The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the digital transformation of Jamaica’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Speaking at the Digital Jamaica Summit and Showcase, held recently at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, Head of Cooperation for the EU Delegation to Jamaica, Aniceto Rodriguez Ruiz, highlighted the critical role of the digital landscape in...

Findings from the annual Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) school textbook survey indicate that on average, the prices of school textbooks have increased by 6.61 per cent overall. The survey was conducted during the period July 29 to August 2, 2024. Data was obtained from all parishes where bookstores were identified. The average price increase in the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Region...

As parents and guardians finalise back-to-school preparations for their children ahead of the 2024/25 academic year, commencing September 2, the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is providing tips to help them manage their budgets. Director of Communication, Latoya Halstead, tells JIS News that budget preparation should be a top priority in managing spending. Noting that textbooks account for a significant percentage...

In a bid to propel Jamaica's micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) into the digital age, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) will be hosting the Digital Jamaica Summit and Showcase. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, September 3 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, will offer a comprehensive exploration of how digital technologies can transform businesses and elevate...

As BirdShack Fried Chicken gets ready to open its fifth store in Jamaica, the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Wayne Cummings, says the strength of the economy and the ease of doing business in the country have given the entity the confidence to spread its wings. The new store, which will be located at 18-1/2 Red Hills Road, Kingston will...

Stakeholders have endorsed the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) National Poverty Reduction Leaving No One Behind (LNOB) Toolkit, which was launched on March 21. The toolkit is intended to build the capacity of poverty reduction stakeholders, strengthen service delivery to the poor and vulnerable, and increase partnership, collaboration and information sharing. Director of the Programme of Advancement through Health and...

In a step towards bridging the gap between policy and youth development, young people from diverse backgrounds have been included in the decision-making in relation to aspects of the Vision 2030 National Development Plan. The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Youth, recently launched the Vision 2030 Youth Thematic Working Group (TWG) with...

The Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT), the new and improved way of facilitating trade through Jamaica’s borders, continues to enhance Jamaica’s business and trade environment. This Government of Jamaica (GOJ) initiative, operated by the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), was developed to improve the ease of doing business and enhance the country's competitiveness, while bringing together various Border Regulatory Agencies...

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill is expressing confidence that Newport West will become a world class logistics facility and a competitive resilient economic zone. Presenting the Government’s position at recent meeting with a delegation from the European Union (EU) Investment Bank, and other officials, the Minister states that the EU is prepared to provide...