Debate has started on the Constitution (Amendment) (Local Government) Act, which seeks to entrench local governance in the Constitution. The legislation is in keeping with recommendations made in the August 1993 Report on the Constitution of Jamaica and the May 1995 final report of the Joint Select Committee of the Houses of Parliament on Constitutional and Electoral Reform. The reports...

Come next year, stiffer fines will be implemented for persons who continue to breach the island’s anti-litter law. “We are going to take to Parliament, next year, a range of significant fines for persons who are discarding (garbage) in a careless way. We are just waiting on the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, who drafts these laws. Once that is done, we...

The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is reporting no complaints from customers due to new measures implemented during the peak season, to ensure the timely clearance of goods at the ports. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the JCA, Major Richard Reese, said the agency, in collaboration with port operators, is handling the influx of imports by the extended working hours and...

Public Relations Officer at the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Emeleo Ebanks, is cautioning parents not to leave their children at home, especially during the holiday season. He said that in the past, several house fires have been caused by children who are left at home by their parents or guardians to attend to business or leisure. “Household fires will increase...

The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) will be temporarily relaxing its no-vending rules downtown, to accommodate the anticipated increase in commerce during the Christmas period. From today (December 19) to January 3, vendors will be allowed to ply their wares on the sidewalks, as well as in areas normally designated no-vending zones. Mayor of Kingston, Senator Councillor Angela Brown...

More than 1,000 children from Montego Bay and adjoining communities were provided with gifts and refreshments by the St. James Parish Council on December 18. Heading the list of persons who ensured that the children were treated royally at the annual treat was Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the St. James Parish Council, Councillor Glendon Harris. The event,...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is urging Jamaicans to take precautions this Christmas, in order to prevent fires. Public Relations Officer of the JFB, Emeleo Ebanks, said that many persons either lose their lives or homes during the yuletide season due to unsafe practices, which result in fires. “In November 2012, there were 83 homeless adults due to fires, and...