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...

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...

As Jamaicans continue to witness the adverse effects of climate change, the Water Resources Authority (WRA) has assured that the updated National Water Plan will consider the current impact of climate change on the nation’s water resources. “We would like to report that in regard to the Master Plan study that is being done, we are taking into consideration the...

On Independence Day (August 6), when typical teenagers were enjoying social outings or time at home with family, 13-year-old Leanna Wainwright was accepting the Mayor’s Special Award for Sport, for her outstanding performance in swimming, from the Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Homer Davis. The award was presented during the St. James Municipal Corporation Independence Uniform Parade, Flag-Raising and Civic...

Many Jamaicans in the Diaspora hold positions of prominence and use this to advance the country’s development. One such individual is Wayne Messam, Mayor of Miramar, Florida, in the United States. Mr. Messam is a first generation American. His parents and siblings, who were all born in Manchester, migrated to the United States many years ago in pursuit of the...

The Drop-In Centre in Buckfield, St. Ann, has been a refuge for homeless and mentally ill persons in Ocho Rios and surrounding areas, providing them with a safe haven from the streets, and catering to their basic needs. The $14-million centre, which opened its doors on May 11, 2018, is one of several such facilities under the Ministry of Local...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is encouraging Jamaicans to adopt a culture of composting. Composting is nature’s process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Using the compost is an economical and environmentally friendly way of fertilising and protecting plants and gardens. “The whole aspect of recycling, reuse, reduce is the strategy we...

Internationally, March 22 is celebrated as ‘World Water Day’, and this year the Government will begin to upgrade a water supply system in Font Hill, St. Thomas, to commemorate the day. The theme for World Water Day 2019 is ‘Leaving No One Behind’, and the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, through the National Water Commission (NWC) and the...

The National Water Commission (NWC) will shortly complete and officially commission into service several major water-supply systems as part of its drive to better serve communities across the island. Key among them is the Essex Valley water system in St. Elizabeth for which just under $100 million has been expended over a four-year period. Making the disclosure during an interview...