Some 600 unattached young people from communities across the island are benefiting from training and certification under the Universal Service Fund’s (USF’s) 2019 Technology Advancement Programme (TAP). Under the initiative, which got under way earlier this month, the youngsters are being equipped with skills in information and communications technology (IT) in order to improve their economic prospects. The one-year programme...

As 21-year-old Ryan Williams laid in hospital nursing gunshot wounds in December 2018, he decided that it was time to make a change in his life and end his involvement in criminal activities. Shortly after he was released from the hospital, the Kingston resident visited the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) III office, determined to move his life in...

Several business leaders are optimistic that Jamaica will be able to manage its economic affairs after exiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme arrangements, come November. They say their optimism is based on the notable macroeconomic achievements recorded over the last six years under Jamaica’s Economic Reform Programme (ERP) and Government safeguards initiated and being developed to preserve and bolster these....

The Government is investing billions of dollars in the upgrading of police stations across the island under Project Rebuild, Overhaul and Construct (ROC) in the Ministry of National Security. More than 200 facilities will be rebuilt, renovated and retrofitted under the project at a cost of approximately $5 billion, with works to be undertaken on 60 during the current fiscal...

As part of the need to raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Clubs in School initiative will be officially launched in October. So far, 11 high schools, including Port Antonio High and Garvey Maceo High, have committed to be a part of the programme. Head of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Vice Squad in the...

Maleek Powell, who lost his sister in a horrific car crash last month, is on a mission to promote road safety. He is looking to start an advocacy group, which will support the Government’s continued drive to foster an orderly and disciplined traffic culture among Jamaicans. Mr. Powell tells JIS News that he has always been concerned about road safety,...

The annual ranking of countries in the World Bank’s Doing Business Report helps developed and developing States to advance more efficient regulations that enhance the ease of doing business. One measure Jamaica has taken to improve its ranking is implementation and use of the application management and data automation (AMANDA) software in the Development Applications Review Process (DARP). AMANDA is...

For persons looking for unique, handcrafted jewellery and accessories ‘Koda Handmade’ is the perfect choice. The business, operated by Valentine McLean, offers one-of-a kind pieces such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, handbags and other items, each beautifully crafted from natural materials such as wood, shells, animal bones, calabash, coconut, bullhorn, suede and leather. Mr. McLean tells JIS News that he plans...

Local artist, Lennox Coke, strongly believes that Jamaica, with its rich pool of creative talent, can further strengthen its stake in the billion dollar global art industry, given the allure of top quality Brand Jamaica products. “Jamaican art can also bring in money to the country, just like Jamaican music and Jamaican sport, because we have an authentic brand and...