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Persons applying for land titles under the Land Administration and Management Programme (LAMP), are now benefitting from further reductions in fees paid to process the documents. "We calculate our fees on the unimproved value of the land, so we have reduced the 40 per cent that was required (for deposit) and now make it $5,000 across the board," stated Minister...

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is optimistic that the economy will return to positive growth in the last quarter of the fiscal year, despite a decline in earlier quarters. "We are forecasting a return to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by the January/March quarter of 2011," said Director General of the PIOJ, Dr. Gladstone Hutchinson. He was addressing a...

An amendment to the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica's (PBCJ) regulations will now allow for the appointment of a new Board for the entity, which has been without one for two years. This follows Cabinet's approval for the tabling of the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (Amendment) Regulations 2010, which is subject to affirmative resolution in Parliament. Making the disclosure...

Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Gladstone Hutchinson, has said that Caribbean nations must become more proactive in addressing climate change, given the region's vulnerability to natural disasters. "As planners we can no longer sit by and wait to carry out post assessments of hazards impact. We have to become more proactive, we have to anticipate...

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is reporting that more funds are becoming available for Climate Change projects, internationally. Director, Sustainable Development & Regional Planning Division, PIOJ, Claire Bernard, told the JIS that the institute has been mobilizing resources through its relationships with international development agencies, to develop projects that will strengthen Jamaica's adaptive capacity to Climate Change. "There is...

For approximately 30 years now, the welfare of orphaned kids and boys of unfortunate circumstances at the Clifton Boys' Home in Darliston, Westmoreland, has been in the capable hands of Irene Roslyn McDonald, the 'guardian angel' for countless children for her entire life. In the initial years of her working life, Mrs. McDonald committed herself to the nurturing and upbringing...

Prime Minister Bruce Golding was among those who laid wreaths at the shrine of persons who fought in the great wars during yesterday's (Nov 14) National Remembrance Sunday at the National Heroes Park in Kingston. The Day is traditionally observed on the second Sunday in November and is used to celebrate those who gave their service and ultimately their lives...

President of the Jamaica Association of Sugar Technologists (JAST), Ian Maxwell has commended the Government for sticking to its philosophy that the industry has to be driven by privately owned entities. Mr. Maxwell was speaking at the JAST Banquet and Awards Ceremony, which was held at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort, in Ocho Rios, on November 12. "The removal of...

With global climate change emerging as one of the most significant threats to the sustainable development agendas of CARICOM countries, the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) will host a Dialogue for Development Lecture, focusing on the theme: 'Building Climate Resilient Economies: The Way Forward'. The lecture will be held on Tuesday, November 16 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston,...

The Tax Administration wishes to remind Employers that the payment of payroll deductions and contributions for PAYE (income tax), NIS, Education Tax and HEART for the month of October becomes due on Monday, November 15. In keeping with the law, due dates which fall on a weekend or public holiday are extended to the next working day. This applies to...

The Broadcasting Commission is proposing an "equitable" license fee for all players in the sector, to finance its regulatory system. Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Hopeton Dunn, has pointed out that, currently, the broadcasting side of the industry, including radio stations and free to air television companies, does not contribute to the cost of regulation, leaving the burden solely on...

In light of the imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Tomas the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has moved from partial activation to full activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC). The NEOC is the designated administrative hub of disaster or emergency response mechanisms, it is therefore the "nerve centre" of Disaster response and recovery services....