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The advent of globalisation and increased trade liberalisation have freed up international borders making it easier for countries to export their goods and services to anywhere in the world. But with the increase in trade comes the threat of pests being transmitted from one country to another and causing harm to agricultural production. The Rural Agricultural Development Authority's (RADA) through...

In celebration of its 65th anniversary, the Forestry Department will be having national tree-planting days on October 3 and 4. Marilyn Headley, Conservator of Forests, told JIS News that over 500 letters were sent to schools, companies, institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGO) soliciting participation in this "very important environmental activity". Miss Headley said there had been an overwhelming response to...

Marcus Garvey, Jamaica's first National Hero, has not only left his mark on the pages of the country's history but has also had international influence in his quest for equal rights and justice for Blacks in the Diaspora. On October 20, when Jamaicans celebrate National Heroes' Day, Garvey's philosophies and works will come alive again with the opening of Liberty...

Director of the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Professor Neville Duncan, is advising that Jamaica's national savings rate be increased from 20 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 35 or 40 per cent of GDP, in order for the country to achieve social transformation and...

Cuba's Ambassador to Jamaica, Jose Piedra Rencurrell has said that Cuba was fully committed to strengthening relations between itself and Jamaica, as the countries devised strategies to take advantage of globalization. The Ambassador, who was addressing a meeting of the Portland Parish Council recently, said the various areas of cooperation that exist between Jamaica and Cuba was testament of the...

The Jamaican community in Washington D.C. has donated $440,000 to two local institutions that provide general assistance as well as hospice care for children with HIV/AIDS. The institutions are the Paediatric-Prenatal HIV Programme at the University of the West Indies, which received $290,000 and the Spanish Town-based Dare to Care Home for Children Living with HIV/AIDS, which got $150,000. Health...

Angler, Voston Sewell, made the biggest catch, a 130-pound marlin, in the 19th Port Antonio canoe fishing tournament, which was held yesterday (October 1). The catch, which was made on board the canoe, 'Shabba', earned him the Magnum Tonic Wine trophy, and a Yamaha boat engine donated by Supreme Ventures Limited. Second place went to Frederick Smith, who landed a...

The House of Representatives on Tuesday (Sept. 30) approved the Tax Committee Report by a vote of 24 to 23 in favour of the Government, with 12 members of Parliament absent at the time of the vote, which followed a lengthy debate. The tax Committee, which was chaired by Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Omar Davies, made several recommendations,...

A health insurance scheme for NIS pensioners is to be introduced by Government, said Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Omar Davies. This initiative is one in three, which Dr. Davies said would address the concerns raised by Opposition spokesman on Health, Dr. Ken Baugh, who has called for the removal of the 15 per cent General Consumption Tax (GCT)...

The Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) yesterday (Oct. 1) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA) to collaborate for the design and development of technical assistance programmes relevant to the needs of both organisations. At a press conference held at the JAS' Church Street offices in Kingston, President of the JAS, Senator Norman Grant, explained that...

New floodlights are to be installed at western Jamaica's premier sporting facility, Jarrett Park, in Montego Bay, at a cost of US$17,000. The lights, which have already been ordered are expected to be installed by early November, and will see the complex hosting football matches at night, as well as other activities. Having discovered that the lighting at the park...

The Professional Engineers Registration Board (PERB), the body with responsibility for regulating the engineering profession, will be taking action against persons who offer engineering services to the public without proper registration. Leo Lawson, a member of PERB and Chairman of the National Contracts Commission, while participating in a Engineers Week lecture recently at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston, announced...