The Government has committed to expanding the country’s protected areas network by approximately 30 per cent by the year 2030, commonly referred to as the ‘30x30’ target. Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, said at present, Jamaica has declared approximately 24 per cent of its landmass as protected under law, including the Cockpit Country Protected Area,...

Cabinet has approved amendments to the Income Tax Act to facilitate a regime that allows for a non-taxable treatment of disaster relief honorarium made by employers to employees during periods in which a declaration of disaster has been issued. Cabinet also approved the issuing of drafting instructions to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel to give effect to the proposed regime. Minister...

Jamaica’s reconstruction strategy, being deployed across infrastructure, housing, digitalisation, logistics, agriculture and energy, will create thousands of jobs, improve national productivity and protect fiscal sustainability. Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the declaration in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (December 2), where he provided details about the comprehensive financial package of up to US$6.7 billion over...

Jamaica’s delegation to the 30th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Brazil successfully advanced discussions with key international partners, securing major financial and technical support opportunities to strengthen climate resilience and drive post‑Hurricane Melissa recovery. Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, made the...

The Government is exploring the prospect of using more than 1,000 containers currently sitting idle at the Port of Kingston as possible temporary housing solutions for persons affected by Hurricane Melissa. Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Hon. Daryl Vaz, made the disclosure during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (November 25). “These containers represent more than...

The Government has allocated $10 million to each constituency to facilitate the clean-up of debris left in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the announcement during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (November 25). He also informed the House that $150,000 will be allocated to each Councillor in all...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has developed a comprehensive Health, Nutrition, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Plan. Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, made the disclosure in a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (November 11). “The plan involves several key interventions, supporting the provision of...