period, involves the decommissioning of the five existing wastewater treatment plants, which are in an advanced...

The St. James Police will be increasing its presence on the streets to ensure the safety of citizens as they go about their various activities during the busy Christmas season. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in charge of St. James, Egbert Parkins, informed that 35 additional personnel will be deployed starting next week and they will provide 24-hour coverage from...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, has made a call for Jamaicans to show greater care for the country’s senior citizens. The Minister, who was speaking at a Christmas fair held on December 11, at the Golden Age Home in Kingston, stated that the society will be judged by how it treats its elderly. He said the...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, says the Government continues to push the public-private partnership (PPP) agenda, as the country moves towards realizing its National Development Plan. He emphasized that if Jamaica is to become a place to live, work, raise families, and do business, as set out in Vision 2030, the economy must be transformed into...