The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) is reporting that 87 per cent of notes in circulation are the new polymer currency. The new series of polymer Jamaican banknotes comprise upgraded $50, $100, $500, $1,000 and $5,000 notes, and the newly introduced $2,000 bill. “Over time, the old notes are being redeemed at Bank of Jamaica. I had said some time ago...

The Ministry of Finance and the Public Service is reminding contractors that the Procurement Review Board exists to hear grievances in relation to matters of procurement. Chief Public Procurement Officer at the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Andrei Bennett, told JIS News that the body is a quasi-judicial tribunal that was established by the Public Procurement Act. “It’s...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. places a wreath at the Agnes “Aggie” Benard Monument, downtown Kingston, during the National Workers’ Week/Labour Day wreath-laying ceremony on Tuesday (May 21) . The monument pays tribute to Jamaicans who participated in the 1938 labour strike, which have resulted in improved work conditions for today’s workers. National Workers’ Week,...

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, has highlighted the importance of effective school leadership in addressing violence and other challenges. “As we go forward, especially in the very difficult schools, we have to look carefully at the leadership,” he said. “From the chairman to the critical support staff… we are going to have to...

The Hanover Municipal Corporation (HMC) will be building a house for an indigent resident on Labour Day, May 23. The undertaking, which is the parish project, is in keeping with the Labour Day focus on persons with disabilities, the elderly and the vulnerable under the theme ‘Ramp up the Access… Show that you Care' Deputy Mayor of Lucea and Chairperson...

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, says a multisectoral approach is critical in the fight against human trafficking. She said that no individual, agency or organisation can effectively combat the scourge on its own. “We don’t stand alone; multisector cooperation is imperative given the complex nature of the crime, whether internal or international. Countries...

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) has implemented a centralised Private Branch Exchange (PBX) telephone system across its offices islandwide. Provided under the coordination of the Transformation Implementation Unit (TIU) and with funding support valued at $1,415,820.97 from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), upgraded system will streamline internal communication and improve access by the public to its offices....