In April 2024, the threshold for personal income tax will be increased to J$1,700,088 from J$1,500,096 and a tax credit will be given to Jamaicans earning less than $3 million per annum. The threshold refers to the part of an individual’s income which bears no tax; 25 per cent is deducted from the portion of the salary that remains. Who...

The Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA) was established in 1991 and recognises outstanding Jamaicans who have made noteworthy contributions to the country. Nominations may be submitted on the Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence’s website. Standard Criteria The nominee for the GGAA must: Be a Jamaican citizen. Have an outstanding record of community service. Demonstrate excellent academic performance (candidates within the 18-35 years...

The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) supplied the first block of 10,000 numbers under the 658 numbering plan area code in May 2023. Introduced in 2018, the 658 area code will add millions of numbers to the available pool and prevent the resources from being depleted. The Internet of Things The growing reliance on communication technology devices such as landlines,...

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security partners with employers in Canada and the United States of America (USA) to deliver a multifaceted programme which provides employment to skilled Jamaican labourers. The programme offers employment in three schemes – Low Skill workers in Canada, Hospitality in the USA and Seasonal Agriculture (commonly called Farm Work) in the USA and Canada....

Local Government Elections in Jamaica Jamaica’s parishes are divided into 63 constituencies with 228 electoral divisions. Councillors and mayors are elected to develop, manage, and maintain infrastructure and public facilities within these divisions through local government elections. These elections are due every four years and were last held on November 28, 2016. Postponement Although the local government elections were due...

The Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence (PMYAE) was instated in 1998 as part of the Government’s drive to nurture excellence at the national level. Under this initiative, outstanding youth are recognised for their remarkable achievements in various fields, including: Academics Agriculture Arts and Culture Community Development Entrepreneurship Environmental Protection Journalism National leadership New Media Science and Technology Sports Standard...

Consumers play a vital role in endorsing vendors who practice good hygiene and prioritise food safety. Patrons have a personal responsibility to observe vendor practices to ensure they consume food prepared in accordance with the Public Health (Food Handling) Regulations, 1998. Qualifications Persons involved in the handling of food for public consumption must acquire a: Valid Food Handler’s Permit –...

All births, marriages and deaths are to be registered with the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) within reasonable time of the event. The RGD reviews applications submitted and issues certificates. The process to replace these certificates may be completed online or at any of the RGD branches.   Replacing a Birth Certificate An application for birth certificate replacement requires: The Birth...

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ), under the Public Health Act, has instituted prohibitions and penalties for food operators that are found to be in breach of the established standards. Prohibitions The Public Health (Food Handling) Regulations 1998, require strict adherence to cleanliness, quality, and safety standards in food-handling establishments, with a focus on the presence of licences, permits, hygiene, record-keeping,...