Year in review 2013

G

Job creation

G

Improved security and safety

G

Human capital development

G

Social inclusion

G

Fiscal prudence and the pursuit of a credible economic programme • PM Focused on Growth and Development – 2 • Modern Defamation Law at Last – 5 • Protecting the Poor and Vulnerable – 12 • Busy Legislative Year in 2013 – 22

2 – GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

PM Focused on Growth and Development

L

ED BY Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, the Government made significant strides in taking the country forward in 2013, despite the many challenges. It was a year during which the Government : • Negotiated an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help stabilise the economy • Secured important foreign investments and bilateral economic agreements • Passed critical pieces of legislation • Upgraded several health facilities across the island • Provided employment through the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP) • Improved the housing stock • Empowered Jamaicans by handing out more than 1,000 land titles • Expanded the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) to assist the poor and vulnerable

Cabinet Retreat Early in the year, the Prime Minister led her Cabinet in a three-day retreat from which members emerged with an even stronger resolve to pursue the imperative of economic growth.

At a post Retreat Press Briefing, the Prime Minister informed the nation that the Cabinet focused on areas of critical importance to the country, including: • The IMF negotiations • Advancing the growth and development agenda • Pursuing public-private partnerships • Job creation • Social protection for the most vulnerable

Historical Social Partnership To further strengthen the base for fiscal prosperity, a three-year Social Partnership agreement was signed by Mrs. Simpson Miller,

on behalf of the Government, with the private sector, trade unions and civil society groups. It was the first-ever signing of its kind.

thousand one hundred (1,100) titles were handed out through the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing.

Affordable Housing Solutions

UDC Investments

The Prime Minister reiterated Government’s commitment to providing access to affordable housing solutions for the most vulnerable. In response, the National Housing Trust (NHT), an agency under the OPM, in collaboration with Food for the Poor and JEEP, rolled out First Step Homes.

Under the project 132 starter homes were provided for low income earners who are also NHT contributors earning up to $7,500 per week.

Perth, Longville and Hellshire The NHT also invested approximately $677.5 million in a major housing development, in Manchester.

The Prime Minster officially handed over serviced lots located at Perth on 592 acres to the first 25 of 245 beneficiaries in Phase 1 of the development.

The NHT also spearheaded a project at Longville Park in Clarendon, where the Prime Minister handed out the first set of keys to beneficiaries of the Longville Park Phase III Housing Scheme. Approximately 882 families benefited from new housing solutions constructed at a cost of $4.8 billion.

The Trust invited customers to use its online system for the first time, to apply for benefits in the Hellshire Phase 4 housing development, where 184 housing solutions became available.

During the year NHT contributors benefited from an increased loan limit that moved from $1.5 to $2.5 million for purchasing serviced lots.

The NHT also contributed to the country’s economic reform programme by agreeing to pump $11 billion per year over four years to support the IMF programme.

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller (right) presents a title to Leon Grange of the Ebony Park Housing Scheme in Toll Gate, Clarendon on October 11, where some 70 persons received their titles after 30 years of waiting.

Accelerated Land Titling The Prime Minister continued the push for an accelerated land

titling programme, noting the Government’s firm commitment to put thousands of land titles in the hands of Jamaicans. One

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) is upgrading the Ocho Rios Fishermen’s Village into a premier facility for entertainment and dining.

The UDC invited the business community to take up investment opportunities in St. Ann and downtown Kingston. Projects being offered include the development of 8.9 acres of property on the Kingston waterfront, dubbed the ‘Festival Market Place and Food Bazaar’; as well as the Caymanas Estate, St. Catherine. One investor, New Era Homes 2000 Ltd., has taken up the invitation though its Caymanas Country Club Estate Housing Development.

Cont’d on page 3

Wage Restraint Agreement THE GOVERNMENT honoured its commitment to pay outstanding emoluments to teachers, and health workers.

A three-year agreement with 85% of public servants was signed to restrain wages for the 2012-2015 contract period.

The Prime Minister praised the

civil servants for their sacrifice and for putting the country first, noting that the restraint was critical to the country’s Economic Reform Programme (ERP).

