Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. says sustaining increased banana and plantain production is critical to the ‘Grow Smart, Eat Smart’ initiative. Last year, banana and plantain production increased by 33.5 per cent and 57.7 per cent, respectively, relative to 2015. “From the perspective of the Banana Board and the Ministry, for us grow smart means continuing...

The Government remains committed to strengthening the institutional capacity for increased banana and plantain production. This undertaking was reiterated by Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., who said the industry continues to present a great opportunity for local farmers. Last year, banana and plantain production increased by 2.8 per cent and 18.7 per cent, respectively. Despite the...

The Central Bank is reporting that Jamaica’s inflation rate is decreasing. Data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) show that the rate, which peaked at 11.8 per cent in April 2022, fell to 7.8 per cent in February 2023. Speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ on Wednesday (April 5), Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) Senior Deputy Governor,...

Student participation in the annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) festival of the performing arts remains high. Acting JCDC Executive Director, Marjorie Leyden-Kirton, told JIS News that student involvement is back to pre-pandemic levels, as schools are eager to return to the national stage. She said there have been close to 7,000 entries for the various competitions this year. “My...

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is urging customers to ensure that contracts for products and services being obtained, especially with financial institutions, are fully understood before entering into any agreement. “Whether it is a micro credit lending agency, commercial bank, credit union or a mortgage, ensure that you understand fully what you are getting into. Ask all the important questions...

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is focused on delivering quality customer service through the creation of a responsive and modern agricultural extension service. The focus is in keeping with the Authority’s quality objectives, which were developed as a requirement for its recent ISO 9001:2015 certification. Speaking in a recent JIS Think Tank, Acting Chief Executive Officer of RADA, Winston...

Consumers are being urged to safeguard their personal information when shopping online during the Christmas season to avoid becoming victims of scamming and identity theft. Information Technology Manager at the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), Christopher Martin, said that shoppers must recognise that they are the first line of defence against cyberattacks and they must take steps to protect themselves. “Be...