Undertaking the mammoth task of leading the transformation of the Real Estate Training Institute (RETI), newly appointed Principal, Dr. Tina Beale, is determined to enhance the quality of real estate education in Jamaica. Guided by the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusivity, she wants an organisation with real estate practitioners who are more adaptable and flexible. Dr. Beale took the...

Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) President, John Mahfood, says the country is on the “right track” towards achieving higher levels of sustainable economic growth and development. He tells JIS News that the Government’s record trillion-dollar budget for fiscal year 2023/24, represents the culmination of significant economic reforms undertaken over the past eight years. The President notes that the reforms...

Residents in the eastern parish of St. Thomas have voiced their opinions and are upbeat about the 2023/24 Budget Debate, which concluded in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (March 21). They identified several topical items, the most popular being the proposed 44 per cent increase in the minimum wage and the waiver of fees for admission to some courses...

There is heightened business confidence in the economy coming out of the presentation of the 2023/24 Budget Debate, where Government outlined its development priorities, including planned expenditure in key areas such as security, roads, water, and housing. Business leaders are optimistic that the trillion-dollar budget, which was presented against the background of the country’s full recovery from COVID-19, will accelerate...

Approximately 240 students from three communities in the Corporate Area and St. Catherine are being taught the basics of investing and money management through a series of gamified financial literacy workshops dubbed ‘Math and Money Challenge’. The initiative is being undertaken by Natty Platforms Limited through funding from the United States Embassy in Kingston and aligns with the Government’s objective...

Commercial banana and plantain farmers can benefit from the $38-million Catastrophe Fund established by the Banana Board, if they register before March 31. The Catastrophe Fund supports the recovery of farmers in the industry affected by natural disasters. General Manager of the Banana Board, Mrs. Janet Conie, tells JIS News that the Board has been visiting communities to encourage registration....

The Security Forces have advised that plans are in place to respond immediately should the country experience a major earthquake. Representatives from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM); the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF); Jamaica Defence Force (JDF); Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Earthquake Unit, University of the West Indies gave the assurance, today (March 21),...

Hundreds of Jamaicans were splashed with a variety of brightly-coloured dye as they gathered to celebrate Holi – the Indian festival of colours. The event was held at the India-Jamaica Friendship Garden, Hope Royal Botanical Gardens, on March 12. Festivalgoers, some dressed in white, covered each other in hues of red, green, blue and yellow in an explosion of colour,...

High-school students across the island are being taught safe and responsible driving before getting behind the wheel, through a Learner Driver Education Programme being undertaken by the Road Safety Unit and the Island Traffic Authority (ITA). Education/Information Officer at the RSU, Dontae Matthews, tells JIS News that the programme seeks to introduce road and vehicular safety information to students, particularly...