In return, the public servants were granted a number of concessions, including a one off $25,000 payment, an

extension of the reduced interest rate for NHT mortgagers to 2015; a 15 per cent reduction in peril insurance charges from September 2013 to March 2017; and access to contributions refund due from 2014 – 2017, instead of a credit to their mortgage account.

Programmes and Policies THE OFFICE of the Prime Minister provided administrative oversight of its agencies, and pursued the development and implementation of policies and programmes which included the:

•

• • •

• • •

National Sports Policy Information Policy Government Communications Policy

•

Electronic Media Policy (including Digital Switchover) Data Sharing and Information Sharing Policy Records and Information Management Policy National Identification System Policy, and National Policy on Gender Equality.

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller (right) observes while President of the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA), Oneil Grant (2nd right seated), signs the Heads of Agreement for the 2012-2015 contract period between the Government and Public Sector Unions/Associations representing the majority of public sector workers. It was signed at Jamaica House on March 6. Also sharing in the moment are: Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips (back row right) and Minister with responsibility for the Public Sector, Hon. Horace Dalley (back row 2nd right). Others participating in the signing are: Financial Secretary, Devon Rowe (1st left), and Vice President of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), Helene Davis-Whyte (2nd left seated).

A production of the Jamaica Information Service

– January 22, 2014

GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION – 3

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Economic Reform: Key to Growth, Debt Reduction

T

HE GOVERNMENT’S Economic Reform Programme (ERP) is central to the Administration’s strategic priority focus on fiscal prudence in the pursuit of a credible economic programme.

Key elements include: 1. Containing public expenditure 2. Eliminating waste and corruption 3. Divesting selected public assets 4. Tax and public sector reform.

The ERP aims to spur economic growth; reduce Jamaica’s debt burden; create a favourable balance of payments position; enhance global market competitiveness.

Development and implementation of the ERP, is pivotal to the Government’s four-year Memorandum of Economic and Fiscal Policies (MEFP) negotiated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Bank of Jamaica (BoJ) Governor, Brian Wynter, and Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited President Richard Byles, co-chair an Economic Programme Over-sight Committee (EPOC) which monitors the ERP’s implementation.

The Government’s successful implementation of key prior conditions, and its commitment to undertaking other measures agreed with the IMF, led to the approval of a US$958 million four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Jamaica in May 2013.

The targets under the IMF programme include: • Reducing Jamaica’s debt from 145 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 96 per cent • Achieving a 7.5 per cent primary budgetary surplus • Containing public expendi-

$2 Billion allocated to the MSME sector

The Omnibus Fiscal Incentive Legislation passed

Central Treasury Management System implemented

ture from 10.6 per cent of GDP as of March 31, 2013, to nine per cent by fiscal year 2015/16.

Two draw downs were made under the EFF. The first was US $207.2M and the second US $30.6M. The measures implemented were: 1. Tabling the 2013/14 Budget in April, which met the 7.5 per cent primary surplus target 2. Implementing a Central Treasury Management System (CTMS) expected to yield substantial savings to the Consolidated Fund 3. Passing the Revenue Administration Amendment Act, which aims to enhance sectorwide statutory obligations compliance 4. Commencing the public sector and pension reform and transformation process, to include the start of the parliamentary debate on the Pensions (Super-annuation Funds and Retirement Schemes) (Validation and Amendment) Act 5. The Charities Act, which will regulate the operations of all local charitable organisations 6. The Omnibus Fiscal Incentive Legislation, which seeks to establish a transparent,

PM Focused on Growth …

International Co-operation The Prime Minister responded to invitations from Heads of Governments and participated in meetings and summits.

Mrs. Simpson Miller’s visit to China brought significant returns to the island. Agreements were signed to fund the island’s Major Infrastructure Development Programme, the building of two infant schools and a feasibility study on the Confucious Institute.

The island also received a US$16 million grant from the Chinese government to carry out other projects. The Prime Minister also used the opportunity

to woo Chinese investors to the island. She met with the heads of top companies, including China Communications Company (CCC), Huawei.

Similar investment opportunities were pitched to Japanese Investors on her three-day visit to that country in November.

She met with Marubeni, the 40 per cent owner of the Jamaica Public Service Company, and Nippon Light Metal, the company currently exploring pilot studies on the extraction of rare earth metals from red mud.

