The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) has advised that the country’s declining inflation rate is expected to be temporarily interrupted, but projected to return to the BOJ’s target range thereafter. The inflation rate in April was 5.3 per cent, which is within the Bank’s four to six per cent target range and lower than the out-turn for March. Addressing the Central...

Cabinet has approved an increase in the stipend for jurors, says Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck. Making the announcement during his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 21, the Minister informed that each juror whose name is called for any circuit, will be paid $2,000 for each day he/she attends. The Minister...

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is focused on protecting the Winns Morass wetlands in Falmouth, Trelawny as an ecological restoration and conservation site. Senior Public Education and Community Outreach Officer at NEPA, Ava Tomlinson, told JIS News that Winns Morass is one of the few remaining portions of virgin forests left on the island, particularly on the north...

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...