State Minister for National Security, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says the support inmates and former wards receive after they are released from institutions remains a key element of the Government’s crime-prevention strategy. “A great part of our investment is to focus on post-release progress,” Mr. Charles Jr. said, noting that by exposing these individuals to transformational rehabilitative programmes,...

National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, says the Ministry is developing a Drone Policy regarding the use and sale of unmanned aerial vehicles. At a press conference held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Kingston on April 27, Mr. Montague said instructions have been given to the Policy Unit to initiate proceedings in that regard. “We have had reports from a...

A total of 507 persons were refused entry into the island and 138 others were deported for the period April 2016 to March 31, 2017, as the Government continues to implement measures to protect the country’s borders. This was disclosed by Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, during his contribution to the 2017/18 Sectoral Debate in the House of...

Chief Information Officer at the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), André Williams, says implementation of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) has significantly improved the effectiveness and efficiency of operations at the entity. The ASYCUDA, which is a web-based system designed to transform the agency to a paperless operation through the use of electronic documents, was introduced a few years...

Beginning July 1, a 60-day amnesty will be granted to delinquent motorists to pay the fines on outstanding traffic tickets, without incurring a penalty or interest. This was announced by Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, during his contribution to the 2017/18 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on April 26. Additionally, he informed that the House will...

Andrew Wynter has been named the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), and attorney-at-law, Shane Dalling, as CEO of the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA). The announcements were made by National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, during his contribution to the 2017/18 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on April 25. Mr. Montague...

Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague, says licensed firearm holders who brandish their guns in public spaces will lose their permits. Citing two such incidents recently, he said there has been “an increasing and worrying trend of private gun owners brandishing their weapons in public spaces, especially at entertainment events”. “Let me be very clear, if you pull your...