Expansion and upgrading of hospitals and health centres across the island, under the Prevention and Care Management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Project, will be advanced in the new fiscal year through a $4-billion allocation. Details are outlined in the 2026/2027 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. The project is geared at contributing to the improvement of the...

The Government has set aside more than $700 million for the completion of construction and acquisition of equipment for the Western Children and Adolescent Hospital in Montego Bay, St. James. Details are outlined in the 2026/2027 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. The project is aimed at building a 220-bed facility on the compound of the Cornwall...

The Ministry of Finance and Public Service is reminding procuring entities that they cannot spend funds that have not been appropriated to them, even in times of emergency. In a recent interview with JIS News, Chief Public Procurement Policy Officer at the Ministry, Jovell Barrett, said that the public procurement rules are clear – “they don't have the money, they...

Public bodies are being reminded that they must carefully justify any decision to invoke emergency procurement procedures, as these rules are not designed for automatic or prolonged use. In a recent interview with JIS News, Chief Public Procurement Policy Officer at the Ministry of Finance and Public Service, Jovell Barrett, explained that emergency procurement is governed by strict conditions that...

The Government has earmarked $225 million in the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure to complete the integrated infrastructure project in Anchovy, St. James, and conduct the project close-out audit. The works will be carried out under the Integrated Community Development Project II, which seeks to improve access to basic urban infrastructure and services while contributing to enhanced community safety in selected...

The Government’s plan to strengthen secondary education will be supported by a $647-million investment aimed at transforming teaching, learning, and student support systems in the upcoming fiscal year. These initiatives will be implemented under the Jamaica Education Project (JEP) as outlined in the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure, which was tabled in the House of Representatives on February 12 by Minister...

The Office of Public Procurement Policy is underscoring the responsibility of heads of procuring entities to safeguard public funds and ensure compliance with the law, particularly when emergency procurement measures are invoked. Chief Public Procurement Policy Officer at the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Jovell Barrett, underscores that leadership within public bodies entails clear legal and fiduciary obligations,...