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Vice President of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), Danny Roberts, has said that for Jamaica to become a developed country, a culture and awareness of productivity must permeate the society. "There must be a drive towards providing that productivity culture and awareness that engulfs and permeates the society so that we can all benefit from that process, both...

Executive Director of the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), Michael Tucker, is appealing to parents to adopt a tough love approach when dealing with children, who are substance abusers. "You need to be tough and resolute in doing what is necessary," he urged parents. "You must have an approach of tough love, you need to help the youngster to...

The National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) is reporting an increase in the number of adolescent female drug abusers. A National School Survey, which was conducted in 2006 among students in grades 8, 10 and 11, found that the gap between the number of adolescent male and female drug abusers is narrowing. "The gender gap, where drug use is concerned,...

Double Deuce Jamaica Limited, a new agro-processing company, which opened recently in St. Thomas, will create employment for a number of residents of the parish, while providing a ready market for the farming community. It will also promote Brand Jamaica through the export of authentic, high quality Jamaican products such as fruit juices, canned ackee and breadfruit slices. In an...

Cabinet has approved a proposal to restrict public sector entities from relocating their downtown Kingston offices. Addressing journalists at the (Nov. 21) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Information Minister, Olivia Grange said this move is in keeping with "the commitment of the government of Jamaica to ensure the comprehensive and integrated redevelopment of downtown". According to the Minister, the...

The government is putting the necessary measures in place to facilitate a faster response time to development plans submitted to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). Health and Environment Minister, Rudyard Spencer, said that these measures, which will drive the initiative to give developers a response to their application within 90 days, will include the setting up of a...

Some 500 homeless persons are expected to converge at St. William Grant Park downtown Kingston on Saturday (Nov. 24), where they will be fed, clothed and provided with medical assistance by scores of volunteers. The 'Day of Care', which is being organized by the International Volunteer Day Committee (IVDC), will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the...

Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Mary Ann Nichols, is the 2006/07 Civil Servant of the Year. A first time nominee, she topped a field of nine candidates to take the award, one of the highlights of the Jamaica Civil Service Association's activities for Civil Service Week 2007. The week, which runs between November 18 to 24, is being...

In observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Bureau of Women's Affairs will be hosting a series of activities under the theme: 'Women and Men Speak Out...End the Violence against Women'. Speaking with JIS News, Acting Executive Director of the Bureau, Faith Webster, noted that while the day will be observed on November 25, the...

Customers conducting business with the Ministry of Finance and Public Service can now expect more efficient service, including less waiting and processing time, with the launch of the Ministry's revised Customer Charter. The Charter, which was unveiled on (Nov. 21) at the Ministry's Heroes Circle office, is built around seven core values: fairness, integrity, teamwork, transparency, excellence, accountability and mutual...

The National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) is undertaking a pilot programme, which is aimed at providing community-based support and treatment for drug abusers. The initiative, which is also expected to expand the number of drug treatment centres across the island, is being funded by the National Health Fund (NHF) over a two-year period at a cost of more than...

Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, has said that Jamaica Vacations Limited (JAMVAC) is being strengthened to assist the Ministry's efforts to increase flights to the island and so boost visitor arrivals. "JAMVAC, which was pretty much dormant, has been restored and will be strengthened," the Minister told JIS News in London recently. "I will appoint a new board for JAMVAC and...