Persons travelling to Jamaica are encouraged to fill out the online Immigration/Customs Declaration (C5) Form prior to entering the country. Business Development and Communications Director at the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), Kauna McKenzie, told JIS News that although persons can complete the form on arrival, it is best to do so beforehand to reduce wait time in the...

The National Insurance Scheme (NIS), last year, disbursed benefits to over 137,000 Jamaicans both locally and overseas. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 29). He said the Ministry is acutely aware that for many seniors, the NIS...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has commended the Board of Supervision for remaining steadfast in its mission to offer hope and support to vulnerable citizens, particularly those experiencing homelessness. Making his contribution to the 2024/2025 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, on Tuesday (May 28), the Minister said the organisation has brought hope to...

Lydford Mining in Golden Grove, St. Ann, has acquired a state-of-the-art Wirtgen surface miner, a technological first for the island, to improve the efficiency of their mining operations and to ramp up the production of limestones. The piece of equipment was purchased at a cost of US$2.4 million and is set to pioneer a less intrusive method of mining on...

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining will be hosting the 11th Tephritid Workers of the Western Hemisphere (TWWH) conference from June 3 to 7, at Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, in Montego Bay, St. James. Tephritidae are one of two fly families referred to as fruit flies, which are pests that limit fruit and vegetable production and exports. This...

A total of 14,932 persons are currently registered on the Social Pension Programme, which recorded more than $408 million in benefits paid out during fiscal year 2023/24. Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 29). He advised that...

Fishers who are not licensed with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) are being encouraged to take steps to become compliant with the law. Speaking with JIS News, Principal Director for Fisheries Compliance, Licensing and Statistics Division at the NFA, Dr. Zahra Oliphant, said that “according to the Fisheries Act of 2018, a fisher is defined as someone who is so...