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Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda, has said that the long awaited Government Small Business Procurement Policy has been approved by the Cabinet. Mr. Samuda said that, under the policy, a minimum of 15 per cent of Government procurement will be reserved for micro and small enterprises. "These policy measures are intended to ensure that some of...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw, has announced that Government will establish a Central Treasury Management System (CTMS), during this financial year. "This new aspect of financial management involves a holistic approach to the management of public funds and will provide real short and long term fiscal benefits for the country," Mr. Shaw said, during the opening...

The Ministry of Finance and the Public Service has implemented a new phase of the tax amnesty programme, which will run until the end of October. Jamaicans, who are not declaring income taxes, are being urged to use the period of the amnesty now underway, to become tax compliant. "Embrace the opportunity to be part of the process where we...

The Government has developed an economic framework in an effort to improve the quality of governance in the country. The framework will address key areas such as controlling public sector debt; rationalising public bodies; improving Central Government financial management and budget processes; increasing revenue collection; increasing growth and competitiveness; and managing the public sector wage bill. Minister of Finance and...

The Government will be increasing provisions under the social safety net to provide a cushion for Jamaicans as the country grapples with the current world financial crisis. "The global economic crisis only reinforces our commitment to ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our society are protected," said Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Audley Shaw as he...

The call-in programme, "Jamaica House Live", hosted by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, is on again this last Wednesday, April 29 from 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. The programme allows Jamaicans at home and abroad, to call and speak with the Prime Minister on any issue or concern that they might have. Issues are discussed and there is always follow-up action...

The Government is further reducing the rates for Stamp Duty and Transfer Tax this fiscal year, mainly to stimulate a revival in the real estate and construction sectors. Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Audley Shaw, told the House of Representatives on Tuesday(April 23), that Stamp Duty will be reduced from 4.5% to 3%, and Transfer Tax from...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw, has said that the proceeds of salary cuts from Government members of the House, which will amount to $8 million, will go towards assisting infirmaries islandwide. In a national broadcast a few weeks ago Prime Minister, Bruce Golding had informed that he would "lead by example" and give up his seven...

The Government is moving speedily to put legislation in place to address sexual harassment and a proposal will be presented to Cabinet soon. This disclosure was made on April 21 by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, at a 'Sexual Harassment Rap Up' forum at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston. Minister Grange, who has responsibility for...

The usual Monday morning meeting of Cabinet will take place today (Wednesday, April 22). The meeting was rescheduled in light of the visit of Prime Minister of Canada, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper. The visit also included a special joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament which took place on Monday, instead of the usual Tuesday meeting of the House...

Prime Minister of Canada the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, will address a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament on Monday (April 20) at 2:10 p.m. The Prime Minister arrived in the island on Sunday night (April 19) for a two-day working visit. He travelled to Jamaica by special aircraft from the three-day Summit of the Americas, which ended on...

A total of $2.4 billion has been allocated to the Customs Department this fiscal year, as Government moves to implement strategies to meet revenue targets, collect overdue amounts, and foster an environment for voluntary tax compliance. This is contained in the 2009/10 Estimates of Expenditure, which is now before the House of Representatives. In meeting the stated targets, measures will...