The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has outlined streamlined procedures to ensure the rapid clearance of hurricane‑relief consignments, facilitating timely support from individuals, charities, churches, and community organisations. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Commissioner of Customs, Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker, explained that individuals sending small shipments such as barrels and boxes can expect an efficient clearance process once the requisite documents...

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has announced a temporary waiver of import permits for a wide range of medical and personal care items, a measure designed to accelerate hurricane relief operations and significantly reduce clearance times at the ports. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Commissioner of Customs, Dr. Velma Ricketts Walker, made the announcement during a recent virtual town hall...

The Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) is providing support for students enrolled in tertiary institutions and customers across the parishes of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James and Trelawny, which were most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Addressing Wednesday’s (December 3) Post Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday (December 3), SLB Executive Director, Nickeisha Walsh, announced that grants valued...

Applications are now open for the Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) Debt Reset Programme, offering significant waivers for delinquent accounts and credits for those in good standing. The programme runs between December 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026. SLB Executive Director, Nickeisha Walsh, said the programme is an opportunity for students to reduce their loan balances, eliminate accumulated charges and establish...

The parish of St. Thomas is benefiting from a multimillion-dollar investment courtesy of Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), local operators of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). The entity hosted a soft opening of its newest branch in Morant Bay, the parish capital, on Tuesday (December 2). Situated within the new Morant Bay Urban Centre, the undertaking represents an investment of $350 million...

Chairman of the Private Sector Coordination Committee, Senator Keith Duncan, says the private sector has been working in different areas to support the Hurricane Melissa relief efforts across the island. He notes that, to date, support has been extended to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in developing its hub-and-spoke system for relief distribution, including logistical assistance. “We have provided warehouse...

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is urging individuals who intend to donate large quantities of relief items in response to Hurricane Melissa to coordinate with registered local charities. Chief Information Officer, André Williams, explained that individuals are permitted to clear a “reasonable quantity” of approved relief items. However, shipments such as 100 pairs of shoes will be classified as commercial...