The Government will continue its drive to support the improvement of access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the upcoming fiscal year. This, from a provision of $750 million contained in the 2023/24 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of representatives. There are four components of the project, namely enhancing the Credit Enhancement Facility (CEF)...

Private-sector entities are being encouraged to invest in the establishment of a national Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Centre, which will prepare students to compete on a global scale. The move aligns with Government’s efforts to establish six STEM academies across the island. Chairman of Cari-Med Group of companies, Glen Christian, in making the call, said that the “Government...

Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) Chairman, Julian Mair, says he is optimistic about the continued growth of the financial sector, particularly the securities industry, in light of Government-programmed changes to the regulatory framework consequent on recent developments. Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, on Monday (January 23), announced that a Twin Peaks model of financial...

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) operators will soon be able to use their Intellectual Property (IP) as collateral to access loans from financial institutions. This was disclosed by Executive Director of the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), Lilyclaire Bellamy, during an interview with JIS News on Thursday (January 26). Ms. Bellamy said the Security Interests in Personal Property Act,...

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce’s strategic objectives for 2023 will focus on increasing exports and local direct investments, and training unattached youth. Portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, outlined details of these during the Ministry’s Rebranding and Quality Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday (January 18), at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston. Minister of Finance and the...

Local businesses across various sectors will be exposed to new buyers in the Guyanese market as part of the second ministerial trade mission to the country. The mission, which will be led by the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, is scheduled to take place from January 23 to 28. “With export being a primary...

Rehabilitation of the Salt Spring Primary and Infant School in St. James is set for completion next month, says Managing Director of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), Omar Sweeney. The project, which commenced in September 2022, is being funded by JSIF at a cost of more than $34 million and is being undertaken in partnership with the Ministry of...