Several pieces of legislation were approved in 2018 by the Houses of Parliament to advance the country’s social, security and economic agendas. Legislation Passed 1. Licences on Trades and Business (Validation, Indemnification and Amendment) Act, 2018 2. National Heroes and Other Freedom Fighters (Absolution and Criminal Liability in Respect of Specified Events) Act, 2018 3. Building Act, 2018 4. Criminal...

The Government is making every effort to reduce the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in Jamaica, especially among women and girls. A 10-year National Strategic Action Plan to Eliminate GBV in Jamaica (2017-2027) was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport to prevent violence, protect and deliver adequate services to victims and deal appropriately with...

The Government took steps to strengthen the corporate governance framework in 2018, with the development of new rules to guide the nomination, selection and appointment of public Boards. • Cabinet approved the guidelines, which are in keeping with its commitment to public-sector reform and are aimed at improving accountability and transparency in government operations. • Among the provisions are retention...

The Government increased investment in education, with an additional $2.7 billion provided in the 2018/19 Budget, moving to $101.6 billion from $98.9 billion in 2017/18. The maintenance grant for high schools was increased to $500,000, up from $50,000, and additional funding was provided to cover the payment for 1,007 cooks at primary and secondary schools, which amounts to $323.1 million....

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade continued to facilitate bilateral relations with several countries, which resulted in Jamaica securing increased social, economic and technical assistance. Bilateral Agreements • The Governments of Jamaica and China signed a grant agreement for US$36.16 million (250 million RMB Yuan) to construct the Western Children’s Hospital in St. James and to assist with...

During 2018, the Ministry of Justice continued its thrust to create a sound court infrastructure, in keeping with the Justice Reform Implementation Plan (JRIP). Improved Infrastructure • Over $1.4 billion was allocated for capital development, which included construction, refurbishment and rehabilitation of justice institutions. • Three new justice centres were opened in Westmoreland, Trelawny and St. Mary, bringing to five...

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries implemented several programmes that led to consistency of supplies, sustainable incomes for farmers and entrepreneurs and facilitated strong growth in the sector. AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES Farm Road Rehabilitation • $800 million was allocated to improve the farm road network. This project, being implemented by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), aims to...

The Government continued to invest in the development of the health sector in 2018, with billions of dollars spent to upgrade and equip hospitals and clinics islandwide. Infrastructure Improvement • The Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department at the Linstead Hospital in St Catherine was reopened following extensive renovation at a cost of $144.98 million. • A New Drug Serv Pharmacy...

The Government, in 2018, launched a US$4-million Energy Management and Efficiency Programme designed to cut US$6 million per annum in expenditure on energy consumption, and reduce the country’s carbon footprint. • The phased roll-out of the project, which runs until 2023, entails installation of energy-efficient equipment and technology at 80 health and educational entities. • It will target improvement in...