Category Archives: News

By the end of the 2017/2018 financial year, several farm roads in the parishes of Manchester and St. Elizabeth, covering 19.7km and valued at $81m, will be rehabilitated by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries (MICAF), through the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA). This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio, MICAF, Hon J.C.Continue reading “Agriculture Ministry repairs farm roads”

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr. Donovan Stanberry, has reiterated the importance and potential of the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), if properly managed, in the development of the local economy. He said that the MSME sector is a key driver for wealth creation and prosperity in Jamaica.Continue reading “MSMEs play a key role in economic development – Stanberry”

Principal Director, MSME Division, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Oral Shaw, discusses the Way Forward for MSMEs, at the Final Validation Round Table for the Updated MSME and Entrepreneurship Policy, held at the Jamaica Conference Centre, on Thursday, January 25, 2018.

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon Karl Samuda, has welcomed the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival to be held March 23-25, 2018 in Newcastle, St. Andrew, noting that it will be of significance in the marketing and branding of coffee. The Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival will feature a trade day toContinue reading “Agriculture and Tourism ministries to host Blue Mountain Coffee Festival”

Gusland McCook, acting director general of the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority, speaking at the launch of the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival in Kingston on January 23. The 3-day festival, which is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, will be held March 23-25 at NewcastleContinue reading “Launch of the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival”

As of February 1, 2018, the motor vehicle pre-shipment inspection certification is to be implemented. This is a provision under the Motor Vehicle Import Policy, Ministry Paper 36/14 and will apply to used motor vehicles imported by dealers or individuals. This was disclosed by Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda atContinue reading “Motor vehicle pre-shipment inspection certification to be implemented February 1”

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda has announced that $100m in assistance is to be provided for farmers who suffered losses as a result of the heavy rains between January 4 and 18. Some 2173 farmers in Trelawny, St. Mary and Portland suffered losses of over $343m during the period. MinisterContinue reading “Help Coming for Farmers Affected by January Flood Rains as Minister Samuda Outlines New Approach to Agriculture”

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda has welcomed news that Trinidad and Tobago has increased its weekly order of Jamaican bananas. Jamaica began exporting bananas to the eastern Caribbean island in December following the signing of a six month contract. Jamaica currently sends one container or about 900 boxes of bananasContinue reading “Trinidad Increases its Order of Jamaican Bananas”

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries will commence sensitising and training farmers to manage the Frosty Pod Rot (FPR) cocoa disease, beginning January 10. Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on January 9, Chief Plant Quarantine and Produce Inspector, Sanniel Wilson, said the first session will be held in St. Mary. “We areContinue reading “Agriculture Ministry to Assist Farmers to Tackle Cocoa Disease”

Board Chairman, Jamaica Cane Products Sales (JCPS), Karl James (left), along with Chief Financial Officer, Worthy Park Estate, Paul Henriques (centre) and Chairman, Sugar Industry Authority, Phillip Henriques, in discussion at a media briefing to update the country on the scrap metal industry, motor vehicle pre-shipment regime and the refined sugar regime, at the MinistryContinue reading “Board Chairman Karl James in discussion with CFO Paul Henriques and Chairman Phillip Henriques”