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Articles by Chris Patterson
Jamaica Reconstruction and Resilience Oversight Committee Launched
The Government has officially launched the Jamaica Reconstruction and Resilience Oversight Committee (JAMRROC) and announced the appointment of its seven members. JAMRROC will provide oversight of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA), the entity established to coordinate the country’s post-disaster reconstruction and long-term resilience-building efforts following Hurricane Melissa. The oversight committee will be chaired by Professor Peter Blair Henry.
$11 Million Allocated to Manage Chemicals in the Environment
A sum of $11 million has been allocated to the Environmental Management Division’s Regional and National Global Harmonized System (GHS) Projects in the 2013/14 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.
PETCOM to be Divested
The Government is moving forward with the divestment of the Petroleum Company of Jamaica (PETCOM). Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Philip Paulwell, in his Budget Debate presentation on April 24, said that an enterprise team headed by Chairman of Petrojam, Erwin Jones, has been established to handle the process.
USF Awards $3M in Grants to 12 ICT Students
The Universal Service Fund (USF) has awarded grants totalling $3 million to 12 Jamaican students pursuing tertiary studies and professional development in information and communications technology (ICT) and related digital fields. The 2026 beneficiaries of the USF ICT Education Grant Programme signed their contracts during a ceremony held at the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) Resource Centre in Kingston on Tuesday (September 15).
Economic Growth To Strengthen In 2027/28
Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) Governor, Dr. Brian Langrin, says economic growth is expected to strengthen in the next fiscal year, with indicators pointing to improving demand as Jamaica gradually recovers from Hurricane Melissa. While the fiscal year 2026/27 lays a resilient foundation amid temporary agricultural, tourism, and mining adjustments, the economic outlook is expected to accelerate into the following year.
All Medical Fees for Injured Student Waived
Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth North Western, Andrew Morris, says all medical fees related to the care for student, Kendra Rose, have been waived. Mr. Morris made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2026/27 Constituency Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (September 29). Kendra was one of three students severely injured by falling boulders while forced to use an abandoned train track as an alternative route to get to Merrywood Primary School.
Government to Establish Council to Strengthen Cyber Resilience
The Government is moving to establish the National Cybersecurity Coordination Assurance Council, as part of efforts to strengthen Jamaica’s cyber resilience. “We will be taking to Cabinet, a proposal to establish the National Cybersecurity Coordination Assurance Council.
New Ticketing System to Boost Public-Order Enforcement
A new ticketing system will be introduced to help restore public order and reduce unnecessary confrontations between law-enforcement officers and individuals who breach the law.
House Opens Debate on Legislation to Address Jury Tampering
The House of Representatives, on Tuesday (October 6), opened debate on the Jury (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, which seeks to strengthen measures to address jury tampering. Piloting the debate, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Delroy Chuck, said the Bill seeks to empower judges, in cases where jury tampering is suspected or detected, to discharge a jury and continue the trial without one, or alternatively, terminate the proceedings and order a retrial.
Government to Develop Cybersecurity Act
The Government is advancing efforts to modernise and strengthen the legislative framework governing the country’s national cybersecurity ecosystem. Director of the Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) Division, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Godphey Sterling, provided an update on the process, following the post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on September 30.
NSHP Helps Kingston Woman Realise Lifelong Dream of Homeownership
Kingston resident, Andrea Burke, has fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a homeowner this year. The dream was realised through the Government’s New Social Housing Programme (NSHP), which provided Ms. Burke and her family with a new home at Rosemary Lane in Kingston Central. For the 58-year-old beneficiary, receiving the keys to her brand-new three-bedroom home from Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon.
May Pen to get state owned bus service
KINGSTON — Plans are well advanced for the roll-out of a state owned bus service in May Pen, Clarendon. Minister of Transport and Works, Hon. Michael Henry said the plans for the bus service are among several projects for the development of the Rural/Urban Transport Plan. “The introduction of a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) type service to May Pen is imminent and which has already (assigned) its routes and is looking to be implemented by June,” the Minister said.
UTECH’S New Master’s Programme to Advance Rural Development
As one of the pioneering students in the University of Technology’s (UTech) Master of Science in Integrated Rural Development, Zimbabwe national, Laina Steele, intends to use the knowledge and skills gained to contribute to the advancement of rural communities in her country. Mrs. Steele, who has a background in agriculture, was the first applicant for the programme, which began in January 2019. She welcomes the course of study.
