Author Archives: donovan.saunches

To strengthen Jamaica’s anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism efforts, the Government has approved several changes to the Companies Act. The amendments, which were approved on March 31, 2023, have been made based on recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in relation to ‘Beneficial Ownership’ information. This follows the first amendment thatContinue reading “Companies Act Amended to Strengthen Anti-Money Laundering Efforts”

WESTERN BUREAU: Stakeholders in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector are now seeking to identify employees, who require limited supervision, to be a part of the work-from-home regime for companies operating in the special economic zones (SEZs). The arrangement will officially start on January 1, 2024. “Not everyone can work without supervision; there are someContinue reading “BPOs sayonly efficient employees will work from home”

The Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, is encouraging businesses to implement apprenticeship programmes for unattached youth. His call follows the Government’s desire to address labour shortages across several sectors. Senator Hill says his Ministry supports middle managers and management, but notes that businesses must train and up-skill their people more. HeContinue reading “Businesses Being Encouraged to Implement Apprenticeship Programmes for Unattached Youth”

The Government of Jamaica has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to boost the island’s international competitiveness in the hot pepper industry. The project, titled, ‘Improving Phytosanitary, Food Safety and Market Access Opportunities along the Hot Pepper Value Chain in Jamaica’, which got under way last year is beingContinue reading “FAO set to fire up hot pepper market”

The paint manufacturing company Sherwin-Williams is being hailed for its entrepreneurial and community outreach values by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill. Minister Hill, who was speaking at the company’s unveiling of its 50th Anniversary Logo, and factory tour in White Marl, St. Catherine on April 26, said people stayContinue reading “Industry Minister Commends Sherwin-Williams”

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, through the Trade Board Limited, will be establishing an export academy. This facility, work on which is expected to commence in July, is designed to provide free, online information and training for businesses, to boost their confidence to seek out export opportunities. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. AndrewContinue reading “Gov’t to Establish Export Academy”

The Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) will be undertaking several activities during fiscal year 2023/24 to facilitate the use and protection of intellectual property locally. The initiatives include launching a technology innovation support centre as well as a women’s innovation network. This was disclosed by Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment andContinue reading “JIPO Undertaking Activities to Facilitate the Use and Protection of Intellectual Property”

Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Masakui Rungsung and a two-member delegation from the Indian Economic Trade Organisation (IETO) met with Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 as part of a visit by the IETO to participate in EXPO Jamaica 2023 and to explore opportunities forContinue reading “Indian Delegation meets with Minister Aubyn Hill”

The Senate has approved legislation to establish the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA) as a statutory body to carry out the regulatory functions previously discharged by the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ). In 2018, Cabinet gave approval for the separation of the regulatory functions of the BSJ and for those duties to be undertakenContinue reading “Senate Passes NCRA Bill”

  Kingston, Jamaica – Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill received a courtesy call by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on Tuesday (April 25). Among the topics discussed were the importance of IP rights protection and the use of IP tools as a critical and central component of economicContinue reading “Courtesy Call paid on Minister Aubyn Hill by WIPO”