Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the government was able to reallocate resources within the Budget to deliver over $100 billion for social protection and recovery support. Mr. Holness made the disclosure during his New Year’s Day message on January 1, where he said this was done, without any increase in borrowing. “I understand that for some this...

Today, the Jamaican Economy Panel (JEP) publishes the seventh round of its discussions focusing, this month, on the high rate of emigration from Jamaica and the possible consequences for the loss in highly-skilled Jamaican workers. According to the Economic and Social Survey of Jamaica (ESSJ) 2019, published by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), net population growth decreased from around...

Transport and Mining Minister Hon. Robert Montague, on Tuesday (December 21) handed out land titles to five families from communities in St. Ann, as part of land settlement agreements by Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners. The beneficiaries are from the areas of Friendship Cottage, Hartlands, Highbury Road in Alexandria and Minard. The titles represent part of 1200 titles to be conferred by the bauxite company to...

Minister of Transport and Mining (MTM) Hon. Robert Montague, says the government’s decision to reintroduce the Bauxite Production Levy, is “fruitful” for the Jamaican people. Speaking with JIS News on (December 29), the Minister said it has saved jobs, and the “average Jamaicans are finally” seeing the benefits of mineral and other extractions on the island.The decision has ensured that...

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says the Bellevue Hospital will be transformed into a destigmatised institution serving the society. Speaking recently at an appreciation ceremony for clients at the Winward Road Kingston facility, the minister said mental challenges affect more persons than is widely known, and there is no “scorn” that should be associated or...

The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) is reporting third quarter calendar year growth of 5.8 per cent for July to September, compared to the corresponding period in 2020. In a statement on Friday (December 31), STATIN said the outturn was attributable to growth in the services and goods producing industries, up 7.1 and 2.4 per cent respectively. The Institute noted...

The recently launched online training application for Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) operators, ‘Transport Authority (TA) PPV Driver Train’ will be made available to approximately 82,000 operators in the PPV sector, as well as in the commercial sector. It will facilitate training via a gamified format in the use of the road code, defensive driving and customer service for these operators....