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For decades, tax reform has been a sought-after strategy to enhance economic growth. In fact, it is a major plank in the Government's thrust to maintain macro-economic stability, namely low inflation, a stable exchange rate, and competitive interest rates. Tax reform is said to be the process of changing the way taxes are collected and managed by Government, both in...

Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has reported that the sector is experiencing growth and improved performance despite the economic downturn of its major markets. He noted that figures indicate that as at the end of August, there were approximately two million visitors to the island, generating more than US$1.47 billion in revenues. Minister Bartlett pointed out that the revenue earned...

Agriculture Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton has called on stakeholders to recognise the critical need to begin building local capacity to ensure the long-term viability of the sector. He stated that given what is taking place globally, there is a critical need for local farmers to take stock and begin building capacity in the sector. Dr. Tufton was addressing a European...

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Government for establishing the national task force to explore and recommend short and long term initiatives to curtail and reduce violence against children in Jamaica. Prime Minister, Bruce Golding established the committee more than two weeks ago, following concerns raised by various private and public sector interests over the alarming increase...

Plans are currently underway to improve the efficiency of the water supply system in the parish of Clarendon. According to Mayor of May Pen, Milton Brown, while the parish is rapidly developing, this development is accompanied by an inadequate water supply system, which, at best, cannot sustain the level of commercial and residential development, presently taking place. "One of the...

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw, has announced that during the next fiscal year, the proposed Public Accountancy Inspectorate will be in place within the Ministry, to act as "the eyes and ears of the Minister" with respect to the provision of critical oversight of the implementation of the budget. The Minister was addressing the Opening Ceremony...

Energy Minister, Clive Mullings, has said that Jamaica stands to benefit significantly from the introduction of the E10 blend of petroleum, come November 1. The E10 is gasoline blended with 10 per cent ethanol derived from sugar cane. It will be officially launched at the PETCOM Portmore service station in St. Catherine, on November 1. The roll out forms part...

Rose Hall Developments, in collaboration with Entertain Jamaica, will stage the inaugural Triathlon and Wellness Festival, at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course in Rose Hall, St. James, from October 23 to 26, under the theme: 'Well Mind. Well Body. Well Being'. Co-ordinator for the Wellness Festival, Kathy Marley, told JIS News, that throughout the staging of the event, there would...

Mayor of Portmore, Keith Hinds is calling on adults in that municipality and the wider Jamaica, to rekindle relationships with the youth as one way of preserving culture. He told JIS News, that it was time to begin investing in young people, and finding a way to get to them involved in the 'Jamaican way'. The Mayor pointed to 2008...

Residents of Pridee Housing Scheme in Milk River, Clarendon were treated to a day of fun, excitement, and camaraderie at a cultural expo held at the community playfield on Monday (Oct. 20). The event, a first for the community, was staged as part of the activities marking Heritage Week, as well as to highlight the communities within the Milk River...

Consul General in New York, Geneive Brown Metzger, has challenged Jamaicans in the Diaspora, to continue to build on the rich legacy of the forefathers and National Heroes. Addressing a Flag-Raising Ceremony in lower Manhattan, on National Heroes Day (October 20), Mrs. Brown Metzger urged the audience not to forget the tremendous sacrifices made in securing "our rightful place in...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security yesterday (Oct. 22), launched its Special Youth Employment and Training Project (SYEAT). Speaking at the launch of the project at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, Minister of Labour, Pearnel Charles stated that the initiative augurs well for the future of Jamaica's youth. "Today marks an important start of something new and dynamic in the...