The Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) will be undertaking several activities during fiscal year 2023/24 to facilitate the use and protection of intellectual property locally. The initiatives include launching a technology innovation support centre as well as a women’s innovation network. This was disclosed by Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, under which JIPO falls,...

The National Housing Trust (NHT) must be commended for not only building houses for the private market but also for being significantly involved in social housing projects, says Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. Speaking at the opening of the new male ward at the Westmoreland Infirmary on April 26, the Prime Minister said that the NHT is also...

Jamaica’s transition from a constitutional monarchy to a republic will be a public process, assures Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Information, Hon. Robert Morgan. Speaking during Wednesday’s (April 26) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Minister Morgan said that it is impossible to not have public engagement in a constitutional reform process....

The local independent fact-finding team, appointed to assess the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programme (SAWP) in Canada, has found that most of the Jamaican employees are satisfied with their working and living conditions. Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda, reported on the findings of the team, which travelled to Canada last year, in his Sectoral debate presentation in the...

The Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, is encouraging businesses to implement apprenticeship programmes for unattached youth. His call follows the Government’s desire to address labour shortages across several sectors. “We [as a Ministry] support businesses. We support you in middle management but you in business must train a lot more and must upskill our...

The distribution of 10,000 helmets to motorcycle riders is expected to begin in June. Making the announcement while addressing a recent meeting of the National Road Safety Council, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said the procurement process has started. Mr. Holness announced the programme while making his contribution to the 2023/24 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives,...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is replacing its existing legacy work permit process with a new web-based, mobile-friendly work permit and skills certificate management system at a cost of US$927,000. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda, made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2023/24 sectoral debate in the House of Representatives on April 26. Currently, the average processing...