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Minister of National Security, Colonel Trevor MacMillan, has said that the Jamaican Diaspora has a very important role to play in the development of the country, and encouraged members to provide practical assistance. "As members of the Diaspora with your continued interest in Jamaica, you can assist us in practical terms. Not only through the remittances which contribute significantly to...

The Ministry of Agriculture is looking into the feasibility of cultivating cassava to be used as a substitute for corn in providing feed for livestock. With the rising cost of corn, the Ministry is seeking to utilize this locally grown produce to off-set the high costs. Acting Principal Research Director in the Research and Development Division at the Ministry, Michael...

CARIFORUM countries must remain vigilant to ensure that the European Union (EU) adheres to the commitments made to the agricultural sector, under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). This advice was given by Least Developed Countries (LDC) Trade Policy/Technical Advisor for the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery, Vincent Atkins, at a forum on the Agreement and its implications for the agricultural sector,...

Minister of Education, Andrew Holness has informed that the contributions made toward the National Education Trust (NET), would be used to establish 45 secondary schools, in an effort to eradicate the shift system from the education sector. He also pointed out that this venture would be the first to be undertaken by the Trust. Addressing the Third Biennial Jamaican Diaspora...

The Department of Correctional Services will host a one day conference on Thursday, June 19, for over 170 Probation After Care Officers islandwide. This was disclosed by Aileen Wolfe Stephens, Deputy Commissioner in charge of Human Resource Management and Community Service, in an interview with JIS News. "The conference is to have all Probation After Care Officers islandwide have a...

The procurement contract for the Portmore municipal building is expected to be signed soon. This was disclosed to JIS News by Mayor of Portmore, Keith Hinds, who pointed out that the contract would outline the Consultant's terms of reference and for that person to present the Municipal Council with a business plan and other deliverables for the first phase of...

Finance and Public Service Minister, Audley Shaw, has cited the need for increased trade-related assistance to developing countries, to enable them to mitigate the adjustment costs of trade liberalization. He said that while globalization has presented many countries with "extensive opportunities" for increased direct investments and access to information through trade and technology transfer, more powerful and larger countries are...

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf in Knockpatrick, Manchester, hosted an Open Day on June 12. The institution exhibited craft items, embroidery, toys, and clothing made by the students. Managing Director of the centre, Donville Jones described the items on display as gifts that should be treasured. "We are looking at fruits...

The residents of North West Clarendon should see an improvement in their water supply soon, as their Member of Parliament, Michael Stern, has allocated some $5 million of his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to rehabilitate the water system. Giving details at a public meeting at Thompson Town High School on June 12, Mr. Stern said too much water passes through...

Several organizations and individuals in St. Mary were presented with awards for their performances in the 2008 Performing Arts Festival, at a function sponsored by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), at the Anglican Church Hall in Port Maria on June 11. Dubbed an Evening of Excellence by its organizers, the function showcased all the parish's gold winning performers in...

The third biennial Jamaican Diaspora Conference officially began today (June 16) at the Jamaica Conference Centre. Earl Jarrett, Chairman of the Preparatory Committee, noted that through this conference "right solutions will be found to address the challenges faced by us (Jamaicans), and strategies designed to exploit the timely opportunities from which the country can benefit." "Generally, members of the Diaspora...

The Serious and Organized Crime Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting marked success in its operations, with a number of arrests and seizures made during the last 12 months. This disclosure was made by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Les Green, who heads the Branch, during a recent JIS Think Tank. The Branch is comprised of the...