The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) is implementing a number of initiatives aimed at facilitating venture capital and private equity transactions in the island. These will be undertaken with technical assistance from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Julian Robinson made the disclosure during his contribution to the...

With the introduction of a number of tax reform measures on June 1, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) have put strategies in place to meet an expected influx of queries from taxpayers. This was disclosed by Technical Specialist at TAJ, Donna Newman and Collector of Customs, (JCA) (Kingston), Karlene Henry as they addressed a JIS Think...

Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips has reiterated that notwithstanding some of the challenges that exist in the micro financing sector, it remains an area of critical focus for the Government. He says this has been demonstrated over the past several years by deliberate strategies to address the constraints facing the sector. Minister Phillips was addressing...

The local gaming sector continues to be one of the highest grossing industries in the economy, recording tremendous growth in several areas. Data provided by the Ministry of Finance and Planning for the last three financial years, dating back to 2011, show the industry recording significant increase in government taxes and revenue, from $3.8 billion for the 2012/13 fiscal year...

Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Hon. Horace Dalley, says plans for the proposed merger of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) and the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC), are far advanced. Mr. Dalley informed that work continues on the rehabilitation of the building at 78 Hagley Park Road, Kingston, which is to become the new...

The Government has completed a wide ranging compensation policy for the public service. Prime Minster, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, made the disclosure during her keynote address at the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) 95th annual general meeting, held at the Jamaica Conference Centre, in downtown Kingston, on May 29. “We decided that we needed to develop an instrument...

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) continues to institute a slew of measures to improve service and tax collection at revenue offices across the island. Speaking with JIS News, Director of Communications at TAJ, Meris Haughton, noted the drive to improve online filing and payment of taxes. Individuals, including those living overseas, can now pay property taxes online with a credit card...