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The Ministry of Finance has identified $1.35 billion to be spent on a flood damage repair programme between January and March next year. Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House yesterday (December 12), Minister of Information, Senator Burchell Whiteman explained that the amount would be spent on priority areas, including rehabilitation works carried over from Hurricane Ivan. "The...

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is anticipating double-digit growth for the five-month winter tourist season which begins on December 15. "December and the rest of the winter season is looking very strong...we are expecting in excess of 10 per cent growth for the industry," said Deputy Director of Tourism, David Shields. Mr. Shields has credited the strong growth to among...

The government has spent some $10 million to enhance security measures at the island's two international Airports. Speaking with JIS News, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of National Security, Gilbert Scott said the changes would take effect on December 12, as most of the improvements would be in place. He cautioned though that some of the technologies to be introduced...

With a budget of just under $200 million, the Research and Development Division (RDD) of the Ministry of Agriculture, is reaping success in its mission to generate information on appropriate technology for improved productivity in agriculture. The RDD was supplemented with monies from a special fund, which was used to increase the performance of the agriculture sector. In addition the...

As part of its Values and Attitudes programme in schools, the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) staged a Christmas Treat for approximately 200 basic and prep school students from within the parish of St. James, at the Meeting Place on Howard Cooke Boulevard, in Montego Bay, on Friday, December 9. According to Corporate Relations Manager at the UDC, Joan Smalling, the...

A search is on in the United Kingdom to find an actor to once again bring to life the character 'Ivan Martin', in a stage adaptation of the 70's iconic Jamaican film the 'Harder They Come'. 'Ivan' was the lead character played by reggae superstar Jimmy Cliff who developed an international following after starring in the 1972 film that has...

The Government is seeking to deepen ties between Jamaica and Cuba, particularly in the areas of water and housing development.Minister of Water and Housing, Donald Buchanan recently led a delegation to Cuba, where meetings were held with the Cuban Minister of Water, Jorge Aspiolea Roig and the President of the National Housing Institute of Cuba, Victor Ramirez Ruiz over the...

Jamaican exporters are presently working in earnest to meet changes that will be required under international Hazard Analysis and Control Points (HACCP) agreements as of January 1, 2006. Agri Business Coordinator with the Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA), Ainsworth Riley explained to JIS News that Jamaican Exporters had always been able to adhere to international export regulations and were ready and...

Jamaican High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Gail Mathurin has commended the London/Kingston network, which was formed following the signing of the London/Kingston Friendship agreement two years ago. "The Friendship Agreement that was signed two years ago between Kingston and London recognises the longstanding historic, social, cultural and economic links between our two capital cities. We need to remember that...

The introduction of an additional 49 dispute resolution mediators in the volatile city of Spanish Town, St. Catherine could gradually see a reduction in the statistics of crime and violence in the old capital. The mediators completed their training and received certificates of participation at a graduation ceremony on Thursday (December 8) held at Arian's Restaurant in Twickenham Park, Spanish...

Dr. Herbert Thompson, President of the Northern Caribbean University, called for the creation of a new culture in the Jamaican society to allow for the achievement of good governance. He was one of the panelists at yesterday's (December 8, 2005) discussion on governance at the Cabinet Office. Dr. Thompson outlined ten areas which he thinks that the country should address...

Jamaicans have again been called to prayer to deliver the country from social ills, as the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee stages a National Week of Prayer next month. Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Alston Henry, in his remarks at the Committee's 25th anniversary appreciation awards luncheon held on December 7 at the Courtleigh Hotel in Kingston, said that the...