The Government is crafting legislation to treat with the issue of prank calls to the Police’s 119 emergency number. This, as the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting that approximately 85 per cent of calls to 119 are prank calls. Senior Superintendent of Police, Emergency Communication Centre, Gary Francis, told JIS News that the JCF receives an estimated 5,000 to...

Twelve teams have advanced to the second stage of the public-sector debate competition, following impressive first-round performances earlier this week. On Monday and Tuesday (April 24 and 25), a total of 18 teams squared off, from which 10 winners were selected. The winning teams were the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce; Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN); Passport Immigration and...

Agricultural Scientists are being urged to build on the legacy of renowned scientist, Dr. Thomas P. Lecky, as a strategy to further advance agriculture and strengthen the breeding population for cattle and ruminants in Jamaica. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon Pearnel Charles Jr., has said this will ultimately help to achieve food security and create a more resilient livestock...

Approximately 530 youth were placed on short-term employment with various private-sector companies for six months each during fiscal year 2022/23. This was facilitated through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Social Intervention Programme (SIP) and allowed them to gain valuable work experience and earn an income. Some 33 per cent of these young people came from households supported by...

Teachers are being encouraged not to fear the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) but to leverage the technology to supplement the teaching-learning process. Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, says despite the notion that AI software is poised to automate a number of jobs globally, it is unlikely that the technology will replace teachers in the classroom. Artificial...

The Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ) now has the power to verify businesses’ membership and beneficial ownership information, as outlined in recent amendments to the Companies Act that took effect on April 1, 2023. Registrar of Companies and Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the COJ, Shellie Leon, explained that prior to the change, “someone would file documents with the...

The paint manufacturing company Sherwin-Williams is being hailed for its entrepreneurial and community outreach values by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill. Minister Hill, who was speaking at the company’s unveiling of its 50th Anniversary Logo, and factory tour in White Marl, St. Catherine on April 26, said people stay at Sherwin-Williams because “they can...