The upgraded irrigation system at the Bodles Research Station in St. Catherine is expected to play a vital role in strengthening the Fruit Tree Project. In 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, in collaboration with the Jamaica Agricultural Society, embarked on a National Fruit Tree Planting Programme. The programme aims to increase the nation’s food security by expanding the...

The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) is reporting that the pace of foreign exchange rate depreciation has slowed significantly. Governor, Richard Byles, said that the exchange rate, as at February 16, 2022, was J$157.42 to US$1, representing four per cent annual point-to-point depreciation. “This is a slower pace of depreciation than what occurred over the same period of last year. Moreover,...

Jamaica will be hosting Royal Caribbean’s flagship Oasis class vessel and the world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, in November. According to Royal Caribbean’s western Caribbean itinerary for 2022, Wonder of the Seas, which is due to begin its maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the eastern Caribbean on March 4, will arrive in Falmouth, Trelawny, on...

An additional $142.7 million has been budgeted to continue work under the Jamaican Path from Hills to Ocean Project in fiscal year 2022/23. This is outlined in the 2022/23 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. The project, being executed by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), aims to bolster the country’s resilience to climate change and reduce...

A total of $5 billion has been budgeted for roadworks during the 2022/23 fiscal year. This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Everald Warmington, following a tour of sections of St. James on Tuesday (February 22). Mr. Warmington also advised that $300 million is earmarked for emergency work resulting from...

Research conducted at the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC) from 2012 to 2016, found that the most common skin conditions among children treated were ringworm in the head, eczema, and allergic reactions to insect bites. This was disclosed by Paediatrician and Senior Registrar at the hospital, Dr. Andrew Burton, at a JIS Think Tank on Thursday (February 17). Dr. Burton...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) will be receiving an additional 50 compactor trucks to improve garbage collection across the island. A sum of $1.8 billion has been budgeted in the 2022/23 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives, to procure the vehicles under the Acquisition of Compactor Trucks Project. The trucks will increase the NSWMA’s fleet...