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...

State Minister for Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Julian Robinson, is advising Jamaicans to be careful about opening links that are found in emails, tweets, posts, and online advertising. He said that clicking on these links could introduce viruses to computers and also open the door to data predators. “The emails and other things that come to you; there...

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...

Three years after the implementation of energy efficient solutions at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), the agency is reporting savings of 17.5 per cent per annum on its energy bill. The solutions, which include solar control film on windows, cool roof solutions, and overhaul of the air conditioning (a/c) system, were provided under the Energy Efficiency Conservation Programme (EECP), aimed...

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...

A University of the West Indies (UWI) professor is calling for increased use of technology by developing countries, including Jamaica, to assist in the fight against crime. Professor Evan Duggan, who is Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, said there have been “amazing advancements” in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), over the past six decades, which offer great potential...

The Government has realised savings of approximately $80 million to date under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Programme (EECP). The four-year project, implemented in 2011, is aimed at reducing the energy bill in public sector agencies. It is being funded by the Government in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). It involves replacing energy-wasting and outdated air conditioning units...