February 2010
Nelson says Haiti operational bill mounting
Posted: Monday | February 1, 2010
Jamaica Gleaner/Power 106
The national security minister Dwight Nelson says mounting operational expenses relating to the presence of Jamaican teams assisting in Haiti could lead to a recall of health and Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) personnel this week.
The Jamaican tax payers have so far contributed significantly to the $38 million operational bill for the CARICOM teams serving in the earthquake ravaged country.
Agriculture records 23% increase in 4Q
Monday, February 01, 2010
Jamaica Observer
JAMAICA'S agriculture sector has recorded a 23 per cent increase in gross output for the fourth quarter of 2009, despite challenges presented by drought, pests and disease outbreaks, according to preliminary data compiled by the agriculture ministry.
Agri sector records growth
Published: Monday | February 1, 2010
Jamaica Gleaner
Left: The production of yam increased 26.7 per cent over 2008. Right: The production of plantains, the fruit which this rural woman carries on her head, increased in 2009. - File
The Ministry of Agriculture is boasting increased gross output of 23.1 per cent for the entire agricultural sector for the fourth quarter of 2009.
The ministry has said preliminary estimates indicate that there was also a 13 per cent growth in the sector for last year.
Gov't ponders fund for needy tertiary students
Published: Monday | February 1, 2010
Jamaica Gleaner
THE GOVERNMENT has agreed to consider, for the next financial year, a programme of support for tertiary students in dire financial distress and at risk of deregistration.
Students qualifying for this programme would be determined by means testing and on the recommendation of the institutions, the Ministry of Education has said.
Minister of Education Andrew Holness promised to consider the support plan after some tertiary students voiced concerns about possible increase in their tuition fees.
Agricultural Sector Grew by 23.1% in Last Quarter of 2009
KINGSTON (JIS):
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Preliminary figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries have shown that the agricultural sector continued expanding in the last quarter of 2009, ending the period with an overall 23.1 per cent increase in production over the similar period in 2008.
Agricultural Sector Grew by 23.1% in Last Quarter of 2009
Wed, 2010-02-03 10:07
KINGSTON (JIS):
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Preliminary figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries have shown that the agricultural sector continued expanding in the last quarter of 2009, ending the period with an overall 23.1 per cent increase in production over the similar period in 2008.
PM Golding's Statement on the Passing of UWI Vice Chancellor Emeritus, Professor Rex Nettleford
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Jamaica Information Service
'I am deeply saddened at the news, just received, of the passing of Vice Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies , Professor Rex Nettleford O.J.
Jamaica and the entire world have lost an intellectual and creative genius, a man whose contribution to shaping and projecting the cultural landscape of the entire Caribbean region is unquestionable.
Golding calls for more Chinese investments
Posted: Wednesday | February 3, 2010
Jamaica Gleaner/Power 106
The Prime Minister Bruce Golding has told Chinese investors that his government wants to develop Jamaica as a hub for Chinese commerce and trade with Central and South American countries.
Mr Golding, who is now in Beijing on an official visit, started a series of meetings yesterday to discuss new and existing investment opportunities
between Jamaica and China.
New parking system for Falmouth
Posted: Wednesday | February 3, 2010
Jamaica Gleaner/Power 106
The Trelawny Parish Council has introduced a paid parking system for the town of Falmouth to help ease the traffic congestion in the town.
Motorists are now required to pay $50 to park in designated areas from Monday to Saturday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The roads listed for paid parking are Lower Parade Street, Georges Street, Market Street, Water Square, Trelawny Street, Cornwall Street, Seaboard Street, Officers Alley and King Street.
Senate passes deferred financing Bill
BY ALICIA DUNKLEY Observer staff reporter dunkleya@jamaicaobserver.com
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
GOVERNMENT senators last Friday used their majority to push through a Bill making deferred financing agreements for Government projects a thing of the past, under heavy suspicion from Opposition senators who classified the move "a ruse".
Gov't secures $6-b funding from China for Palisadoes
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Jamaica Observer
GOVERNMENT has acquired US$65.4 million (J$5.7 billion) in financing from the Chinese government to raise the Palisadoes Road in Kingston -- the only access to the Norman Manley International Airport.
