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Plans for the development of a National Identification System (NIDS) have been advanced with a further allotment of $32.48 million. The funds have been set aside in the 2013/14 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. Being implemented by the Office of the Prime Minister, through funding from the Korean International Corporation Agency, the project seeks to establish...

A sum of $4.4 billion has been earmarked in the 2013/2014 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives, for the Integrated Social Protection and Labour Programme. The project’s main objective is to support the Government of Jamaica’s efforts to improve human capital and labour market outcomes of the poor by enhancing the effectiveness of key social protection programmes....

The Government of Jamaica will be renewing its effort to dispose of several public sector assets during the new financial year, through a managed privatisation process. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, informed that the assets will be divested to either the private sector or communities, where it is determined that they would be used more productively,...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller says the Government will ask the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) to monitor the price of food items, in light of the increases to some goods and services. “We are going to speak to the Consumer Affairs Commission to see what they can do in monitoring the prices, so that the consumers will...

Twenty-two residents of South West St. Andrew have been given financial grants of $30,000 and upwards, to aid in the development of their small businesses. The residents are engaged in a variety of ventures, from small grocery shops to carpentry, tailoring and fish vending. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, who presented the grants at the Office of...

The continuous training of managers, particularly middle managers, is vital for the development of the organizations they represent, and by extension Jamaica, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Valerie Veira, has emphasized. She explains that training plays a vital role in assisting managers to “make their mark, instead of leaving a scar” on the organizations to which...

Several persons, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and corporate establishments from across the island have been recognized for their contributions toward the alleviation of poverty and destitution in the country. The awards were given by the Board of Supervision (Poor Relief), at its inaugural awards ceremony, held at the Cardiff Hotel and Spa, in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, on March 27. Chairman...

The Jamaica Information Service’s (JIS) commemorative Jamaica 50 photo album has won an international award in the prestigious Mercury Awards Competition, organized by New York-based firm, MerComm, Incorporated, in the United States. The publication, titled: “Our Golden Jubilee, Snapshots of Post Independent Jamaica 1962 – 2012”, was selected for the 2012/13 Bronze Award in the Photo Album category, eclipsing some...

The Social Development Commission (SDC) has been praised for coordinating and implementing development activities in several communities across St. James. Representatives of the parish’s Community Development Council’s (CDCs) benefitting from the SDC’s initiatives conveyed their satisfaction with the agency’s work during the organization’s parish forum at the Calvary Baptist Church in Montego Bay on Wednesday (March 27). Key activities highlighted...

A report produced by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), has revealed that intimate partner and sexual violence against women is widespread in the 12 Latin American and Caribbean countries surveyed. Entitled: ‘Violence Against Women in Latin America and the Caribbean’, the report was officially launched in Jamaica by Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea...

Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, has asserted that violence against women has to stop, emphasizing that there is an urgent need for a broader national dialogue and engagement to tackle the issue. “Violence against women happens too often…I am sure everyone has had a friend or an acquaintance who has been a victim of intimate...

Access to Information Advisory Stakeholders Committee Chairperson, Dr. Carolyn Gomes, has lauded the country’s progress in the area of access to information, pointing out that Jamaica has come a long way since passing the Act in 2002. “What a long way Jamaica has come with access to information. It’s fantastic. We’re coming from a place where no information that you...