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...

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 It involves replacing energy-wasting and outdated air conditioning units...

The Port Authority of Jamaica says the Port of Montego Bay will be ready to accept shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the Bogue Gas Conversion Project. Vice President for Business Development at the authority, Edmond Marsh, gave the assurance during his address at the launch of the J$2.5 billion (US$22.54 million) project in St. James on October 12....

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...