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Implementation of an appropriate energy policy has been given great urgency, with the bi-partisan and stakeholder-involved Jamaica Energy Council (JEC) having its first meeting, on April 20, at Jamaica House. The Council, which is chaired by Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (STEM), Hon. Phillip Paulwell, with Opposition Energy Spokesman, Gregory Mair, as his deputy, seeks to facilitate consultation...

Come May 1, consumers will be able to apply for a net billing licence from the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) and the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell,has announced. Speaking at the opening of the Jamaica Power Summit 2012 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston today(April 19), Mr. Paulwell...

The government, in the next two weeks, will launch its energy efficiency and conservation programme, aimed at saving more that $2 billion per year in energy costs. This was announced by Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell on April 19, 2012 as he addressed the opening of the Jamaica Power Summit 2012 at the Jamaica Pegasus...

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (STEM), Hon. Phillip Paulwell, says the Government will seek to keep its promise of removing the General Consumption Tax (GCT) on electricity. “The government is about to propose a budget for the new financial year and revenue measures are to be contemplated and decided on at that time. There is a commitment that...

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,...