Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on Tuesday (March 31), tabled the Disaster Risk Management (Enforcement Measures) (No. 2) (Amendment) (No.2) Order, 2020 in the House of Representatives. The Order outlines new measures to guard against or mitigate the threats or effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the possible consequences thereof. Among the provisions is that markets are to...

The Government is spending $240 million to purchase excess produce from farmers impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19). Making the announcement at a digital press briefing on Tuesday (March 31), Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, said the measure is to begin with immediate effect. Mr. Hutchinson noted that the objective is to...

Members of the public are again being urged to do their part to reduce transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19) by strictly adhering to the Government’s social-distancing protocols. The call came from Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, who said that social distancing remains one of the most effective defences in combatting the...

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is reporting that its childcare facilities have put measures in place to ensure that children in State care are protected during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Chief Executive Officer of the CPFSA, Rosalee Gage Grey, told JIS News that the agency has activated its National Emergency Disaster Committee, similar to what is done...

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) is advising seafarers with certificates that will expire in the next three months to present the MAJ bulletin regarding the extension of validity of these documents, along with the expired papers, to Port State Control (PSC) at their various ports of call. Speaking in an interview with JIS News, MAJ Director General, Rear Admiral...

The National Housing Trust (NHT) wishes to advise that it has adjusted its opening hours effective April 1, 2020, until further notice. In addition, the NHT will offer some services online or by telephone only. Starting Wednesday, April 1, 2020: • Our offices will be open to the public from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Mondays to Thursdays and close...

With the advent of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and consequent to the announcement of an Island wide curfew to take effect from April 1 2020, the normal operational schedule of the Government Employees Transportation Service (GETS) will be adjusted. Please note the following changes and ensure that they are brought to the attention of all concerned: Morning Pick Ups The...