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Government has identified funding for the digital switchover study, which is slated to get underway this month. Minister with responsibility for Information, Hon. Sandrea Falconer, made the disclosure on April 4, during the national digital switchover steering committee meeting at Jamaica House. The comprehensive study, to be undertaken by the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ), will determine requirements for ensuring...

Commissioner of Police, Owen Ellington, says the police are looking at utilising ‘shot spotter’ technology to assist with investigating gun-related incidents and crimes. “We have started discussions with the Minister of National Security (Peter Bunting) about the deployment of ‘shot spotter’ technology in some of our crime hotspots and in some of areas that are plagued by criminal gang violence,”...

The government of Jamaica is not using the pricing mechanism of the state-owned refinery, Petrojam, to jack up the price of petrol in order to benefit from increased tax revenues. This was stated by General Manager of Petrojam, Winston Watson, on April 4, during a question and answer session on the topic: ‘Understanding Petrojam and its role in Jamaica’s Energy...

The tonnes of solid waste generated by residential, commercial and institutional sources each year, is being viewed as a potential source of income for enterprising Jamaicans. Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (STEM) Julian Robinson, notes that in addition to saving the environment there is value in converting waste to energy. He was participating...

With the increase in oil prices and ultimately electricity bills, for many Jamaicans, solar energy can prove to be an ideal source of power for homes and businesses. To this end, the Government has been encouraging Jamaicans to use renewable energy, such as solar energy, as a means of reducing electricity cost. Senior Energy Engineer in the Ministry of Science,...

The Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ) is to begin a comprehensive study next month on the requirements for ensuring a successful switchover to digital in 2015. Digital switchover is the term used for the replacement of the traditional analogue television (TV) broadcasting system with digital format. Jamaicans will have to upgrade their television sets and recording equipment to receive digital...

The Petroleum Company of Jamaica Limited (PETCOM) has been given a new lease on life, provided the state enterprise can maintain and improve its profitability, grow its market share and achieve greater levels of customer loyalty and satisfaction. In the recent past, PETCOM was among state enterprises slated for divestment, but Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (STEM), Hon....

Finance and Planning Minister, Hon.  Dr. Peter Phillips, said that the $11.2 billion added to the budget will allow for a pay down on arrears and ease the burden on the government of carrying over outstanding amounts to the next fiscal year. He was explaining the need for a third Supplementary Estimates, reflecting the increased spending for the financial year,...

Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Minister, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, will chair the board of the proposed Jamaica Energy Council (JEC), establishment of which has been approved by Cabinet. Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, said the Council was being established to, among other things, deliberate on and give consideration to the country’s energy needs, going forward,...

A two-man delegation, led by Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (STEM), Hon. Julian Robinson, is in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago for a preparatory meeting for the ‘Connecting the Americas’ summit. Part of the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) Connect the World Series, the summit, to be held in Panama from...

The Meteorological (MET) Office of Jamaica and the rest of the world will be observing World Meteorological Day on March 23, under the theme: ‘Powering our future, with weather, climate and water’. Head of the Climate Branch at the MET Office, Clifford Mahlung, informed that the MET Office will this year focus on educating the public about alternative energy sources,...

The Government has renewed its commitment to providing electricity at affordable costs to remote communities and marginalised groups across Jamaica through a rebranded Rural Electrification Programme (REP). The programme was incorporated in 1975 with the specific mandate to expand the reach of electricity supply to rural areas, where the provision of such services would not be economically viable for commercial...