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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Dr. Ronald Robinson says it is essential that small island developing states have access to technologies that utilise rare earth metals. The State Minister explained that a beneficial effect of the use of rare earth elements in technologies related to renewable energies and carbon dioxide emission reductions, is...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda, has lifted the ban on the export of scrap metal effective Thursday (May 6), while announcing a raft of measures that will govern the industry for the next four months. In a statement to the House of Representatives Tuesday (May 4), Mr. Samuda explained that the measures to be implemented include...

The Clarendon based bauxite/alumina company Jamalco has published its 2009 Sustainability Report, giving an account of its stewardship and operations during the last calendar year. The report covers results achieved in the areas of mining and production, environment, health and safety, community outreach and contribution to the Jamaican economy during 2009. Statements from President of Alcoa's Latin America and Caribbean...

Science students at Mile Gully High in Manchester now have a laboratory equipment to help them to adequately carry out the practical tasks required to complete their Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) syllabus, as well as general curriculum. At the official opening of the Integrated Science laboratory at the school on Thursday, April 22, Acting Principal, Mr. John Clarke, said the...

Minister of Energy and Mining, Hon. James Robertson, has assured that the Government and the owners of the St. Elizabeth-based bauxite alumina company Alpart, have been working together to ensure that a 2011 reopening of that operation is possible. "The partners in Alpart have shown true interest in this asset, and their desire to get the plant reopened. They have...

Minister of Energy and Mining, Hon. James Robertson, has announced that the Government will be divesting the Font Hill property in St. Elizabeth to facilitate development. Minister Robertson spoke with JIS News while touring a section of the 3,000-acre property in Crawford, in the parish on Friday (April 23), accompanied by Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Member of Parliament...

The Government has put a stop on all scrap metal trade effective April 28, with the exception of manufacturers who generate their own material, and do not buy from other sources. "This must be upon submission of evidence to the Customs department to verify," Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda stated today (April 26), as he made...

More than 95 residents of St. Thomas were yesterday (April 21) presented with certificates of title to formalise their ownership of properties. The move was facilitated under the Government's Land Administration and Management Programme (LAMP), which seeks to regularise land ownership across the island. At the presentation of the documents at the Yallahs Seventh Day Adventist Church, Minister of Energy...

Transport and Works Minister, Hon. Mike Henry, has called for swift and decisive action to contain infringements by scrap metal seekers which, he said, were having a severe negative impact on the construction sector. Mr. Henry, in adding his voice to concerns raised by his counterpart, Agriculture Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, regarding the impact of scrap metal pilfering on sugar...

Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding, has said that while the upgrading of the Petrojam refinery is proving costly, it is critical to improving the country's capacity to meet domestic requirements for refined petroleum products. Mr. Golding, who was making his contribution to the 2010/11 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives Tuesday (April 20), said that the "capital costs"...

Opposition Spokesperson on Energy, Information and Communication Technologies, Mr. Phillip Paulwell, is urging the Government to begin negotiations with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to fast track the process of liberalising the electrical grid. "This will provide greater meaning and benefit to the public and complete the process of .liberalisation of generation," Mr. Paulwell said in his contribution to the...

Opposition Spokesperson on Energy, Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Phillip Paulwell, has urged the Government to finalise a policy for the micro and small business enterprises. "It is our hope that the policy is indeed progressive and that it recognises the importance of these sectors. It must address all issues, including access to a range of financial services, the legal...