The visits allowed her to explore opportunities and sign agreements for foreign direct

non-discretionary and coherent regime to govern all tax incentives. The Bills comprising the Omnibus legislation were Fiscal Incentives (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act; and the Income Tax Relief (Large Scale Projects and Pioneer Industries) Act 2013; Customs Tariff (Revision) (Amendment) Resolution 2013; and Stamp Duty (Amendments of Schedule) Order 2013.

7. The Securities (Amendment) Act to combat the establishment of unlawful financial organisations commonly known as ponzi or pyramid schemes 8. The Security Interests in Personal Property Act (2013), to allow, for the first time, intangibles, including intellectual property to now become part of the collateral that can be pledged to secure financing

Public Sector Transformation Under the public sector transformation process, Jamaica Customs became an Executive Agency, enabling it to facilitate greater ease of doing business, thus improving Jamaica’s investment profile.

Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips (left) and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) President, Luis Alberto Moreno, sign copies of a US$60 million loan agreement between the IDB and Jamaica, at the multi-lateral institution’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. in October. The loan represented the third tranche of financing for the Public Financial and Performance Management Programme.

Divestment The Government also continued its programme of divestment of public assets.

• Wallenford Coffee Company was sold to AIC International Investments Limited for approximately $4 billion.

• Three entities - Dubai Ports, Ports of Singapore and Terminal Link Consortium were shortlisted in the proposed divestment of the Kingston Container Terminal (KCT).

• Enterprise Teams were appointed to oversee the privatisation of the Norman Manley International Airport, Jamaica Railway Corporation, and Caymanas Track Limited.

Economic Growth To spur job creation and economic growth, the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) allocated $2 billion to the Micro,

Small and Medium Size Enterprise (MSME) sector.

The DBJ also announced plans to launch the Jamaica Venture Capital Programme within the first half of the 2014/15 fiscal year, another initiative to assist the MSME sector.

The Government also continued a number of significant projects critical to advancing economic growth such as: 1. The North/South Highway project, which will link the northern and southern sides of the island 2. The Logistics Hub Initiative, which seeks to position Jamaica as the fourth node in the global logistics trade chain 3. The Agro Parks project, which entails development of nine facilities aimed at maximising agricultural outputs and reducing the country’s food import bill.

cont’d from page 2 investment, tourism growth, expanded trade and technical and cultural co-operation. These include: • The 8th summit of the Petrocaribe Energy Agreement in Nicaragua • The 34th Caribbean Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago • The 50th anniversary of the African Union in Ethiopia.

The Prime Minister also addressed the European Development Days forum and the Women In Parliaments (WIP) Global Forum, in Brussels, Belgium, where she was seen as an inspiration by hundreds of women from around the world.

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller is escorted past a guard of honour by Chinese Premier, His Excellency Li Keqiang, on her arrival at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on August 21, where a welcome reception and banquet were held in her honour.

4 – GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Boosting Job Creation and Economic Growth

T

of the MSME and Entrepreneurship Policy, which seeks to guide the implementation of strategies to improve the local business climate and reduce some of the impediments which MSMEs encounter.

HE GOVERNMENT implemented initiatives and programmes in 2013, aimed at boosting economic development and creating avenues for more persons to be employed.

These programmes were carried out under one of the five strategic priorities developed by the Government for the 2013/14 Fiscal Year – ‘Job Creation & Economic Growth’ – with the objective of improving the lives of the citizens.

JEEP The Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), with its Secretariat in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, generated jobs for more than 40,250 persons.

Jobs in Tourism The Tourism Summer Intern Programme placed close to 700 students across the island, particularly in the resort areas of Negril, Montego Bay, Port Antonio, Kingston, Mandeville and the South Coast.

The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) embarked on a Language Skills Training Programme in conversational Russian and Spanish,

Agro Parks

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy (right) and Minister of State with responsibility for Special Projects in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Luther Buchanan (2nd right), scrutinize the estimates for the repair of the Whitehall to Islington road, during a tour of Central St. Mary on November 8, 2013. Also looking at the document (from left) are: Deputy Parish Manager of the National Works Agency (NWA), in St. Mary, Mr. Rakesh Hill and Director for Regional Implementation in the NWA, Mr. Varden Downer.

aimed at 300 persons in the tourism industry.

