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Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, has said that the Ministry is in the process on finalising preparations to seek Cabinet approval to draft a Tobacco Control Act that would provide sweeping protection against unwanted tobacco exposure. “Tobacco use remains a leading cause of cancers, heart disease and a range of other avoidable illnesses and we intend to curtail...

Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting, has informed that a plan is being formulated to guide the implementation of the proposed merger of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF). “I’ve asked the Commissioner (of Police) to develop what would be a plan for merger, and that plan should address a number of things...

Commissioner of Police, Owen Ellington, has applauded the position taken by the Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting to hold him accountable for a reduction in the instances of police fatal shootings. “I am happy that we have a Minister who takes such a bold stand on such an issue which may even be controversial among members of the...

Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting, says an awareness initiative is to be launched soon, to highlight the importance of persons providing information to the police. Speaking at a Domestic Violence and Risk Management Forum, held at the Ridgemount United Church, in Mandeville, on March 29, the Minister argued that the “informer fi dead” culture must be tackled, as...

Most law enforcement officers are in support of the ongoing modernisation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and believe that the efforts are working effectively. This was stated by Commissioner of Police, Owen Ellington on March 30, at a press conference at the Police Officers’ Club in Kingston, to reveal the findings of a survey on the perception of police...

The Government is to acquire two firearm marking machines to assist with efforts to stem the illegal trafficking in small arms. The Dot Peen machines will allow the authorities to trace weapons by placing marks on them, which cannot be easily erased, should they fall into the possession of criminals. They will be procured by the Ministry of National Security...

Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting, said there could be amendments to the law governing the operations of the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM). He informed that the Commissioner of the body has asked the Minister of Justice to examine the INDECOM Act, with a view to more clearly outline the role of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) investigators...

Students for Transformation (SFT), the youth arm of the National Transformation Programme (NTP), are appealing to young Jamaicans to maintain peace during the upcoming Boys and Girls Athletic Championships, slated for March 28 to 31 at the National Stadium in Kingston. “We are all one Jamaican. Let it be one love, one heart and friendly rivalry. It is okay for...

The Government is to undertake a review of the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) policy on the Use of Force. This was disclosed by Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting, during a statement to the House of Representatives, Tuesday March 27. “The police are determined to rid the force of anyone who would abuse the powers that have been entrusted...

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...