The National Works Agency (NWA) will oversee the project with Asian-based China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC) as contractor. A government team is currently overseas to determine deliverables including a timeline for the project, the NWA told the Observer in a written response.
Gov't secures $6-b funding from China for Palisadoes
Wed, 2010-02-03 11:04
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Jamaica Observer
GOVERNMENT has acquired US$65.4 million (J$5.7 billion) in financing from the Chinese government to raise the Palisadoes Road in Kingston -- the only access to the Norman Manley International Airport.
The National Works Agency (NWA) will oversee the project with Asian-based China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC) as contractor. A government team is currently overseas to determine deliverables including a timeline for the project, the NWA told the Observer in a written response.
Examining past IMF relationships as Jamaica's deal nears
SSL in the Money
Shari DaCosta
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
THE International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Executive Board is scheduled to meet tomorrow to make a final decision on the US$1.25-billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) being sought by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ).
While there are clearly numerous factors contributing to the performance of economies internationally, some of the restructuring and targets, either required or supported by multilateral institutions, including the IMF, helped to bring forth improvements.
Rice production on target, says Tufton
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Jamaica Observer
MONTEGO BAY, St James - AGRICULTURE Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has expressed satisfaction with the progress being made by his ministry, as it seeks to fulfil its mandate of producing 25 per cent of the country's rice consumption needs within the next five to seven years.
"I am satisfied with the level of participation we are getting from the farmers and other stakeholders and even though we are still in a learning mode we are comfortable at where we are," said the agriculture minister.
Rice production on target, says Tufton
Wed, 2010-02-03 11:14
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Jamaica Observer
MONTEGO BAY, St James - AGRICULTURE Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has expressed satisfaction with the progress being made by his ministry, as it seeks to fulfil its mandate of producing 25 per cent of the country's rice consumption needs within the next five to seven years.
"I am satisfied with the level of participation we are getting from the farmers and other stakeholders and even though we are still in a learning mode we are comfortable at where we are," said the agriculture minister.
Gov't seeks US$15-m agri boost from IDB
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Jamaica Observer
THE Ministry of Agriculture is seeking US$15 million ($1.3 billion) financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to fund its agricultural competitiveness programme.
According to the IDB's website, the project is in the pipeline for consideration this year and will be aimed at financing "priority lines of actions established under the sector plan for agriculture, which is part of the Vision 2030 Jamaica -- National Development Plan".
Gov't seeks US$15-m agri boost from IDB
Wed, 2010-02-03 11:21
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Jamaica Observer
THE Ministry of Agriculture is seeking US$15 million ($1.3 billion) financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to fund its agricultural competitiveness programme.
According to the IDB's website, the project is in the pipeline for consideration this year and will be aimed at financing "priority lines of actions established under the sector plan for agriculture, which is part of the Vision 2030 Jamaica -- National Development Plan".
PM in China
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Jamaica Observer
Courtesy of Jamaica Observer
Haiti pull-out - Soaring costs halting Gov't's quake relief efforts
Published: Thursday | February 4, 2010
Jamaica Gleaner Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter
FACED WITH a ballooning price tag, and with promised financial assistance slow in coming, the Government has decided to pull the plug on elements of its relief efforts in Haiti.
Less than 72 hours after The Gleaner first reported that financial challenges could force Jamaica to withdraw its soldiers, medical team and firefighters from Haiti, Information Minister Daryl Vaz used yesterday's post-Cabinet media briefing to announce that the pull back has started.
Pilots too late - Shaw says Air Jamaica's bid not even on radar
Published: Thursday | February 4, 2010
Jamaica Gleaner Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com
THE GOVERNMENT has underscored its position that the bid by the Jamaica Airline Pilots Association (JALPA) to purchase Air Jamaica is not being considered, despite the last-minute submission of a financing plan.
The pilots yesterday presented the administration with what they said was proof that they could finance the airline, but Finance Minister Audley Shaw was adamant that JALPA's bid was much too late.
