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...

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...

Chairman of the Electricity Sector Enterprise Team (ESET), Dr. Vin Lawrence, says the entity has been working assiduously to ensure that its mandate of establishing a framework for the development of the electricity sector in Jamaica is realised. Addressing a ceremony in Montego Bay, where the Bogue power conversion  project was launched by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo)  on ...

State Minister in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Julian Robinson, is urging Jamaicans to exercise greater care in protecting their personal security in cyberspace. The Minister, who was addressing a JIS Think Tank last Friday (October 9), said that while the Internet has allowed for increased efficiency, there are greater risks for the average Jamaican, and so...

The new Cybercrimes Act, which seeks to protect the country from cyber criminal activities, is to be debated in Parliament tomorrow (Oct. 13). The new Act, which will replace the 2010 legislation, incorporates new offences such as computer-related fraud or forgery; the use of computers for malicious communication; and unauthorised disclosure of investigation. “The new Cybercrimes Act has a number...

Small Island Developing States, such as Jamaica, are susceptible to the impact of climate change on their development. In order to meet the challenges posed by the phenomena, the Caribbean Climate Innovation Centre (CCIC) was created in 2014, with the aim of supporting Caribbean entrepreneurs and new ventures that are developing locally appropriate solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation....

Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Minister, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, is encouraging small businesses to make use of social media in marketing their goods and services. “Greater use of smartphones and cutting-edge applications, increasingly giving flight to the power of social media, results in cost-effective marketing and global interactive exposure,” the Minister said. He was speaking at the 5th Small Business...

Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Minister, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, has hailed Wisynco Group on its investment of $200 million in a one megawatt solar plant. He said the plant, which has realised energy savings of approximately J$118,950 (US$1,000) per day, since it went into operation earlier this month, is in keeping with the Government’s focus on  renewable energy solutions. “We...