Arising from queries from the media and members of the public, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is advising that it remains fully operational at the country’s air and sea ports, and assures its customers that there are no restrictions or ban on the importation of goods from countries impacted by the COVID-19 virus. Mrs. Velma Ricketts Walker, CEO/Commissioner of Customs,...

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has activated its COVID-19 prevention plan to decrease the likelihood of the spread of the virus within correctional facilities island-wide. Effective Monday, March 16, all external visits to the facilities will be suspended for two weeks. During this period, the public will not be allowed to take food or care packages to correctional centres....

Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson, says implementation of the states of public emergency (SOE) is creating space for the police to erode the influence of gangs in hotspot communities. Citing the example of Salt Spring in St. James, he noted that the community, which was once the base for a violent gang, has been transformed and members of...

Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says over the last four years, the Government has doubled its investment in security annually, as part of measures to improve public safety. “In 2016/17, we spent some $2.5 billion. This amount was doubled in 2017/18 with an allocation of $5.5 billion; in 2018/19 we went up to $11 billion and during...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on Tuesday (March 3), broke ground for the commencement of the Port Royal Coastal Revetment Project, which will be undertaken at a cost of approximately $950 million. The project aims to create protective infrastructure that will safeguard the Port Royal Street corridor, downtown Kingston, against the adverse effects of natural disasters and climate...

Chief Executive Officer of the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), Andrew Wynter, is encouraging members of the diaspora to acquire a Jamaican passport. Speaking during an interview with JIS News, he said there are multiple benefits for persons who attain the Jamaican passport and/or unconditional landing, which is a stamp placed in a passport that allows the holder to...

The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) will be engaging members of the Jamaican Diaspora in Lauderhill, Florida, in the United States, with its second Access Jamaica Expo, from Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8. The event is being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Consulate General of Jamaica, Miami. Speaking...