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Gov’t to Reduce Registration Cost for Early Childhood Institutions

January 31, 2008

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Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, Olivia Grange, said that Cabinet has approved a proposal from the Ministry of Education to reduce the cost for the registration of early childhood institutions.
Addressing a post Cabinet press briefing on (Jan. 30) at Jamaica House, Minister Grange explained that the proposal sought to reduce the fees charged by the Early Childhood Commission, the Jamaica Fire Brigade Department and the Jamaica Constabulary Force. “Cabinet approved the cost reduction proposal and also approved a budgetary allocation of $200 million as Government’s assistance to early childhood institutions that are determined to be operating below established standards,” she stated.
As part of the Early Childhood Act, a registration system has been implemented and institutions are required to meet certain quality standards to be registered. The standards include better trained teachers, having appropriate fire prevention systems and other safety features in place.
Minister of Transport and Works, Michael Henry, in the meantime, informed that Jamaica has, for the first time, been elected to category C of the International Maritime Organization, which means that the country is a member of the IMO Council.
Jamaica’s successful bid was made at the IMO assembly held in London from November 19-30.
“We were able to achieve that selection process vying against 27 states for 20 seats in the Council and we are proud that Jamaica emerged ahead of prominent states such as Liberia, which has the second largest ship registry,” Minister boasted.
Jamaica now falls in the same category as Singapore, The Bahamas, Philippines and Egypt, which are countries that have special interest in maritime transport or navigation.
According to Minister Henry, the achievement is in keeping with the Ministry’s focus on the development of the maritime industry, “which will provide new areas of employment at the highest levels.”
He said that Jamaica now has the responsibility of expanding maritime trading and service within the Caribbean.

Last Updated: January 31, 2008

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