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Vice Chancellor Emeritus at the University of the West Indies, Professor Rex Nettleford, has said that Jamaicans should be encouraged to vacation at local hotels, as part of efforts to minimise the effects of the global financial downturn on the tourism sector. "Treat our fellow citizen's right and let them feel that they have a right to tenant the piece...

The Honourable Olivia "Babsy" Grange, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, speaking at the Possibility Programme Christmas Dinner last evening, said she was "making a special appeal to the private sector to join us in this very important effort." Minister Grange noted that the Possibility Programme had taken in some 500 street boys and had helped to connect a...

There is a high demand for loans from the Students' Loan Bureau (SLB), by students who want to pursue higher education. This was noted by Pro Chancellor of the University of Technology (UTech), the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, at the institution's 50th anniversary gala banquet, held at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, on December 6. In light of the challenge that...

Agriculture Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, today (Dec. 8) signed two contracts amounting to just over $100 million for the construction of five production wells in South Manchester. The works, which will be undertaken by Jamaica Wells and Services Limited, is scheduled for completion within four months and will involve the drilling and development of the wells. The National Irrigation Commission...

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, has set up a project team, headed by Minister of State for Project Implementation in the Office of the Prime Minister, Daryl Vaz, to examine appropriate solutions to the beach erosion problems now threatening sections of the Negril coastline. The team will be anchored by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), and will include other...

Since October, 2008, Mrs Sharon Crooks, without much fanfare, but with a sharp focus and quiet efficiency has taken on the arduous task as the Financial Secretary to the Government within the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service. "The Financial Secretary is the only Permanent Secretary named in the Constitution of Jamaica, and by its function, the Ministry of...

As we approach the Christmas season, I wish to advise you of the measures being taken to provide improved security for our people and increase the pressure on the criminals who are bent on destroying our society. The upsurge in criminal violence The upsurge in criminal violence, in particular the vicious attacks against women and children, have brought a deep...

Jamaica's tourism market continues to show some level of buoyancy, despite a downturn in other Caribbean markets, with tourist arrivals growing by five per cent at the end of October 2008, over last year. This was revealed by Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, at a commemoration ceremony for the US$180 million Seawind Key Investments Limited hotel project, in Montego Freeport,...

Former Governor-General, the Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke, has been presented with the Gold Medal Award, by the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), for his outstanding contribution to national development, particularly in the area of agriculture. The presentation was made at a ceremony, held at King's House on Friday, December 5. The Gold Medal Award is given to individuals who have...

Teachers have been challenged to be responsible professionals, to display positive work ethics, and to provide strong leadership in the community. This charge was given by Guidance Counsellor at Hampton High School, in St. Elizabeth, Petla Davis, while addressing a recent staff development seminar, at the Elderslie Primary and Junior High School, in the parish. "As professionals, we are special,...

The University of Technology (UTech), is to partner with 10 other tertiary institutions, to enable them to offer the Polytechnic's programmes up to the degree level. UTech, along with the institutions, which include the Shortwood Teachers' College, and the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts, will sign an agreement formalising the partnership, on Tuesday, December 9. Making...

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Dr. Kenneth Baugh, has announced the appointment of Mr. A'Dale Robinson, career Foreign Service Officer, as Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba. Mr. Robinson is expected to take up office early next year (in January 2009). He succeeds Ambassador Elinor Sherlock, whose tour of duty will shortly come...