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Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has announced the establishment of a $400 million sugar cane expansion fund, to provide cane farmers with grant and loan funding, to assist them in improving the efficiency and productivity of their farms. The fund, which will be administered by the Sugar Industry Authority (SIA), will place particular focus on improving the farms' infrastructure,...

Energy Minister, Clive Mullings, has emphasised the importance of energy diversification to national development, as well as guarding the country against the possible susceptibilities associated with dependence on a sole energy source. Speaking at the launch of the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ)-Petrocaribe Small and Micro Enterprises ((SME) Energy Fund, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on Friday (Oct....

Internationally acclaimed dub poet, author, and sociologist, Linton "Kwesi" Johnson, will be the guest lecturer at the third annual Distinguished Lecture Series, to be held in Toronto, Canada. Organised by the Consulate General of Jamaica, under the distinguished patronage of Consul General, Anne-Marie Bonner, the Lecture will be held on Thursday, October 16, at St. Lawrence Hall in downtown Toronto,...

Residents of New Forrest and surrounding districts in Manchester, are being urged to assist the police in solving the criminal activities occurring in their communities. This appeal comes from Corporal Melvin Smith, of the Alligator Pond Police, who was speaking at a Manchester Parish Council town meeting, at the New Forrest Primary and Junior High School, on Thursday (Oct 9)....

Sports Minister, Hon Olivia Grange, has expressed congratulations to the Reggae Boyz following their crucial victory over Mexico in World Cup qualifying football on Saturday. She praised interim coach Theodore Whitmore for his leadership, which helped the national team dig deep to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, alive. Minister Grange said: "The...

Despite the challenges currently facing the dairy industry, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Jamaica Dairy Development Board (JDDB), Dr. Paul Jennings, believes the sector can rebound through the establishment of a policy framework that will generate new investments. Dr. Jennings tells JIS News that, currently, milk production is way below where it could be. "I say that against the...

The elderly and the disabled are two of the most vulnerable in any society and often will need special attention, especially during a natural disaster whether it be a hurricane, flood, or an earthquake. Currently there are approximately 290,000 senior citizens living in the island, and Executive Director of the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), Mrs Beverly Hall Taylor,...

Beijing Olympians, Melaine Walker, Kerron Stewart, and Olivia McKoy, were overwhelmed by the warm welcome they received from the staff and students of their alma mater, St. Jago High School in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, during a homecoming reception held in their honour at the institution on October 10, which moved the trio to tears. Walker, the Women's Olympic 400...

Agriculture Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, is calling for increased production by the country's farmers, and a reduction in the quantity of food imported annually. . Addressing a service at the Mandeville Parish Church in Manchester on Sunday (Oct. 12), marking World Food Day, Dr. Tufton said the cost of Jamaica's food imports increased from US$479M in 2002, to US$662M in...

Past and current Olympians have expressed appreciation for the recognition which was bestowed on them by the Portmore Municipality, during a ceremony at the Portmore Plaza on October 9. Former Olympians, George Kerr and Neville Myton, were presented with citations for achievements in previous Games, while current counterparts, Dwight Thomas, Andre Wellington, Richards Phillips, and Sanjay Ayre, were honoured for...

Residents of Portmore, St. Catherine yesterday (Oct. 9), took time out to honour the country's past and present Olympic athletes, at a ceremony held at Burger King in the Portmore Plaza. The athletes who participated in the 2008 Olympic Games held in Beijing, China, helping the country to its biggest medal haul to date, took part in a special motorcade,...

The National School Garden Programme was officially launched today (October 10), under the theme: 'Youth Response to Food Security', during a ceremony at Jamaica College in Kingston. Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, J.C. Hutchinson, pointed out that $108 million has been allocated to the programme, and the Jamaica 4-H Clubs would take charge of it. Assistant Chief...