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Following the polling of ‘Special Services Electors’ comprising members of the security forces and election day-workers on Wednesday March 21, the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) is reporting a 44.9 per cent voter turnout,  with the Municipality of Portmore recording a 40.9 per cent voter turnout. Director of Elections, Orrette Fisher, said despite the low voter turnout, overall, the proceedings...

With the literal blast of a horn, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, on Thursday (March 22), officially launched the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), during a ceremony at the Orchid Village Complex, Barbican Road, St. Andrew. The ceremony marked the start of the first phase of one of the Government’s employment creation initiatives, and will see some...

Cabinet has approved increases in pension payments, amounting to some $555 million, to just under 24,000 government pensioners. Speaking at Wednesday’s (March 21) Jamaica House briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, said some 23,995 of the 27,653 pensioners, who are paid by the Accountant General’s Department, will benefit...

Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator  the Hon. Sandrea Falconer has informed that so far, only two new vehicles have been purchased for government Ministers in the new administration. They are for Finance and Planning Minister, Hon. Dr. Peter Phillips, and State Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams. The Minister made the disclosure at a Jamaica House...

Minister with responsibility for Information, Hon. Sandrea Falconer, said the government is unafraid of public scrutiny and is committed to the promotion and facilitation of increased access to state information. “The government believes in the free flow of information, which is essential to a democratic society, and is not afraid to entrust the people with the information they need to...

Vendors, who ply their wares in the Gun Court section of Charles Gordon Market in Montego Bay, have benefitted from a donation of large outdoor umbrellas from the Digicel Foundation. The 50 red Digicel-branded umbrellas were handed over to Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the St. James Parish Council, Councillor Charles Sinclair, on Friday (March 16), at a...

All systems are now in place for special services electors, comprising the police, military and Election Day Workers, to register their votes for the March 26 Local Government Elections on Wednesday (March 21). Under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, special services electors are required to vote at least three clear days (excluding Sunday and public holidays)...

Minister of Justice, Senator Mark Golding, has stated the government’s intent to introduce legislation that will provide greater protection to the country’s innovators and inventors. He said that work has been underway on a new Patent and Designs Bill for some time, and the government is committed to “taking it as quickly as possible to the point where it can...

A book, ‘The Longer Run: A Daughter’s Story of Arthur Wint’, was launched on March 15 during a ceremony, held at Bookophila, in Liguanea, Kingston. The book, written by Valerie Wint, chronicles the world famous achievements of her father, Arthur Wint. It is also timely as the Olympics this year is being held in London where the former Olympian, Diplomat...

Minister with responsibility for Information, Hon. Sandrea Falconer, confirmed on Wednesday the appointment of former Chief Justice, Hon. Lensley Wolfe, as Chairman of the Public Services Commission. Other members are: Hon. Shirley Tyndale; Rev. Dr. Karl Johnson; Professor Verene Shepherd; and Hon. Anthony Irons. Their period of appointment is from February 24, for three years, the Minister noted. Miss Falconer...

Cabinet has given approval for the establishment of a port community system, which will connect port personnel and allow them access to logistical information on port-related freight distribution. “It will also facilitate the exchange of vital information and improve the efficiency in maritime trade and the transportation cycle,” said Minister with responsibility for Information, Hon. Sandrea Falconer, at Wednesday March...

An Exchange of Information (EOI) Office is soon to be established in Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), to facilitate the receipt and sharing of tax information across international borders.   As a precursor to this development, an exchange of information workshop is now underway at the TAJ's offices in Kingston.   According to a TAJ brief, the exchange of information is critical...