Author Archives: donovan.saunches

With the appointment of a new High Commissioner-designate of Jamaica to the Republic of India, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Audley Shaw, wants to explore greater levels of cooperation with the Government and people of India. Speaking during a courtesy call at his New Kingston offices on January 28, Minister Shaw congratulated theContinue reading “Shaw looks to new areas of cooperation with India”

In an effort to place more Jamaicans at the centre of the nation’s development agenda, the government is giving focused attention to the island’s social enterprise (SE) sector and has launched an Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility (known as the Business Environment Reform For Social Enterprise Sector Intervention in Jamaica project) to boost its operation.Continue reading “Government focusing on the SE sector to uplift Jamaicans”

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Audley Shaw, has signalled his commitment to explore the possibilities of pursuing more cooperation with the Government of Mexico in areas such as knowledge transfer, and in particular, technological assistance. The Minister exchanged ideas on the matter with Her Excellency Sharon Saunders, Ambassador-Designate to Mexico, during a courtesyContinue reading “Mexico and Jamaica exploring collaboration on further bilateral trade”

A project aimed at developing and transitioning informal small farmers and fisher folk to formal operators is set to begin soon with the signing of a grant agreement between the government of Jamaica and the funding agency, the International Labour Organization (ILO). The Project will be implemented jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture and FisheriesContinue reading “Govt. to sign agreement for project to develop and formalize farmers”

Business operators and entrepreneurs are being encouraged by Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) to maintain proper records. Speaking at a ‘JBDC Virtual Biz Zone’ session, held recently under the theme: ‘Statutory Obligations For MSMEs During COVID-19’, Taxpayer Education Officer, Rogerlene Miller, explained that business records are to be maintained for a minimum of six years. “TheyContinue reading “Business Operators Encouraged To Maintain Proper Records”

Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), Dolsie Allen, is cautioning the public against seeking coronavirus (COVID-19) testing from unauthorised entities. “We are appealing to consumers, don’t support entities that are offering services that are not authorised. These are labs that have not been accredited. At the end of the day, you areContinue reading “CAC Implores Persons Not To Test For COVID-19 At Unauthorised Entities”

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce is working with the Ministry of Health & Wellness to improve the capacity of local laboratories to undertake coronavirus (COVID-19) tests and clamp down on unauthorised facilities. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw, said that as part of the process, private laboratories will be assisted to secure accreditation throughContinue reading “Gov’t Strengthening Capacity Of Labs To Undertake COVID-19 Tests”

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Audley Shaw (1st from top), speaking at a virtual Food Security and Agribusiness Council meeting organized by JAMPRO, at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices on Tuesday, January 26 2021. The meeting was Co-Chaired by Minister Audley Shaw, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Floyd Green (3rd from top)Continue reading “Minister Audley Shaw speaking at a virtual Food Security and Agribusiness Council meeting”

President of Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Diane Edwards, says Jamaica’s economy is poised to bounce back from the negative effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and should see growth by 2022. In a virtual meeting held by JAMPRO, in association with The Business Year (TBY), today (January 20), Ms. Edwards said there are companies looking toContinue reading “JAMPRO President Says Economy Is Poised To Bounce Back”

Applications are being invited from private entities interested in conducting coronavirus (COVID-19) tests to participate in the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation’s Pre-Approval Accreditation Programme (JANAAC PAAP). Target groups include private laboratories and point of care testing facilities (doctors’ offices, health centres, pharmacies). Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JANAAC, Sharonmae Shirley, said that the pre-approvalContinue reading “JANAAC Invites Private Labs To Participate In Pre-Approval Programme For COVID Tests”