More

President of the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Patricia Francis has emphasised that in order for the value of the country's exports to increase significantly, there has to be a radical change in the kinds of products that are exported. Expounding on this view in a JIS News interview, Mrs. Francis says: "Because if you think about what happens in a...

Mayor of Port Antonio, Councillor Rupert Kelly, has said that the Portland Parish Council will be lobbying for the early resumption of banana exports from the Boundbrook wharf. The shipment of bananas from the facility ended in December after a decision by the Banana Export Company (BECo) to shift the operation to Kingston, with the Boundbrook wharf now only responsible...

Since its establishment in 2002, the Peace Management Initiative (PMI), through its interventions, has contributed significantly to the diffusion of violence in several communities, particularly in the Corporate Area, enabling thousands of residents to go about their daily chores freely. Vice Chairman of the PMI, Donna Parchment, tells JIS News that the PMI has been able to help communities, such...

History will record the significance of January 2006 to the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM). On January 1, the CARICOM Single Market (CSM) took effect, signalling the formal establishment of the newest trade bloc. In January also, the region will be clearer as to the mandate of the CARICOM Development Fund after President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Professor...

It is not by chance that the University of the West Indies (UWI) has been chosen as the venue for the symbolic signing of the CARICOM Single Market (CSM), will take place in late January. The fact is that both institutions share a symbiotic relationship.In 1965 when the leaders of Barbados, British Guiana and Antigua and Barbuda signed an agreement...

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is imploring Jamaicans to conduct what it calls 'hazard hunts', as part of the preparation for earthquakes.The appeal comes on the eve of Earthquake Awareness Week, which is being observed from January 8 to 13. Director of Information and Training at ODPEM, Nadine Newsome told a JIS 'Think Tank' on January...

The Integrated Ballistic Information System (IBIS) for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has arrived.The equipment will enable the JCF to fingerprint firearms; build a database of bullets and spent shells recovered from crime scenes; link bullets and spent shells to crime scenes; and make connections between illegal firearms and gun crimes. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mark Shields, told JIS News...

A comprehensive reform of the justice system is being undertaken and is to be given priority budgetary support in the 2006/07 financial year. The reform will be based on three pillars, namely, access, quality and speed. A reform unit will be established in the Ministry of Justice to spearhead the five-year reform programme. This was decided at the Cabinet Retreat...

Prime Minister P. J. Patterson has appointed Mr. Desmond Hayle, President of the Jamaican Institute of Architects as Chairman of the Sandals Whitehouse Audit Team. Mr. Hayle was on the original team that was appointed by the Prime Minister in November. He has mandated the team to immediately commence their assignment.The Audit Team has been authorized to retain and consult...

The Hanover police will be intensifying efforts to reduce crime in the parish, which was once regarded at the safest place in Jamaica. Superintendent of Police in charge of Hanover, Paul Stanton, told JIS News on Thursday (Jan. 5), that the anti-crime drive started on the first working day of the new year, when a one-day seminar aimed at highlighting...

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) will be placing increased focus on its Revenue Protection Programme, which was implemented last August to reduce the number of persons travelling on the buses without paying fares. The programme, which has resulted in more than 20 persons being prosecuted for attempting to ride without paying, ensures the security of passengers by providing them...

The Hanover library service is encouraging greater public use of its branches this year and will be utilizing its mobile book facility, among other services, to reach out to residents. Marvetta Stewart, Senior Librarian at the Hanover Parish Library told JIS News, that while service in the parish was going well, there was always room for improvement. "We have been...