The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) says preparations are well under way for the 2022 national population and housing census. The exercise was originally scheduled to be undertaken this year, but was deferred to April 2022 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Deputy Director General, Leesha Delatie-Budair, told JIS News that the census will incorporate increased usage of information and...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says a strategy to expand and ramp up the national vaccination programme is being developed with the assistance of key stakeholders. The plan, he said, will be put into operation by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with the other entities. Noting that increasing the number of vaccinations among the population...

The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation will be undertaking a major $323-million road rehabilitation project in Trelawny. Minister without Portfolio, Hon. Everald Warmington, made the disclosure while speaking with journalists following a tour of sections of the parish on Wednesday (September 1). He advised that the repairs would include asphalting, patching, and drainage improvement. Mr. Warmington indicated that phase one...

The Agro-Investment Corporation (Agro-Invest) has been working to link and maintain linkages between farmers and new agro processors and purveyors, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This move forms part of Agro-Invest’s approach to innovate marketing methods for suppliers of local produce. Marketing and Communications Manager at Agro-Invest, Alecia Brown Forbes, said the pandemic has brought about quite a number...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has announced plans by the Government to recruit 40 persons in each of the 63 constituencies to assist in driving greater coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine take-up in communities. Mr. Holness said the individuals, who would be vaccinated, will be employed on a temporary basis to work with members of Parliament (MPs) and community leaders,...

The existing work-from-home arrangement stipulated for the public sector due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been extended to September 17, 2021. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the announcement during a digital press conference on Wednesday (September 1), where he outlined updates on COVID-19 containment measures. “I, again, urge permanent secretaries and heads of agencies to strictly...

The Dispute Resolution Foundation (DRF), in partnership with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), has sensitised more than 700 Justices of the Peace in Mediation Techniques. The Foundation’s mandate is centred on advancing the education and use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods across the island. Manager of Mediation Training and Network Services at the DRF, Sharon Young Palmer, says the...