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Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett has reported that 2007 was a record year for Jamaica's tourism industry, with close to three million visitors to the island, generating more than US$1.9 billion in revenues. Speaking at a press briefing yesterday on March 19 at the Ministry's offices in New Kingston, the Minister further outlined that of the figure, there were 1,700,785...

A Bill to amend the Property Tax Act, to simplify the method for the calculation and payment of property tax so as to achieve increased compliance, was passed today (March 20) during the sitting of the Senate. The Bill, which was piloted by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Senator Dwight Nelson, seeks to...

The Dispute Resolution Foundation (DRF) recently hosted a workshop entitled 'Partnership for Peace - A Violence Intervention Programme' aimed at minimizing violent conflicts between individuals. The violence intervention workshop was held at the DRF's headquarters on South Camp Road and catered to some 30 probation and after care officers from the Department of Correctional Services, trainers and administrators of the...

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, has cited a shift in the role of the courts from its customary duties and functions. Speaking at the swearing in ceremony of Senior Resident Magistrates, Bertram Morrison and Sara Thompson-James as acting puisne judges at King's House on Thursday (March 20), Sir Kenneth noted that, while for long, the...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Karl Samuda, has emphasized that it is extremely important for all entrepreneurs to become a part of the formal economy, as the country could not thrive if almost half of businesses are outside the formal structure. Addressing a Speaker's Forum at the Technology Innovation Centre, at the University of Technology (UTech), yesterday (March 19),...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Karl Samuda has appealed to banks to assist fledgling entrepreneurs with easier access to loans, as persons without capital can start businesses that develop into multi-million dollar enterprises. "One of the things that the banks need to consider, is that someone without collateral, can start a small modest business and move on to be...

Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, has said that built into the 2008/09 budget, which will be tabled in Parliament on Thursday March 28, is a firm determination to reduce the fiscal deficit, even within the current constraints. In an address to the nation last night, Mr. Golding said that persistent fiscal deficits, and fuel inflation, had eroded confidence and driven up...

The 12th Special Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) ended its three-day session in Georgetown, Guyana on 19 March 2008 with a twenty-point Declaration entitled Building a Region Fit for Children. The Georgetown Declaration seeks to ensure the right of every Caribbean child to survival, development, protection, dignity and participation within the Caribbean Community. It also...

Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, has said that built into the 2008/09 budget, which will be tabled in Parliament on Thursday March 28, is a firm determination to reduce the fiscal deficit, even within the current constraints. In an address to the nation last night, Mr. Golding said that persistent fiscal deficits, and fuel inflation, had eroded confidence and driven up...

The 12th Special Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) ended its three-day session in Georgetown, Guyana on 19 March 2008 with a twenty-point Declaration entitled Building a Region Fit for Children. The Georgetown Declaration seeks to ensure the right of every Caribbean child to survival, development, protection, dignity and participation within the Caribbean Community. It also...

Over the years, the small business community has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience. Many have been the challenges, road-blocks and bureaucratic hurdles that confronted the sector. The survival and continued viability of many small enterprises speaks volumes to this fact. As government, we recognize that small businesses are the bed-rock of national development. Our economic landscape is replete with examples...

Over the years, the small business community has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience. Many have been the challenges, road-blocks and bureaucratic hurdles that confronted the sector. The survival and continued viability of many small enterprises speaks volumes to this fact. As government, we recognize that small businesses are the bed-rock of national development. Our economic landscape is replete with examples...