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The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands is reporting that some 1,234 hectares of the projected 1,700 hectares of fruit trees have been planted since the implementation of the Fruit Tree Crop project in 2003. Speaking with JIS News, Director of Projects at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Harold Spaulding, pointed out that the Ministry saw the need to encourage...

Jamaica's agricultural sector is reporting remarkable recovery following the devastation caused by four hurricanes in a two-year period and severe drought prior to that. The sector grew by 19 per cent in the 2006/2007 financial year, reaching its highest output level since 2003. This was an even better result than the impressive 15.9 per cent growth, which was posted for...

More than 50,000 diabetics who are registered with the National Health Fund (NHF) are to receive an additional benefit with the introduction of the Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test kits, which will be available at doctors' offices and laboratories at a reduced rate. The HbA1c test, considered 'the gold standard' measurement, is used to monitor the blood glucose levels in diabetics...

The Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show is traditionally known for its display of the very best in local livestock, agricultural and horticultural exhibits from all 14 parishes. However, come August 4 to 6, patrons will be in for a treat as two new attractions will be added to the offerings. Speaking at a recent JIS 'Think Tank', President of the...

Plans are well advanced for the staging of the National Emancipation Vigil and Jubilee Celebrations 2007, to be held at the Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann on July 31. The event, which is expected to attract thousands of Jamaicans as well as foreigners, is being staged by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), in collaboration with the Jamaica Cultural...

Fourteen Jamaicans left the island on (July 27), for Japan, where they will be participating in the Jamaica-Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, on a one-year renewable contract. In an interview with JIS News, Research Officer at the Embassy of Japan, Mizuho Nakanishi, informs that the JET programme aims to promote grass-roots international exchange between Japan and other countries. "In...

Controlling ants will be a key feature in the containment of the Pink Hibiscus Mealy Bug in Jamaica, the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands has said. Speaking with JIS News, Assistant Plant Health and Food Safety Officer in the Technology Training and Technical Information Division at the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Francine Webb, informed that ants play a major...

Minister of Housing, Transport, Water and Works, Robert Pickersgill on Friday, July 27, officially commissioned the $150 million Hope Bay/St. Margaret's Bay water supply system in Portland into service. The scheme, which was upgraded under Phase Two of the European Union-funded Rural Water Supply Project, will benefit some 5,000 persons. Construction began in May of last year and was completed...

Plans are in high gear for the staging of the annual Maidstone Emancipation Fair on the grounds of the Nazareth All-age School in Manchester on Wednesday, August 1. The activity is being organised by the Maidstone Community Council, with strong support from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC). Speaking with JIS News, Council member, Garth Smith noted that activities would...

More volunteers are needed as observers for the upcoming general election on August 27, and Chairman of Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE), Dr. Lloyd Barnett is appealing for persons to come forward and serve. "We want those who have worked before and those who have not worked [in this capacity] to come out and join us. We...

The Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) will be forging a greater partnership with the tourism sector, through the implementation of a central marketing system. This system will assist farmers to market their produce to the hotel industry as well as for export, by identifying the supply and demand areas locally and abroad. Speaking with JIS News, President of the JAS, Senator...

The Ministry of Housing, Transport, Water and Works and the National Works Agency (NWA) will commence work in August to install 1,600 road signs and repaint 350 pedestrian crossings donated by MoneyGram International. This is being done to reduce the high pedestrian fatalities, especially among children. The material and equipment, with a value of US$357,000, were handed over to the...