A Resolution allowing for a reduction in the customs duties on horses, in order to facilitate the continued viability of the racehorse industry, was approved by the House of Representatives on July 21. The Customs Tariff (Revision) (Amendment) Resolution, 2015 was approved without any further amendments. The category of horses which presently attracts a tariff of 40 per cent will...

Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, says a Cabinet sub-committee has been established to strengthen the link between the Government and the private sector, particularly as it relates to facilitating activities to spur economic growth. Additionally, he says the growth agenda subcommittee will also oversee activities pertaining to public sector transformation, and public investments, which are also...

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, July 7, approved legislation to permit conch exporters to pay the export levy for the 2015 season in installments. The passage of the Conch (Export Levy) (Special Provisions) Act will allow exporters to complete payment within three months of the date of submission of the application for an export health certificate and export licence....

A Bill to modernise Jamaica’s public procurement legislation was passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 7. The Public Procurement Act will reflect new policy thinking and international best practices in the area. Opening the debate on the Bill, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Hon. Horace Dalley, said it will facilitate greater participation...

The Customs (Amendment) Act, which seeks to facilitate the implementation of best practices and standards by Jamaica Customs, has been sent to a Joint Select Committee of Parliament for consideration. The Bill was tabled in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 7 by Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips. It will provide for the establishment of...

Two Bills were passed in the House of Representatives on June 30 to allow for the postponement of Local Government Elections until December 29, 2016. The elections were due to be held not later than June 30, 2015. The Bills passed are the Parish Councils General Election (Postponement) Act and the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation General Election (Postponement) Act....

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will be undertaking an islandwide recruitment exercise for the Canadian Farm Work Programme from August 10 to 28. This was disclosed by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, in a statement to Parliament on Tuesday, June 23. “The Ministry will be going islandwide to preselect persons, who will be suitable...