The Data Protection Act, 2020, mandates Data Controllers to register with the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC), but not all Data Controllers are required to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO). DPOs play an essential role in assisting Data Controllers to safeguard data privacy and ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2020. They guide entities in the development...

The Jamaica Archives and Records Department (JARD) remains steadfast in its quest to preserve the documentary heritage of the country. The Department, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, serves as the main repository for the perseveration of government records in paper, audiovisual and electronic formats, relating to the country’s history and heritage. It collects archival materials relating to...

Social media has become one of the most popular business tools, with thousands of industries leveraging the platform to market their services. In response to this global trend, the Real Estate Board (REB) will, come September, be rolling out a social media marketing course to train local real estate professionals. “The course will be launched under the REB’s Continued Professional...

The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) is encouraging Jamaicans to hold utility service providers accountable to the Guaranteed Standards by seeking redress for breaches. The Guaranteed Standards are minimum service level agreements between the OUR and the country’s two main utility companies – Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) and National Water Commission (NWC) – and are aimed at ensuring value...

Records and information management (RIM) across government is being streamlined under a special RIM programme being implemented by the Jamaica Archives and Records Department (JARD), an agency of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, in collaboration with the Cabinet Office. All ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) are being targeted under the initiative, which was officially launched in October 2018,...

With many parents balancing working from home and home-schooling their children, due to measures to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), some are overwhelmed by this temporary 'new normal'. Enter the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), which has established 36 helplines across the island to aid parents as they grapple with the effects of the COVID–19 pandemic. The...

Several business leaders are welcoming the $18 billion in tax cuts announced by Government, saying that it will provide economic stimulus, particularly at a time when the country is dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, announced the tax breaks as he outlined how the Government will be funding...

Veteran public relations officer at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Judith Hunter and dedicated telephone operator, Georgene Smith not only share similarities in their over two decades of distinguished service to the government agency but also their passion for the job. Both spoke glowingly about their tenure at the JIS after they were recognised for 26 years of dedicated service,...