The National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) will be undertaking research in 2023 to determine the extent of access to and use of substances among the population. The research comes out of a rapid situation assessment done earlier this year among secondary-school students, which showed an increase in the popularity of substances such as molly, edibles and vaping. “We are...

Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, says the review of provisions in the Bail Bill will focus on balancing human rights with safety and security needs. Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ today (November 16), Minister Malahoo Forte said while the high level of criminality, violence, chaos and disorder is not accepted as normal, the Government...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Karl Samuda, says persons employed in the Canada-Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme are well regarded on the farms where they are engaged and are seen as valuable team members. The Minister noted that on his recent visit to Canada, the farm owners spoke “very highly” of the workers. “Everyone I spoke to, the...

Agribusiness operators are being encouraged to utilise the EXIM Bank’s ‘Energy Loan’ product to retrofit their operations to accommodate energy efficiency fixtures, energy conservation and alternative energy projects. Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, made the call during his address at the launch of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Jamaica Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2022...

Cabinet has approved the setting up of a Constitutional Reform Committee, which will play a key role in ensuring Jamaica’s smooth transition to a Republic. Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, said that the body “will be a consultative committee, a collaborative committee where we exchange perspectives”. It will comprise representatives from the Government and Opposition,...

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says Jamaica has recovered from its COVID-19 downturn in all major markets to where a record 283,000 airline seats are now expected out of Canada for the upcoming winter tourist season. Mr. Bartlett, who is currently in Canada meeting with travel partners and other tourism interests, said it is an “amazing” reversal of fortune...

A total of $950 million has been allocated to the CODE CARE project, with most of the funding going to the renovation and upgrade of nine operating theatres at four hospitals. These upgrades will enhance the throughput of surgeries within hospitals. Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, made the disclosure during a statement to the House...