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The House of Representatives yesterday (June 3) approved amendments to the Employment Termination and Redundancy Act 2008, to allow increased fines for companies and individuals who breach the Act. Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles, who piloted the Bill, said amendments to the Act will also allow the Resident Magistrate Court to adjudicate on matters relating to redundancy...

Prime Minister, Bruce Golding has announced that Rear Hardley Lewin has withdrawn his resignation and will continue to serve as Commissioner of Police. Addressing the House of Representatives yesterday (June 3), Mr. Golding explained that this decision was made following discussions with the Police Services Commission, Rear Admiral Lewin, and Minister of National Security, Senator Colonel Trevor MacMillan. "The task...

Prime Minister, Bruce Golding has assured that the Government is taking steps to support the efforts of the police in a number of critical, strategic areas. These include additional resources to increase mobility, and technical support for operational activity. Mr. Golding, in his statement in the House of Representatives yesterday (June 3), further informed that a number of legislative changes...

Minister of National Security, Senator Trevor MacMillan has informed that Cabinet has given its approval for the implementation of several strategies aimed at restoring calm, particularly in volatile communities. "The strategies that will be implemented include the intensification of methods to dismantle criminal networks; the strategic deployment of law enforcement personnel in communities which have recently come under attack by...

After waiting in the wings for 18 years, the last eight months have involved a lot of focus being placed by me on seeking to identify and correct a 'jungle' of inadequacies, many of which I had advised against. There had obviously been questionable actions and clear lack of vision in terms of planning, which had apparently become endemic features...

Prime Minister Bruce Golding recently led members of staff of the Office of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Office, in hailing retiring Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Carlton Davis, for the exemplary way in which he served as head of the Civil Service. Dr. Davis retired on May 31st after forty years of service to the public sector. In addressing the...

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II knights Governor-General Professor Sir Kenneth Hall at a small ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Friday, May 30. Sir Kenneth assumed office as Governor-General in February 2006

Prime Minister Bruce Golding officially launched Disaster Preparedness Month at a national church service held at the Old Harbour Baptist Church in Old Harbour Bay on Sunday, June 1. The theme developed by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) for the month is 'Disasters are a constant reality, be prepared for any eventuality'. Addressing the service, Mr....

United States President, George Bush has said that the observance of Caribbean Heritage Month is an opportunity for the United States (US) to show its appreciation for the many ways Caribbean Americans have contributed to its growth. In proclaiming June as Caribbean Heritage Month, President Bush said: "Caribbean Americans have helped to shape our national fabric with their vibrant traditions...

Minister of Health and Environment, Rudyard Spencer, has announced that a $500 million rehabilitation programme is to commence this year on health facilities. He pointed out that discussions have been held with the National Health Fund (NHF) for the financing of the project. The Minister was making his contribution to the 2008/09 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, today...

Minister of Health and Environment, Rudyard Spencer, has said that more than 422,000 persons have benefited from the abolition of user fees at public health facilities. These include 217,565 persons at hospitals and 204,950 persons at 75 Type 3 to 5 health centres across the island. Making his contribution to the 2008/09 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on...

Minister of Health and Environment, Rudyard Spencer, has said that the vision of the Government is the creation of a health care and delivery system, which addresses the health problems of the Jamaican people in a comprehensive and sustainable way. Making his presentation in the 2008/09 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 3, Mr. Spencer said that...