A management agreement was signed between the National Insurance Fund (NIF) and Europe’s third largest hotel chain, Melia Hotels International (MHI), which will see 400 jobs created in the tourism industry.

Under the agreement, the Spanish hotel chain will operate

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is investing US$8 million in the development of nine Agro Parks in parishes across the island. Five thousand persons are expected to be employed under the programme.

HEART Approximately 1,400 persons became better equipped to join the country’s workforce, having graduated from training courses offered by the HEART Trust/ NTA in the western region.

The implementation of initiatives to boost employment and economic growth is also in tandem with the country’s National Development Plan, Vision 2030, which is to make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.

the Braco Hotel in Trelawny, for the next 15 years.

MSME Policy The development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector was another top priority item for the Government to enhance economic growth and generate employment.

This resulted in the launch

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke, speaks with Manager, Ebony Park, Agro Park, Anthony Trought.

GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION – 5

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Modern Defamation Law at Last

O

NE OF the most impactful occurrences on the local media landscape was the passage of the amended Defamation Act 2013.

The Act, which replaces the decades-old slander and libel laws, was passed with bi-partisan support and hailed by media managers across the island and media observers in the Caribbean.

The provisions of the new Act include: • Abolition of the distinction between libel and slander and the establishment of one single cause of action to be known as defamation • Abolition of the law relating to criminal libel, so no one can be put in jail for what he or she says or writes • Reduction of the limitation period for actions in defamation from six to two years • Removal of the assessment of damages from juries to a judge • Replacement of the defence of justification with the defence of truth • Promotion of speedy and non-litigious methods of resolving disputes.

No. 1 Press Rating in Americas Legislation such as the Access to Information Act as well as the Government’s policy to open up and diversify the media landscape, have strengthened the provisions for Press freedom. Jamaica was named as the country which boasts the highest level of Press freedom in the Western Hemisphere.

Communication Policy The first ever Communication Policy for Government has been completed after consultations were held with public sector communicators.

New OPM Website Honouring its promise to keep Jamaicans informed, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) launched a new, interactive website www.opm.gov.jm, which has been providing the media, the public and other stakeholders with up-to-date information on the work of the Government.

OPM Launched New Interactive Website.

A draft of the first ever Communication Policy for Government has been completed and consultations held with public sector communicators.

In January 2013, Jamaica was named as the country which boasts the highest level of Press freedom in the Western Hemisphere.

Three of the outstanding historical

collections of the Jamaica Archives and Records Department (JARD) copped UNESCo awards.

Weekly Jamaica House Briefings The public was informed of the range of Government programmes and contracts approved

by Cabinet through briefings. In addition, the briefings were aired live on Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ), and streamed on the internet.

Free to Air PBCJ began test transmissions for free to air broadcast in the Kingston Metropolitan area. This will allow Jamaicans who do not have cable service to watch the station.

PBCJ increased its signal distribution with the addition of about 10 new cable operators.

It also began its modernisation programmme with the acquisition of a new master control system to improve the quality of its broadcasts.

Broadcasting Commission As the country moves towards digital switchover, 15 cable operators were operating either fully or partially digital subscriber systems. The National Digital Switchover Committee arrived at recommendations for Cabinet to chart the way forward for the country in switching from analogue to digital transmission.

Additionally, students and teachers were trained in Radio Station Operations and Manage-

ment through a series of workshops on media literacy.

The Broadcasting Commission also continued to engage schools on topics such as digital economy, new and traditional media, and the digital switch-over.

Atotal of 28 schools and more than 4,000 students were impacted.

UNESCO Award for Historical Collections Three of the outstanding historical collections of the Jamaica Archives and Records Department (JARD) were given special awards by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in recognition of their significance to the international community.

The collections have been incorporated in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, and have been awarded two special Plaques of Inscription.

JIS at 50 The Jamaica Information Service (JIS) celebrated its 50th anniversary as the information arm of the Government of Jamaica. The Agency embarked on a modernisation programme, which includes acquiring equipment, digitising audio recordings, and constructing a cutting-edge website, which improves search capability.