Senate Approves Law to Establish Regulatory Framework for Virtual Assets
The Virtual Assets Service Providers Act, which seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets and virtual assets service providers in Jamaica, was approved in the Senate recently. The legislation also seeks to ensure compliance with international anti-money-laundering standards. A virtual asset service provider is any business that handles cryptocurrency or other digital assets for or on behalf of other people as a commercial service.
Caribbean Financial Sector Urged to Strengthen Anti-Crime Frameworks
Justice of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Hon. Madam Justice Cheryl Bazard, KC, is calling on the Caribbean financial services sector to urgently and continuously strengthen resilient systems capable of combatting evolving financial crimes and other global threats.
TCN Arrangement Not Transactional – Dr. Chang
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says that the agreement between Jamaica and the United States to accommodate Third Country Nationals (TCN) in the island is not a transactional arrangement. “In terms of financing, we have never made it a transactional matter.
Handcart Registration to Resume January 20
Registration of handcart operators will resume on Monday, January 20, in the St. William Grant Park, downtown Kingston, says Mayor of Kingston, Senator Councillor Angela Brown Burke. The Mayor said this will allow those operators who have not yet come on board, the opportunity to regularise themselves. She added that the registration will also include sky juice vendors, who were not a part of phase one.
Workers To Begin Receiving Benefits Under Tourism Pension Scheme In Three Years
The first cohort of tourism workers will begin receiving benefits under the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme, within the next three years. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett made the disclosure during a Ministerial Interview with the Jamaica information Service (JIS) on September 17, at the Ministry’s New Kingston offices. “The actuaries are working on what those numbers are going to be in terms of… the first cohort of beneficiaries…, and then how you would accrete over time.
Gov’t Senator Calls For Reform Of Procurement Law
Government Senator, Sherene Golding Campbell, is calling for significant reform of the country’s procurement laws and processes, one that is less onerous with severe penalties for violators. “If we’re serious about transforming Jamaica’s productivity, then we must transform the way in which the Jamaican state purchases goods and services.
CDA Places Emphasis on Training
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Child Development Agency (CDA), Carla Francis Edie, says the agency will continue to enhance the lives of children in State care, through the continuous training of personnel who interact with them. She emphasised that this will also ensure that they (staff) are aware of the guidelines and stipulations which govern their interaction.
JAMRROC to Drive Public Engagement in Reconstruction Effort
The Jamaica Reconstruction and Resilience Oversight Committee (JAMRROC) will undertake a programme of public education, engagement and consultation to keep Jamaicans informed throughout the post-Hurricane Melissa recovery and reconstruction process, while fostering greater public understanding and transparency.
Queen Calls for Inclusiveness
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has called on the people of the Commonwealth to support those in need and those who feel excluded. “By doing so, we will continue to build a truly representative Commonwealth community,” she said in a message delivered by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, during yesterday’s (March 14) Commonwealth Day celebrations at King’s House. Commonwealth Day was observed under the theme: ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’.
Jamaica Records 24 Per Cent Reduction in Murders
Jamaica has recorded a 24 per cent reduction in murders since the beginning of the year. Making a statement in the House of Representatives on October 6, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, said as at October 6, 2026, Jamaica recorded 407 murders, compared with 534 over the corresponding period in 2025, which represents a reduction of 24 per cent.
Scores Pay Final Respects to Hugh Hart
Scores of people gathered at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Chapel in Mona, St. Andrew on Wednesday (June 10) to pay final respects to late former Cabinet Minister Hugh Cecil Edmund Hart. Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, headed the list of mourners at the Official Memorial Service, which included Cabinet members, parliamentarians, family and friends, members of the judiciary, and well-wishers from across society.
Third Country Nationals Under IOM Care
The twenty-two Third Country Nationals (TCNs) currently on the island will remain under the care of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) while arrangements are made to facilitate their return to their respective home countries. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, made the disclosure during a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday (October 14).
Payment System Resilience Critical to Disaster Risk Management – BOJ Governor
Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) Governor, Dr. Brian Langrin, has underscored that payment system resilience is a critical feature of the national framework for managing disaster risk, alongside reserves, insurance and contingent financing. “The lesson from [Hurricane] Melissa is that disaster financing is only as effective as the payment arrangements through which it is delivered.
