Category Archives: News

Jamaica is moving to strengthen co-operation with Cuba on key industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing, which can benefit both nations. Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, said Jamaica is seeking to learn from the experience of Cuba, which “has done remarkably well with limited resources.” He noted as well thatContinue reading “JAMAICA STRENGTHENING CO-OPERATION WITH CUBA”

The draft Microcredit Bill, which aims to create an authority to regulate micro financing firms, is in an advanced state. This was disclosed by Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, at a Microfinance Institutions meeting, held at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices on May 18. He noted that the legislation willContinue reading “MICROCREDIT BILL FAR ADVANCED”

As part of the efforts to foster greater innovation and participation from young Jamaicans, the Government is now seeking to widen the entrepreneurship curriculum in schools. Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, speaking at the launch of Scotiabank’s 2016 Vision Achiever Programme at the Scotia Group Financial Centre in Kingston, onContinue reading “ENTREPRENEURSHIP CURRICULUM TO BE BROADENED”

Several initiatives geared towards development of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector are being pursued across government during 2016/17. The disclosure was made by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda, while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation’s (JBDC) 9th Annual Small Business Expo on MayContinue reading “Government Committed to MSME Development”

The cess on local conch exports is to be reduced this year from US 75 cents per pound, to US 50 cents per pound. The announcement was made on Friday, May 6 by Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, following a tour of Rainforest Seafoods’ 30,000 square foot, state-of-the-art processing plant,Continue reading “Government to Reduce Cess on Conch”

Flood-Affected Farmers to Get Assistance As of the week beginning May 9th, the Government will roll out a programme of assistance for farmers whose crops were recently destroyed by floods, caused by heavy rains in Portland and St. Thomas. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, whoContinue reading “Flood-Affected Farmers to Get Assistance”

Young Jamaicans are being encouraged to take up careers in agriculture and to assist in finding solutions to challenges in the sector. Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, delivering the keynote address at the Jamaica 4-H Clubs’ 2016 National Achievement Expo at the Denbigh Showground, May Pen, Clarendon, on April 29,Continue reading “Youth Urged To Seek Careers in Agriculture”

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, has signalled Jamaica’s dissatisfaction with the current oil pricing systems being used by Trinidad & Tobago (T&T). The Minister did so while in Georgetown, Guyana attending the 42nd Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) and the 61st Special COTED MeetingContinue reading “Minister Samuda Calls for New Approach to T&T Oil Pricing and Subsidies”

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda, is urging local manufacturers to look towards overseas markets. Speaking at Seprod’s (International Biscuits Limited) unveiling of its J$285 million state-of-the-art oven and oil spray machine at its Valentine Drive factory in Kingston on April 27th, Minister Samuda noted the level of expansion taking placeContinue reading “Look to Overseas Markets – Industry Minister”

The agricultural sector is expected to realize significant growth this year, with a recovery from the harsh drought conditions of the past year. Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda, says unless there is a repeat of similar conditions, the onset of hurricane or other prohibitive actors, “we are going to see realContinue reading “AGRICULTURE POISED FOR GROWTH THIS YEAR”