Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, says that upgrading of Jamaica’s credit rating by Standard and Poor’s will facilitate access to financing on better terms. Standard and Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings, on September 13, upgraded the Government of Jamaica’s Long-Term Foreign and Local Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from B+ to BB-, with a...

More than 5,600 Jamaicans across the island have been equipped with skills in restorative justice (RJ) better enabling them to prevent and manage conflicts. Acting Director of the RJ Branch in the Justice Ministry’s Social Justice Division, Saccsha Ebanks, said the RJ facilitators in each parish have been instrumental in the training process. “Every day our officers get the chance...

The use of Restorative Justice (RJ) as a means of resolving conflicts provides Jamaicans with the opportunity to ventilate their issues. This, according to Acting Director for the Restorative Justice Branch within the Justice Ministry’s Social Justice Division, Saccsha Ebanks. The restorative justice process involves three main parties – the victims, the offenders, and stakeholders deemed positive voices who are...

Nine members of the judiciary were sworn in to higher office for the Michaelmas Term by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Partick Allen, today (September 18), at King’s House. Taking the Oath of Allegiance and the Judicial Oath were Justices Kissock Laing and Georgiana Fraser, who have been appointed to act as Judges of Appeal from September 25,...

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, has been elected Chairman of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC). He was elected during the staging of the 19th WECAFC session, held in Bridgetown, Barbados, from September 6 to 8. The Minister said Jamaica is honoured to be the Chair of WECAFC. “WECAFC continues to be essential in our...

As the Government continues to build out the country’s road network under the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP), the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is looking to expand operations to two routes covered by the project. These are Williamsfield in Manchester and Albion in St. Thomas. Telecommunications and Transport Minister, Hon. Daryl Vaz, made the disclosure at the recent...

Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, is encouraging Jamaicans to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Bail Act. Currently, the Act is being reviewed, with the Senate set to debate on the Bill later this month. Minister Malahoo Forte who was speaking in a recent interview with JIS News, said the law has made some...