Gov’t Receives US$5-Million Grant to Support National Reconstruction Programme
The Government has formalised a US$5-million grant agreement with the European Union (EU) and the World Bank to bolster the country’s capacity to deliver the national reconstruction and resilience programme. The agreement, in support of the Jamaica Hurricane Melissa Reconstruction Implementation Support Project, was signed at the AC Hotel in St. Andrew on September 22.
PM Urges Jamaicans to Focus on Resilience Building
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is urging Jamaicans to place resilience at the centre of their home investment decisions. He noted that as climate alters weather patterns, threatening communities, lives and livelihoods, the choice of how and where to buy or build becomes crucial. “Every day, Jamaicans are making decisions… about where they are going to build.
Strategic Framework Developed to Guide Introduction of Electric Vehicles
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, says the Government has developed a strategic framework to guide the introduction of electric vehicles (EV) in Jamaica. Delivering the Throne Speech to mark the ceremonial opening of Parliament in Gordon House on February 10, the Governor-General noted that an Electric Vehicle Council has been established, which will oversee the implementation of the framework.
Decade-Long Police-School Partnership Continues to Empower Students
For well over a decade, the partnership between stakeholders from the Constant Spring Police Station and the Constant Spring Primary School in St. Andrew has remained strong, serving as a vital avenue through which students continue to benefit from targeted extra lessons in three core subject areas. Coordinator of the evening programme, O’Neal Morrison, explains that the collaboration provides a critical platform for supporting students’ academic development.
Urologist Appeals for Jamaica Men To Change Mindset on Health
A fundamental culture shift is needed to change the way Jamaican men think about themselves, their health, their families and the future they want to build. Government Senator and Consultant Urologist, Dr. Elon Thompson, in making the call, says that too many men are reluctant to ask for help or seek medical advice until it is too late. He says it is time for men to stop, check and take steps to safeguard their health for themselves and their families.
Jamaica Must Return to Community Parenting – Mullings
Chairperson of the National Child Month Committee (NCMC), Dr. Pauline Mullings, is calling for the return of community parenting, where the entire village is entrusted with the responsibility of raising a child. Dr. Mullings made the call during the official launch of Child Month 2013 on April 17, at the GraceKennedy Limited offices in downtown Kingston.
50 ECC Officers Being Trained to Advance Early Science Education
A total of 50 Early Childhood Commission (ECC) officers are being trained under the Nurturing Early Scientific Thinking (NEST) Training of Trainers Programme as the Government advances plans to introduce science education at the early-childhood level. They are expected to train 500 early-childhood educators by the end of the financial year.
Jamaica Securing Air Connectivity
Jamaica is engaging with major airline partners to strengthen airlift arrangements and secure air connectivity to the island. The objective is to safeguard the tourism sector, amid the recent cessation of operations of low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines, geopolitical tensions, volatile oil prices, and high airfares. Tourism Minister, Hon.
Expenditure for Semi-Permanent Housing Bases in Support of Country’s Resilience Building- PM
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the concrete bases being built to support the semi-permanent housing units are designed as highly resilient platforms that can support transition to permanent structures. The Government is spending $1.2 billion to construct the bases for approximately 2,500 modular and container houses that are being deployed for families displaced by Hurricane Melissa.
House Pays Tribute to Late Former Parliamentarian Hyacinth Knight
Members of the House of Representatives recently paid glowing tribute to late former parliamentarian, Hyacinth Knight, and observed a moment of silence in honour of her dedicated service to her community and country. Ms. Knight served in the House of Representatives from 1983 to 1989 as Member of Parliament for St. Mary Western. Prior to entering Parliament, she served as Deputy Mayor of Port Maria in 1981 and later as Mayor from 1982 to 1983.
700 Housing Solutions Slated for Greater Bernard Housing Development
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on Friday (September 11) broke ground for the Greater Bernard Lodge Housing Development in St. Catherine, which will deliver 700 housing solutions to Jamaicans. It is being developed on 90.38 acres of land under the National Housing Trust’s (NHT) Developers Programme.
NEPA Head Hails Contribution of UN to the Environment
Executive Director, National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Peter Knight, has hailed the contribution of the United Nations (UN) in addressing a number of issues in Jamaica, particularly as it relates to environmental management. Mr. Knight informed that NEPA has received more than $300 million in support from the international organisation over the last 10 years to carry out its work.
