Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says the conflict in Eastern Europe presents an opportunity for Jamaica to become more self-sufficient in food production. He said the effect of the conflict “means that there could be challenges but also significant opportunities for us to shift our dietary focus to more of our local products like cassava and yam”....

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) has revised two Standards that stipulate specifications for building blocks and ready-mixed concrete, two key construction components. The JS 25 2011 Jamaican Standard Specification for hollow concrete blocks and the JS 133 2015 Jamaican Standard Specification for ready-mixed concrete were launched during a digital ceremony on Tuesday (March 15), under the theme ‘Building Solid...

Parents are being advised to look out for symptoms of multi-inflammatory system syndrome in children (MIS-C), who have recovered from the coronavirus (COVID-19). Medical Officer of Health for Westmoreland, Dr. Marcia Graham, said that children who have had COVID-19, whether they were symptomatic or asymptomatic, may be susceptible to the illness. She was addressing the monthly meeting of the Westmoreland...

The All-Jamaica Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.8 per cent for February 2022 as released today by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). This movement was largely impacted by the 1.3 per cent increase in the index for the heavily weighted ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’ division. The increase in the division ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’ was mainly attributed to...

Jamaica’s first water resources master plan since 1990 will be launched on World Water Day, March 22, at the AC Hotel by Marriott in New Kingston. The plan was developed by the Water Resources Authority (WRA), which has responsibility for managing the country’s water resources. Chief Hydrologist at the WRA, Geoffrey Marshall, made the disclosure while speaking at a Jamaica...

The Government has taken several steps to protect and educate consumers, says Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn. Among the initiatives is a National Consumer Policy, coordinated by the Consumer Affairs Commission, that establishes a formal structure to enhance consumer protection policies among government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and...

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has been instrumental in the seizure of US$957,564, £40,135 and Can$6,435 at the nation’s ports and has investigated 62 financial cases since April 2021. There was also the forfeiture of US$207,201.00 and Can$17,450.00 to the Crown under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The disclosure was made by Commissioner of Customs and Chief Executive Officer of...