Author Archives: donovan.saunches

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) handled 1,292 complaints and resolved 893 up to February of the current fiscal year, an increase of 24 and 11 respectively, over the similar period in 2022/23. The figures were provided by the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dolsie Allen, who addressed a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank.Continue reading “Increase in Number of Cases Handled and Resolved by CAC”

JAMAICA Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is urging micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to prioritise well-researched product development for maximum profitability. According to Keera Walters, assistant manager of the Business Advisory Services Unit at JBDC, there has been a trend of businesses emerging without proper research, and it is not exclusive to Jamaica. She highlightedContinue reading “Research, adapt, or risk ‘vacuum’ profit loss! ­— JBDC”

Operators of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) within the agriculture sector are being encouraged to consistently adhere to hygiene and food-safety standards and practices. Director General for the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA), Dr. Cliff Riley, says adherence is critical to the export potential of these businesses. “We often find some of the gapsContinue reading “MSMEs in Agriculture Sector Urged to Adhere to Hygiene and Food-Safety Practices”

Amendments to the Dangerous Drugs (Cannabis Licensing) (Interim) Regulations are being finalised. The Regulations will govern the licensing regime for the cultivation, harvesting, processing/manufacturing, transporting and retailing of ganja. Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, provided details while addressing the Standing Finance Committee in the House of Representatives on MarchContinue reading “Amendments to Regulations Governing Licensing Regime of Ganja Industry Being Finalised”

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) will be launching a new data-collection survey during the forthcoming months. The exercise, which is intended to secure up-to-date information to enhance consumer protection in Jamaica, will be conducted through various channels. These include online platforms, telephone interviews and in-person interactions. CAC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dolsie Allen, said theContinue reading “CAC to Launch New Data-Collection Survey”

The Jamaica Trade Board Limited has launched a new trading platform that will better enable local manufacturers and exporters to unlock and take advantage of business opportunities across the globe. The online platform, dubbed ‘EXPORT Jamaica’, will provide businesspeople with information to identify and enter new markets and successfully promote and sell their products. AddressingContinue reading “Trade Board Launches ‘Export Jamaica’ Platform, New Logo”

The Government continues to enhance the development and protection of the intellectual property (IP) rights of Jamaicans as a key contributor to national development, says Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill. “Brand Jamaica and the excellence of our products and services must be protected and not infringed if they are toContinue reading “Brand Jamaica Must Be Protected – Senator Hill”

Kingston, Jamaica, March 20, 2024 – Effective March 14, 2024, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has advised that items covered by Schedule III of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) – which specifically relates to a special regime for oils and fats – will no longer be accorded duty exemption benefits on inputs or rawContinue reading “Adjustment to Exemptions Provided under Productive Input Relief (PIR) Regime”

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce is reporting that in excess of $88 billion in Productive Input Relief (PIR) was approved last year to assist businesses. Portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, made the disclosure while addressing the Standing Finance Committee in the House of Representatives on March 6. “We approved PIR, whichContinue reading “$88 Billion in PIR for Manufacturing in 2023”

Some 61 female business owners participated in a workshop staged on Thursday (February 29) under the Women Entrepreneurship Support (WES) Project. The project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce in partnership with the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), was initiated to address the obstacles encountered by female-owned Micro, Small and Medium EnterprisesContinue reading “61 Business Owners Participate in Women Entrepreneurship Support Project Workshop”