Author Archives: donovan.saunches

THE PARISH of Westmoreland is set to benefit from a multimillion US dollar investment of $337 million which will see the cultivation of 25,000 acres of farmlands to produce bamboo pulp for the global consumer tissue and personal hygiene industry. The project is being undertaken by Bamboo Bioproducts Ltd and is estimated to create someContinue reading “Multimillion dollar investment in bamboo production coming to Westmoreland”

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) has increased the interval period for inspection and hydrostatic testing – checks for leaks and strength – of portable gas cylinders from 10 to 12 years. The interval between each inspection, only in accordance with Clause 8, has also been increased from five to seven years. The Jamaican StandardContinue reading “Inspection overhaul for portable gas cylinders”

Dolsie Allen, head of the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), indicates that the agency has increased market surveillance, more so as prices continue to climb. The consumer agency has been checking for price gouging, but the agency is also advising consumers to watch their spending and to live within a budget. It also recommends the use ofContinue reading “Get ‘appy’ Cross-check prices on CAC app before buying”

The programme, titled National Quality Awards, is being implemented by the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ). It will recognise and reward companies that have demonstrated application of standards and quality in their operations. The BSJ will then schedule and conduct the assessment, after which a detailed report of the findings will be generated by theContinue reading “March 31 Deadline For Quality Awards Programme Applications”

Jamaica’s ability to produce medical-grade oxygen has been further bolstered with the commissioning of IGL Limited’s pressure swing absorption (PSA) plant at Ferry, St. Catherine. The plant was developed at a cost of nearly $100 million. The facility was formally commissioned into service by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill,Continue reading “Jamaica’s Capacity To Produce Medical-Grade Oxygen Gets Big Boost”

RECENTLY, there have been major developments in Jamaica’s intellectual property (IP) landscape. These changes include the bringing into effect of the much-anticipated Patents and Design Act, 2020 and the Trade Marks (Amendment) Act, 2021. The Patents and Design Act came into effect on February 11, 2022. Some of the main effects of this Act includeContinue reading “New changes to Jamaica’s intellectual property landscape”

Providers of digital financial services are being implored to create products that are inclusive and accessible to all Jamaicans, while ensuring that the most vulnerable are protected, including the elderly. Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. the Hon. Norman Dunn, made the call while addressing Tuesday’s (March 15) WorldContinue reading “Digital Financial Services Must Be Inclusive, Accessible – Dr. Dunn”

Approximately 200 micro and small enterprises in eight marginalised communities are set to benefit from grant support totalling $50 million. This, under the Government’s Integrated Community Development Project Phase 2 (ICDP II) being implemented by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF). This will be facilitated under the ICDP II Enterprise Development Grant Project Cycle 2,Continue reading “Community enterprises get $50m support”

THE construction industry will have to adhere to a raft of new guidelines following the launch of new standards for hollow concrete blocks and ready-mixed concrete. The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) launched the updated standards on Tuesday. Speaking at the launch event, Minister of Industry, Investment & Commerce Aubyn Hill said, “The launch ofContinue reading “BSJ launches new concrete standards”

On the cusp of its 60th anniversary — which coincides with the 60th year of Independence for Jamaica — Industrial Gases Limited (IGL) is ready to embark on an expansion initiative that will see the company diversifying its product offering and begin exporting products to other jurisdictions. On Wednesday, March 16, managing director of IGL PeterContinue reading “‘Still in expansion mode’ IGL outlines import substitution, export plans”