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...

The new gamma irradiation machine to be installed at the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) is expected to strengthen agricultural output, particularly for coconuts. Director General of the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA), Dr. Cliff Riley, said the mutation breeding programme for coconuts will increase significantly. “The irradiator should be at ICENS in a couple of months....

Through the Amber UTech Launchpad, the operators of 100 technology-driven startups will be provided with the financial support, resources and mentorship necessary to facilitate the establishment and growth of their businesses within a span of 1,000 days. The Launchpad, which was officially unveiled last month, is a collaborative effort between the Amber Group and the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica....

Charity organisation Sarah's Children recently joined hands with the S Hotel in Montego Bay, St. James, to host a luncheon to honour 30 policewomen of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The event, which was held on March 25 at the S Hotel on Jimmy Cliff Boulevard (formerly the Hip Strip), was also in celebration of the 75th anniversary of women...

Several business leaders are expressing optimism about the economy, based on macroeconomic outturns, and the prospects for the calendar year and 2024/25 fiscal period. Notable among the outturns is a reduction in the debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio, which Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, has indicated, is on track to fall to 72...

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...

In a historic celebration of Jamaica's musical heritage, the government of Jamaica fulfilled a commitment to the establish the Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame, with the induction of 20 esteemed individuals or groups into its prestigious ranks, during Reggae Month 2024. Internationally renowned Reggae singer, guitarist, and songwriter Bob Marley and dancehall stars Beenie Man and Bounty Killer were...

The Women's International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Jamaica has made significant strides in fostering inclusivity for women, through the launch of the National WISTA Association, which is geared at creating greater opportunities for women in the maritime sector. WISTA International, which is a global network of over 4,300 female executives and decision-makers in the maritime industry, offers programmes on...

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...