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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...

Kingston Cricket Club finally opening its doors to women after 145 years, is a decision that is more than welcome, says Sports Minister Olivia "Babsy" Grange during the Jamaica Cricket Association 2008 Annual Awards Ceremony at Courtleigh Auditorium on Wednesday night. Presenting her greetings to the awards ceremony on behalf of the Minster, Granville Newell, Director of Media Relations in...

Health and Environment Minister, Rudyard Spencer, said that the Government had to abolish public user fees for public health facilities, as a significant number of persons were unable to afford these fees, which proved an impediment to them accessing the services provided. User fees were abolished in all public health institutions, save for the University Hospital of the West Indies...

Jamaica National Overseas (JNO) recently staged an exposition in Washington, DC, to showcase its range of services to the Jamaican Diaspora, which includes money transfer services. Close to 100 Jamaicans residing in Baltimore, Virginia, Maryland and the Washington metropolitan area attended the event, which was dubbed 'JNO Spotlight'. Ambassador to the United States, Anthony Johnson, in bringing greetings at the...

Internationally acclaimed soprano Dawn Marie will performin a recital themed: 'Christmas Music from Around the World' on December 19 at the Prospect Presbyterian Church in New Jersey. The Jamaican-born singer, who now lives in Atlanta, will thrill the audience with traditional Christmas carols, as well as songs from her eclectic repertoire of opera, spirituals, and classical arrangements of Jamaican folk...

State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Michael Stern, has lauded the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division (FSPID) for its role in ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of the nation's food supply. "I commend you for the important contribution ...(and for) all the years of helping to reduce the risks associated with the storage and...

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has emphasised that the Government will continue to provide the necessary support for the banana industry, to enable it to remain a major contributor to the national economy. Giving the main address at the grant contract signing ceremony of the European Union (EU) Rural Diversification Programme, for the banana industry, at in Port Maria,...