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Cabinet has approved several contracts, including an insurance contract for the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ), and for the Montego Bay Free Zone Land Use Infrastructure Construction, among others. For the HAJ, a three-year brokerage contract was awarded to Progressive Insurance Brokers for the placement of the insurance portfolio of the agency, and the appointment of NEM Insurance Company Limited...

The GraceKennedy Jamaica Birthright Programme, which gives college level Jamaican students living overseas a chance to revisit their cultural roots during the summer recess, is being renewed by the company for 2009. This programme, which was established five years ago, provides a unique opportunity for the students to participate in an all expense paid internship programme in Jamaica, while connecting...

The Government is calling on the nation to offer prayers for the families, communities and especially the children who have been affected by the motor vehicle tragedy in Portland on December 19. Minister of State for Project Implementation and Service Delivery in the Office of the Prime Minister, Daryl Vaz, is also reassuring the public that government ministries, agencies and...

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles, has said that in addition to the Prime Minister's 'stimulus package', the Government is contemplating a social safety net programme, to assist the most vulnerable Jamaicans, amidst the global economic crisis. Addressing a JIS 'Think Tank', on December 23, Mr. Charles said that a part of the safety net programme would be...

Cabinet on December 22, gave approval for amendments to the relevant legislation, to give effect to measures designed to stimulate the economy, and to buffer the impact of the global economic crisis. These measures were outlined by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, in an address to the nation on December 14, in which he detailed a package of assistance for major...

Six persons, including former Secretary/Manager of the St. Thomas Parish Council, Clinton Gordon, have received awards and citations, for their contribution to the Council. The awards were presented at the Council's annual Staff Dinner and Awards Banquet, held on December 22, on the lawns of the Whispering Bamboo Cove Resort, in Retreat, St. Thomas. Retirees Kilroy Ford and Dorritt Woodcock...

The Jamaica Minnesota Organization (JMO) has partnered with United Way of Jamaica to undertake a global billion dollar fundraising campaign to support a range of programmes being undertaken by United Way. The funds raised will assist at-risk youth and the mentally and physically challenged, and provide skills training, employment generation and conflict resolution programmes. In addition, proceeds will be invested...

United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Country Representative for Jamaica, the Bahamas and Belize, Miriam Maluwa, is urging media practitioners to go beyond reporting on figures and begin to present well-researched and analysed information on issues relating to HIV and AIDS. Speaking at the recent launch of the Panos Caribbean's Media Guide titled: 'Responsible Reporting on HIV and AIDS -...

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), with responsibility for Project Implementation and Service Delivery, Daryl Vaz, has assured that the families of the 14 persons who died in the truck accident in the Rio Grande Valley, Portland, on December 19, would not be neglected in their time of bereavement. He also emphasised that the Government...

I extend Christmas greetings to all Jamaicans at home and abroad as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This past year has been very challenging for many Jamaicans. Several hurricanes in the vicinity of the island caused extensive infrastructural damage and setbacks in areas such as agriculture. Our children have been under attack, not just in increasing numbers, but...

My Fellow Jamaicans, The Christmas season is once again upon us. It is the time of greatest cheer, of goodwill and of corporate celebration. For us here in Jamaica, the warmth of the season shows up in the blooming poinsettias, the sorrel, the soft golden light of the December sun and the joyful sound of carols. As a people I...

One of the amazing things about Christmas is that it never grows old and we never grow too old for it. Each year it comes and goes and we look forward to its return next year. Christmas has a special meaning for each of us, whether young or old, rich or poor. For some, it is a time for fun...