Forty-seven foreign nationals living in Jamaica have been granted citizenship by the Government. They were presented with documents formalising their status by the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) during a swearing-in ceremony at the Police Officers’ Club in St. Andrew on December 14. The ceremony was attended by National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, who has portfolio responsibility for...

The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency’s (PICA) has introduced a drop box and courier service at its head office on Constant Spring Road in Kingston. The drop box will facilitate speedier passport renewals by eliminating the need for clients to join long queues to have documents processed. It will be complemented by a courier service, being done in partnership with...

National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, says the Government will be embarking on an amnesty in early 2018 aimed at regularising the status of some 15,000 to 20,000 persons living illegally in Jamaica. Mr. Montague said this decision follows a recent submission he made to Cabinet on the matter. “We have many persons who came here illegally. They have lived...

Select locations of the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) will be extending their opening days to include Saturday, December 16 and 23 to accommodate the anticipated seasonal rush. Speaking with JIS News, Manager, Marine Wharves at the JCA, Alicia Christian Scott said while Customs House will be open on both Saturdays, persons using other warehouses should check to ensure the relevant...

National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, is endorsing the establishment of the National Identification System (NIDS), as a means to combat crime. Mr. Montague reasoned that a verifiable system of identification in Jamaica, as well as in the rest of the Caribbean, would enable law-enforcement authorities to properly identify the perpetrators of crime. The Minister was speaking at the graduation...

The Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) in Mt. Salem, St. James; and Denham Town in Kingston are to be extended by another 60 days. The House of Representatives on Wednesday (December 6) approved a motion requesting the extension, which was moved by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. Mr. Holness noted that additional time is needed to facilitate social-intervention...

The Government has formally apologised to residents of West Kingston and all Jamaicans who were affected by the operations of the security forces in May 2010, which resulted in the loss of lives and damage to property. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness delivered a statement in Parliament on Wednesday (December 6) in which he expressed regret for the...