Deputy Financial Secretary of the Strategic Human Resources Management Division in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Wayne Jones, says the immense contribution of the civil service to Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP) must not be underestimated by the general public. Speaking at the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) Western Region celebratory luncheon and awards ceremony at the...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is working to quickly resolve issues relating to the 2017/19 public sector wage negotiations. He noted that while it was not expected that unions and other stakeholders would immediately accept the offer put forward by the Government, the negotiations have not been progressing at a reasonable pace. “There will always...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Audley Shaw, has reiterated his appeal for financial institutions to provide low-interest funds to the productive sector. He said that for business innovation to strive, money loaned to the sector should not be at more than seven and eight per cent. Mr. Shaw, who was delivering the keynote address at the launch...

Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, says a large portion of the funds collected under the traffic ticket amnesty will be used to purchase vehicles and equipment for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) as well as effect improvements to traffic offices across the island. He made the announcement during Tuesday’s (November 14) sitting of the House of Representatives as...

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Christine Lagarde, says stronger economic growth is the essential foundation for a more resilient Caribbean. She noted that economic growth in the region has been low for several decades and this has led to rising social and economic challenges, including poverty, inequality, unemployment and crime. Ms. Lagarde said there is no one explanation for...

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Christine Lagarde, is hailing the Government for its effort to improve Jamaica’s economic outlook. Mrs. Lagarde commended Jamaica for stabilising the macroeconomic climate, reducing its debt levels, setting fiscal precedence for the rest of the region and increasing the rate of employment. “The resolve of the Jamaican authorities... has been critically important to arrive...

Jamaica is being lauded for its continued commitment to achieving sustained growth through the institution of economic reform strategies and programmes across Administrations. This praise comes from Dean, Stern Business School, New York University, Professor Peter Henry, who was speaking at the Sixth International Monetary Fund (IMF) High Level Caribbean Forum at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on...

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is inviting residents of Portland to attend its ‘Customs in the Community’ event to be held at the Old Marina, Port Antonio, on Friday (November 17) from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Director of Public Relations and Customer Service, JCA, La Donna Manning, told JIS News that the event is the third in the series...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says he is expecting Jamaica to have an improved ranking in the World Bank’s Doing Business Report for next year. For the Doing Business Report 2018, Jamaica has fallen to 70th position, down from a ranking of 67th. Addressing the Sixth International Monetary Fund (IMF) High Level Caribbean Forum held at The Jamaica...