The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Wednesday (May 26), handed over 10 global positioning system (GPS) devices to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. The Trimble TDC600 handheld devices were provided under the United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU)-funded Spotlight Initiative, which is aimed at removing all forms of violence against girls and women by 2030....

The Government has revised the agreement for mining in the Cockpit Country, says Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Robert Montague. The modifications include the removal of 6,000 hectares of land, which are adjacent to the Cockpit Country, from the original Special Mining Lease 173 (SML 173). This change resulted in Special Mining Lease 71 (SML 71), which provides additional...

Senator the Hon. Tom Tavares-Finson has welcomed the recent amendments of the Standing Orders to allow members to join full sittings of the Upper House virtually. The Standing Orders are the rules that govern the proceedings, actions and conduct of members in the Chamber. The Senate President said that the situation was prompted by the need to observe the protocols...

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, says she is encouraged by the response from developed countries in facilitating increased access to coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines to disproportionately impacted territories across the region. The response, she said, includes an agreement by Spain to donate five million vaccine doses to Latin America and the Caribbean, representing about five to 10...

The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) has pledged its commitment to providing interventions to support the growth of the cultural and creative sector known as the orange economy. Speaking with JIS News, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the JBDC, Harold Davis, said that the recently published findings of the Jamaica Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) mapping exercise will better inform...

Senior Strategist/Adviser in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright, says Jamaica expects to continue to welcome the major cruise lines in the world once cruise shipping resumes. He told JIS News that the island enjoys “important relationships” with the two largest cruise companies – Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise lines. Royal Caribbean recently added a 25th vessel, the Odyssey of...

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Microwave Network has been upgraded and expanded, more than tripling its capacity and adding about 90 new links. This was noted by Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, during his contribution to the 2021/22 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 25. Dr. Chang said this will facilitate adequate Internet connectivity...