Young Farmer Turns Passion into Award-Winning Success
From a tender age, 2026 National Young Champion Farmer, Ricardo Genus, cultivated a passion for farming that has blossomed into a lifelong pursuit of innovation, excellence, and transformative leadership. With approximately 145 acres under cultivation, Mr. Genus, who formally entered the agricultural sector at the age of 19, has embraced modern technology, diversified his crop production, and adopted practices that have enhanced both productivity and sustainability.
Work Continues Under Zinc Removal Project
The Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, is advancing work under the Zinc Fence Removal Project for which some $42 million has been allocated. Minister with responsibility for Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy, in his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 21, informed that the money was made available through the Petro Caribe Fund, under the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP).
NHF Reports Increased Demand for Diabetes Drugs
KINGSTON — The National Health Fund (NHF) is reporting an increase in demand for diabetes medication with the Government paying out close to $1 billion in drug subsidy in 2010. "We have looked at our figures and when we look at 2004, we have increased from paying out subsidies of $16 million…and up to 2010 (we paid out) $940 million said NHF Wellness Programme Coordinator, Debbie Guinness-Brown.
$1.87 Billion for Palisadoes Shoreline and Road Project
The Palisadoes Shoreline and Road Project has been allocated some $1.87 billion in the 2012/13 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. The project seeks to protect the integrity and viability of the investments made by the Government and ensure that its citizens have reliable access; and to make the corridor less susceptible to flooding, while also protecting the Kingston Harbour from storm surges.
Jamaica Reconstruction and Resilience Oversight Committee Launched Original
The Government has officially launched the Jamaica Reconstruction and Resilience Oversight Committee (JAMRROC) and announced the appointment of its seven members. JAMRROC will provide oversight of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA), the entity established to coordinate the country’s post-disaster reconstruction and long-term resilience-building efforts following Hurricane Melissa. The oversight committee will be chaired by Professor Peter Blair Henry.
NaRRA Active on the Ground, While Building Out Internal Structures
The National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) is actively engaged on the ground while work continues to build out the Authority’s administrative systems and personnel. Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, said that teams have been speaking directly with residents and conducting field visits to project sites to guide the Authority’s programme, planning and execution.
Jamaica, US Finalise Procedures for Third-Country Nationals Agreement
The Governments of Jamaica and the United States have finalised the operating procedures related to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on third-country nationals (TCNs), signed earlier this year, setting out the safeguards and parameters that will govern the agreement. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, said the procedures were finalised following internal consultations and thoughtful negotiations.
NCB Launches $2 Billion SME Growth Fund Facility
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill (centre) in discussion with Interim Chief Executive Officer, National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB), Sheree Martin (right) and Executive Vice President, Retail Banking Division, National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited, Perrin Gayle during the NCB SME Growth Fund II luncheon at the AC Marriot Hotel in New Kingston on April 16.
PM Holness Urges Citizens to Be Wardens of Peace Amid 16-day Calm in St. Andrew South Police Division
With the St. Andrew South Police Division recording 16 days without any major incident, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is urging citizens to serve as wardens of peace in their communities. The Division has historically ranked among the most violent in Jamaica, plagued by lethal inter- and intra-gang conflicts. “The citizen has a role to play in their own safety and security. Some of the measures that need to be taken must be with the participation of the citizen.
Strategic Steps Being Taken to Attract More Businesses to Manufacture in Jamaica
The Government is taking deliberate and strategic steps to attract more businesses to manufacture and invest in Jamaica, thereby growing the economy and providing opportunities for Jamaicans. Addressing the opening ceremony for the MJS Industrial and Technology Park in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, on June 24, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said that “in a few days” details will be provided as it relates to the cost of energy in the country.
Ballot open: cast your vote on industrial action
A BMA ballot to decide whether to take industrial action in pursuit of pay restoration is open. If returned with a ‘yes’ vote, a mandate for industrial action would last from July 2025 to January 2026. The vote comes after health secretary Wes Streeting failed to make a commitment on restoring pay levels during a meeting with BMA resident doctors committee co-chairs Melissa Ryan and Ross Nieuwoudt.
Gov’t Strengthens Digital Economy Measurement Capacity
The Government continues to strengthen the nation’s capacity to measure and interpret digital economic activity, ensuring that policies remain fair, balanced, and grounded in accurate data. “As the global economy becomes increasingly digital, countries must adapt how they understand and respond to new forms of economic activity.
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