The Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, which will propel productivity and improve industry competitiveness to support faster growth, create jobs and improve health, education, security and governance, will be tabled in the new Parliamentary year. Delivering the 2022 Throne Speech to mark the ceremonial opening of Parliament on February 10, Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, said...

The Insolvency (Amendment) Bill, to allow for the rehabilitation of businesses, where possible, and prevention of insolvency, is to be tabled during the 2022/23 fiscal year, says Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen. He was delivering the Throne Speech during the 2022/23 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament at Gordon House on Thursday (February 10). Outlining legislative priorities to...

Jamaica’s tourism industry rebounded from the economic fallout caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to record three consecutive quarters of growth in 2021. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, says the country ended last year with a strong showing of more than 1.6 million visitors and US$2 billion in earnings. “The industry’s success can be attributed to...

The Government will be embarking on the implementation of an integrated rural development programme during the new fiscal year that is aimed at modernising communities while improving infrastructure and services. Greater emphasis will also be placed on social protection, with expansion of the construction of indigent houses. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Patrick Allen, made the disclosure while delivering...

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, says the Jamaica Teaching Bill, which seeks to bring structure and standards to teaching, has been tabled in Parliament. “Work is also advancing on amendments to the Education Act, the Children (Adoption of) (Amendment) Bill and the Child Care and Protection (Amendment) Bill,” he added. Delivering the 2022 Throne Speech in...

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (centre), stands at attention for the playing of the National Anthem, at the 2022/23 ceremonial opening of Parliament at Gordon House on Thursday (February 10).

The Government will commence implementing a comprehensive restructuring of public-sector compensation during the 2022/23 fiscal year. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, said this will simplify the current complicated 325 salary scales and eliminate most of the 185 allowances. He advised that, consequent on this, compensation, in most cases, will comprise a salary payment “while ensuring that...

The Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs is to place emphasis on the Government’s legislative agenda and on legal and constitutional reform. “The creation of this new Ministry may be regarded as the first serious attempt by any government to holistically revisit the legal and constitutional infrastructure of Jamaica, in 60 years,” said Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon....

The 2022/23 session of Parliament got under way this morning (February 11), at Gordon House, highlighted by the delivery of the Throne Speech by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, under the theme ‘Building Our Jamaica: Peace, Opportunity and Prosperity’. His address outlined the priority programmes and policies to be pursued by the Government in the new...