During the anniversary year, three top employees were hon-

Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer (left), and Assistant Archivist, Jamaica Archives and Records Department (JARD), Kaysia Halstead (right), peruse the contents of a 19th century ledger at JARD’s offices in Spanish Town, St. Catherine. Looking on is Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO Programme Director, Dr. Maria Smith.

oured for their service to Jamaica – Seaton Richards, Enthrose Campbell and Godfrey Barnes.

Benchmarking Mission A five-member delegation from Botswana arrived in the island in September on a benchmarking media communication mission with the JIS, to study the work of the Agency and learn from its best practices.

Gender The Bureau of Women’s Affairs developed a training manual to address gender-based violence. A campaign known as ‘The Way Out’, was launched.

It will run for six months at a cost of $7.5 million.

The BWA has conducted training with members of the security forces and medical practitioners to make them better able to deal with persons who are victims of sexual violence.

Approximately, 400 persons benefited from sensitisation sessions on issues relating to sexual and

domestic abuse as major barriers to women’s safety and empowerment. With the support of UNWOMEN, a consultant has been contracted to revise the National Strategic Action Plan to deal with Gender Based Violence.

The BWA also staged two Gender Summits targeting over 300 persons in the public and private sectors. Thirty women from communities in Kingston & St. Andrew benefited from entrepreneurial mentorship and leadership training.

Teenage Mothers A Policy for the reintegration of teenage mothers in the school system was adopted. As a result of this Policy and the successes of the Women’s Centre Foundation of Jamaica, the Government hosted a delegation from Burkina Faso, headed by the first lady, who came to learn from Jamaica’s experience in dealing with the issue of teenage pregnancy and girls’ education.

CAPTION FOR FRONT PAGE MAIN PICTURE: Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller (4th right), performs the symbolic ribbon cutting exercise to mark the commencement of the loading exercise for the first shipment of clinker destined for Venezuela, at the Jamaica Gypsum and Quarries Pier in Kingston. This arrangement is being facilitated under the Trade Compensation Mechanism of the PetroCaribe Agreement. Others sharing the moment, from left, are: Mayor of Kingston, Senator Councillor Angela Brown Burke; Sales and Marketing Manager, Caribbean Cement Company Limited, Alice Hyde; Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell; General Manager, Caribbean Cement Company Limited, Anthony Haynes; Venezuelan Ambassador to Jamaica, Her Excellency, Maria Jacqueline Mendoza Ortega; Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton; and Board Directors of Caribbean Cement Company Limited, Bevon Francis; and Parris Lyew-Ayee.

Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer (right), presents Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of State President (responsible for Information and Broadcasting Services), Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo, with a copy of the JIS photo album ‘Our Golden Jubilee’.

6 – GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Safety and Security a Priority

T

HE GOVERNMENT intensified its actions to improve national security.

• The Ministry of National Security launched its crime prevention intiative ‘Unite for Change’ which will be complemented by the CSJP III project at a cost of US$55 million. It is funded by the Canadian and British governments, and the InterAmerican Development Bank.

• Operation Resilience was launched and there have been 300 operations (mainly targeting gangs); 316 arrests were made and 203 firearms seized between October and December.

• Several pieces of legislation were passed including: (i) The Law Reform (Fraudulent Transactions) (Special Provisions) Act, which seeks to stem the illegal lottery scam, was passed in April. (ii) Amendments to the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), were approved in October.

The legislation will provide for the forfeiture of the assets of persons found to have accumulated wealth through criminal means.

The Act now places a $1 million limit on cash transactions with financial institutions and facilitates the addition of an oversight regime for non-financial businesses and professions. (iii) The Anti-gang Bill was tabled in Parliament and a decision taken for a Joint Select Committee to review the Bill. (iv) The DNA Evidence Bill to enable the authorities to take DNA samples from

The Trafficking in Persons Act was passed in July

The Law Reform Transactions Act was passed in April

Amendments to

the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) approved

persons arrested for specified offences, will be brought to Parliament in 2014. (v) The Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppression and Punishment) (Amendment) Act was passed in July. It expands the list of offences and provides for harsher penalties. Jamaica was upgraded on the US State Department’s Watch List.

