The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says it will be targeting crime hotspots in parishes across the island during the Christmas season. Speaking with JIS News, Head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Gary McKenzie, said that the high command continues to pay keen attention to parishes on its radar. “We have some...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has employed an additional 500 sweepers and has also engaged 300 private dumper and garbage trucks to assist in the public cleansing drive. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, made the disclosure during the sitting of the House of Representatives on December 14. He said that the sweepers will...

The Island Traffic Authority (ITA) is seeking to collaborate with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information to introduce a driver education programme in high schools. Speaking at the launch of the $10 million Ferry Police Station Renovation Project on Tuesday (December 14), Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Robert Montague said this is intended to ensure that the proper...

The Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC) has handed over leases to five investors to begin cultivation of 250 acres of land at the new mango agro park in Spring Plain, Clarendon. Chief Executive Officer of the AIC, Dr. Al Powell, said that the investors are expected to see returns on their investment in three years. “The mango agro park, after three years,...

For December 2021, Bank of Jamaica projects that the value of currency issued by the Bank will increase by approximately $23.1 billion (11.3 per cent), relative to the stock at end-November 2021 ($204.4 billion) (see Figure 1). The forecast for the month is below the five-year average growth rate of 16.4 per cent for the month of December. The projected...

The Jamaica Railway Corporation’s (JRC) Back on Track School Train Service was officially launched on Tuesday (December 14) at the Ministry of Transport and Mining. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Minister of Transport and Mining Hon. Robert Montague said that he was proud of the Ministry and of the collaboration that has taken place among the various stakeholders in the...

Protocols have now been established for face-to-face visits at Infirmaries and Golden Age Homes for a limited period from December 19 to January 2, 2022. This was announced by Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, during the sitting of the House of Representatives on December 14. He informed that persons who wish to visit will have...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, says the transformation of the public sector is “critically important” to the country’s development. Speaking at the start of a series of engagements with public sector employees hosted by the Transformation Implementation Unit (TIU), recently, Minister Clarke noted that there are three main imperatives driving the transformation –...

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has commenced work on a multi-million-dollar project to protect the Montego Bay waterfront in St. James. The project involves the restoration of six groynes to mitigate against further erosion of the city’s shoreline and prevent severe flooding. Speaking at the St. James Municipal Corporation’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony held at Harmony Beach Park on Monday...