The Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) will be processing registration applications for Data Controllers in order of priority. In a public notice published on June 2, the OIC said it is balancing the rights and interests of all people as it phases implementation of the Data Protection Act. In the first phase, from June 1 to August 31, 2024,...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill (left), shares pleasantries with Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, during the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) Biz Social at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston on May 31. Senator Hill delivered the keynote address on the topic ‘Roadmap to Business Growth’. The Biz Social was held under...

Tourism Minister and St. James East Central Member of Parliament, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, addresses residents attending a Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement of Our Road Network (SPARK) Programme community consultation meeting at the Barrett Town Primary School in the constituency on May 30. The programme focuses on the rehabilitation of community roads across the island. The meeting is among several being...

Legislation to modernise customs practices and procedures to facilitate trade effectively and efficiently was passed in the House of Representatives on May 29. The Bill, the Customs Act, was piloted by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke. The modernisation is expected to bring benefits for the trading community and the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA)...

The Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) has established registration fees for Data Controllers. Under the Data Protection Act, persons who hold, receive, use, collect or deal with personally identifiable information of any individual are considered data controllers and must register with the OIC. Registration began on December 1, 2023, and data controllers were given a six-month grace period to...

Government Senator, Dr. Sapphire Longmore, is encouraging Jamaicans to show greater compassion towards persons experiencing mental health challenges, which she notes, have become more prevalent across the society. Dr. Longmore emphasised the importance of understanding and supporting individuals struggling with these issues while highlighting the potential adverse effects, particularly on young people. She was speaking during a mental health forum...

As the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, has assured residents of St. James that the Municipality is well prepared to face any challenges that may arise. The hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, and forecasters are suggesting that it could be a very active one. Speaking at a press conference...