Completion of the Joint Select Committee’s review of the Integrity Commission Bill is one of several key legislative engagements slated to be undertaken during 2015/16. This was announced by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, while delivering the Throne Speech, under the theme: ‘Partnership for Development: Inclusive Growth…Expanding Opportunities’, during the 2015/16 State Opening of Parliament on...

A Department of School Services (DSS) is slated to be established in the new fiscal year, to coordinate activities and provide a stronger focus on school improvement and accountability. The DSS is aimed at improving the quality of education and output from the system. This was disclosed by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, while delivering the...

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, says the tough economic reforms being undertaken by the Government continue to bear fruit, as evidenced by the significant gains made last year. The Governor-General was delivering the Throne Speech at the ceremonial opening of Parliament on Thursday, February 19, under the theme: ‘Partnership for Development: Inclusive Growth…Expanding Opportunities’. He noted...

The 2015/2016 session of Parliament began on Thursday, February 19, at Gordon House, with the traditional pomp and pageantry. It marks the earliest start to the country’s Parliamentary year and presentation of the annual budget, which normally takes place at the beginning of April. The ceremonial opening was highlighted by the delivery of the Throne Speech by Governor-General, His Excellency,...

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, says the Government is committed to honouring its obligations to Public Sector workers. Among these are:  the annual performance increment of 2.5 per cent; the third tranche of the Health Sector reclassification;  and the final one-off payment to each Public Sector worker in the amount of $25,000, arising from the 2012/15...

Several key pieces of legislation, aimed at enhancing and improving Jamaica’s national security and justice systems, are included on the legislative agenda for the new 2015/16 Parliamentary year. This is outlined in the Throne Speech delivered on Thursday, February 19, at Gordon House, by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen. Notable among the legislation are: the Caribbean...

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, has hailed the international partners for their invaluable contribution to the country’s development. “The Government and people of Jamaica deeply appreciate the invaluable assistance and cooperative spirit in which our partners support our efforts to build our economy, and improve the quality of life of our people,” Sir Patrick said. He...