Canadian nutraceutical and pharmaceutical company, Timeless Herbal Care Limited (THC), which has operations in Jamaica, is the first private entity to be granted a ganja research licence by the Government. The licence is the third to be issued, following similar awards to the University of the West Indies (UWI), and University of Technology (UTech). The licence permits THC to cultivate...

The Government has embarked on creating a network of Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISCs), to strengthen its work in promoting science, technology, and innovation as key target sectors for Jamaica’s development. The first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean, the network will assist innovators and researchers with easier access to data on patents, which are exclusive rights granted...

The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) Act has been amended to enhance transparency and investor confidence within the electricity sector. The Bill, which was piloted by Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, was passed in the House of Representatives on October 13. In his address, Mr. Paulwell noted that investors have repeatedly expressed concern as it relates...

The Cybercrimes Act, which seeks to address computer specific offences, was passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, October 13, with two amendments. The new Act will replace the 2010 legislation, and incorporates new offences such as computer-related fraud or forgery; the use of computers for malicious communication; and unauthorised disclosure of investigation. It also addresses the use of...

Chairman of the Electricity Sector Enterprise Team (ESET), Dr. Vin Lawrence, says the entity has been working assiduously to ensure that its mandate of establishing a framework for the development of the electricity sector in Jamaica is realised. Addressing a ceremony in Montego Bay, where the Bogue power conversion  project was launched by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo)  on ...

Work is to get underway on the J$2.5 billion (US$22.54 million) Bogue Gas Conversion Project in St. James. This follows yesterday’s (October 12) official launch of the multibillion-dollar undertaking to convert the 120-megawatt plant into a dual facility for automotive diesel oil (ADO) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo) is undertaking the project in collaboration...

State Minister in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Julian Robinson, is urging Jamaicans to exercise greater care in protecting their personal security in cyberspace. The Minister, who was addressing a JIS Think Tank last Friday (October 9), said that while the Internet has allowed for increased efficiency, there are greater risks for the average Jamaican, and so...