Author Archives: donovan.saunches

The Government has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to implement a project to strengthen the country’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’, is expected to be completed byContinue reading “Government Partners with FAO to Strengthen Int’l Competitiveness in Hot Pepper Industry”

A total of 20 micro-entrepreneurs who benefitted from grants under the Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP) II, cycles one and two, were recognized for their outstanding achievements by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF). The entrepreneurs are from the communities of Denham Town, August Town and Greenwich Town in Kingston and St. Andrew, Treadlight inContinue reading “Outstanding Micro-Entrepreneurs Awarded”

SHELLIE LEON, CEO and registrar (acting interim) of the Companies of Jamaica (COJ), is encouraged by the commitment of entrepreneurs to positioning their businesses for continuity and expansion as seen in an 11 per cent increase in the number of companies incorporated for 2022. Data from the COJ shows that 5,412 new limited liability companiesContinue reading “More entrepreneurs choosing company status”

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is encouraging citizens to do regular checks with credit bureaus, to ensure that the information on file is accurate. A credit bureau is an agency which collects information from a wide variety of financial and nonfinancial entities, including microfinance institutions and credit card companies. It provides comprehensive consumer credit informationContinue reading “Consumers Encouraged to Check Credit Bureaus Regularly”

THE Senate on Friday passed amendments to the Companies Act to strengthen Jamaica’s anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, to stave off the threat the country faces of being blacklisted if it fails to beef up these guardrails to meet international obligations. Stressing the importance of passing the legislation now, Leader ofContinue reading “Senate gives nod to Companies Act amendments”

The Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) has taken the initiative to broaden the scope of its services and now offers accreditation for certification bodies both locally and overseas. During a recent interview with JIS News, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sharonmae Shirley, said that they have been, year on year, expanding all services to meetContinue reading “JANAAC Now Offers Accreditation for Certification Bodies Locally and Overseas”

A total of $13 billion in affordable loans and credit guarantees were provided for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) by the Government during fiscal year 2022/23. This was disclosed by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, during the University of Technology (UTech) Jamaica’s 41st annual marketing seminar at theContinue reading “MSMEs Benefit from $13 Billion in Gov’t Funding Support”

State Minister for Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, has welcomed Red Stripe’s Cellars Expansion for Beer (CERS) Production Project, which has increased the company’s brewing capacity, as creating a boost for Jamaica’s exports. “This significant investment in Jamaica’s manufacturing landscape has positive implications for export, which the Ministry wholeheartedly embraces andContinue reading “Red Stripe’s Expansion Project an Export Boost – Dr. Dunn”

Training is a “big part” of how the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) operates. In an interview with JIS News, Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), JSEZA, Kelli-Dawn Hamilton, informed that major focus is placed on providing on-the-job training for staff. “We have a very robust internship programme here at the Special Economic Zone AuthorityContinue reading “JSEZA Big on Training”

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Aubyn Hill is calling on Jamaican employers to pay their employees better as part of efforts to stem the migration of skilled labour and to attract and keep workers to avert a crisis that is threatening continued economic growth. “If you’re not paying the right price, you not goingContinue reading “PAY BETTER: Hill calls out companies to improve salaries”