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The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) will be hosting a series of training sessions islandwide for photographers, to improve the quality of photographs that are submitted to the agency. Speaking with JIS News, Director of Customer Service at PICA, Stephanie Gordon, pointed out that the agency is obligated to produce passports that are of a certain standard and so...

Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) President, Joseph M. Matalon, has underscored the need for sustained national effort and leadership from all segments of the society, in reducing crime and violence. Speaking at the recent PSOJ Chairman’s Forum held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, Mr. Matalon argued that crime reduction is not the sole remit of the government,...

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) will host a colourful, lively, military display as part of the island’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Dubbed the ‘Jamaica Military Tattoo 2012’ it will provide a historical perspective of the JDF from 1962 to the present while projecting their future relevance. A military tattoo is an elaborate show of marching bands, precision drill movements and dynamic...

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Dianne McIntosh, says strengthening the capacity of law enforcement across the region to deal with large crowds and major events is critical, particularly with the ever present threat and danger of terrorism. Ms. McIntosh stressed that small island states, particularly in the Caribbean, must continue to confront the challenges of transnational organised...

National Security Minister, Hon. Peter Bunting, says the Ministry is moving to accelerate the culture change currently taking place within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), to transform the organisation’s image into one providing public service. Noting that “this is something that has been happening” over time, Mr. Bunting said the Ministry wants to shift the emphasis from state security to...

National Security Minister, Hon. Peter Bunting, says an improved judicial system is needed in the country, in order to augment the crime fighting efforts of the nation’s police force. Speaking at the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) Chairman’s Club Forum Breakfast, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, on March 20,   Mr. Bunting lamented what he described as...

National Security Minister, Hon. Peter Bunting, says despite a slight increase in the number of murders since the start of the year, relative to the corresponding period in 2011, there is no need for panic. He said the numbers are still lower than figures recorded during the second half of 2011. “(If) you look at what has happened…what you will...

Residents of August Town, St. Andrew are benefiting from a parenting workshop, through which they will learn skills to help steer their children away from criminal activity. The five-week workshop, dubbed: ‘Parents Against Violence’, is organised by the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) in collaboration with the Greater August Town Parenting Association (GATPA) and the University Township Project. At...

National Security Minister, Hon. Peter Bunting, is eyeing a May timeline for the commencement of operations by the proposed multi-agency national anti-corruption taskforce. The taskforce will, among other things, target for seizure, the proceeds generated from crime, as well as focus on apprehending drug kingpins and other facilitators of illicit activities. Speaking at the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ)...

Minister of Justice, Senator Mark Golding, said that the Government is considering the creation of a single anti-corruption agency as part of measures to combat the scourge of corruption within the country. Speaking at an anti-corruption forum held on Monday March 19 at the Webster Memorial United Church on Half-Way-Tree Road, Senator Golding explained that the agency will provide “a...

Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting, has emphasised that a major reduction in crime is a "strategic objective" of the Government, in order to facilitate economic growth and social stability, and is an “absolute priority,” if Jamaica is to progress. However, he noted that this strategic objective will not be achieved by taking incremental steps, and that the strategy...

Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting, has urged new members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) to hold true to the organisation's core values as they carry out their tasks. He was addressing the passing out parade for 127 new soldiers, including five potential officers, from intakes 103 and 11, held on Saturday (March 10) at the JDF Training...