Twenty-four victims of human trafficking were rescued and 213 raids conducted under the Organised Crime Investigative Division (OCID).

The Jamaica Defence Force The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) benefited from better physical amenities during the year.

Four JDF barracks were retrofitted to include e-learning centres. This has resulted in advanced training opportunities for soldiers and easier access for applicants to complete their online recruitment test for entry into the Force.

Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting (2nd right); and Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding (centre), discuss a model displaying features of the anti-crime mobile application, which is to be rolled out in January 2014. Also participating (from left) are: Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Antony Anderson; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Major General Stewart Saunders; and Police Commissioner, Owen Ellington. Occasion was the launch of a national collaborative crime prevention initiative, ‘Unite for Change’, at the Police Officers’ Club, on Hope Road, in Kingston, on December 5.

The bases in St. Mary, Manchester, St. James and Kingston have all been outfitted

with computers, printers, furniture, network switches and cables by the Universal Service

Fund (USF), as part of their islandwide elearning initiative.

• New High Security Identification Card for Firearm Licensing Authority launched • South Camp Road Correctional facility renovated and juvenile girls relocated • CCTV system established in Montego Bay • Law Reform Fraudulent Transactions Special Provisions Act passed • Benefits for members of the JCF increased • Refurbished Norman Manley International Airport police station handed over • New police outpost for Portmore Fishing Village handed over •

PICA Mandeville branch opened

Major Focus on Capacity Building

T

he Ministry of National Security emphasised capacity building of the security forces.

This involved a technology upgrade; purchasing of equipment and machinery; improving mobility through the acquisition of motor vehicles; renovating and refurbishing facilities; and training personnel.

Technology Early in the year, the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) launched a new High Security Identification Card to increase security arrangements

pertaining to issuing, ownership and accounting for licensed firearms.

Area One police acquired a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Surveillance System to improve their watch over the city of Montego Bay. The system, consisting of 19 cameras was procured by the Ministry at a cost of approximately $55 million.

Forensics Laboratory The Forensic Laboratory issued 6,700 certificates, which more than doubled the output of two years ago. More than

2,850 autopsies were conducted and, currently, there is no backlog.

Motor Vehicles Acquired Some 152 new vehicles were purchased. This included 56 4x4 pick ups and 72 motor cars.

Training One thousand one hundred police officers were trained during the year, making the over 14,000-strong police force, Jamaica’s largest ever.

More than 30 officers from the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA),

benefited from training, as the Government intensified efforts against terrorism, travel fraud and other criminal activities.

Twenty-eight sergeants from Area One, successfully completed a six-week Supervisory Management Course conducted by the JCF Staff College.

Monitoring Deportees Monitoring of criminal deportees was strengthened, under a $48 million agreement with the United Kingdom (UK) Government.

The initiative will provide

for the training of key personnel, and provision of equipment such as computers, cameras, printers, servers, telephone handsets, cell phones and office furniture for the Deportee Monitoring Unit (DMU).

Facilities In March, police personnel in Falmouth began serving the public from a new state-ofthe-art complex, which was constructed by the Government at a cost of $600 million.

GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION – 7

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Health Care in Better Shape

T

HE MINISTRY of Health created centres of excellence and advanced the health care agenda.

Tobacco Legislation In July the Government, passed regulations to ban smoking in specified public places. There was a 20 per cent reduction in asthmatic admissions to hospitals. The ban is part of the drive to reduce the incidence of noncommunicable diseases.

Cancer Prevention and Control As it sought assistance with undertaking a cancer control plan for Jamaica, the Health Ministry hosted a successful visit from a team from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The team helped to reintroduce nuclear medicine technology in order to improve the capacity for diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Financing was secured for two linear accelerator machines for radiation treatment. The Ministry is in advanced discussions with a leading Canadian hospital for the acquisition of the equipment as it seeks to improve cancer treatment in the public health sector.

Upgrading Health Facilities •

The Annotto Bay Hospital in St. Mary, which was severely damaged during the passage of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, was rehabilitated at a cost of $90 million and reopened. The RJR Communications Group launched a public appeal for assistance and contributed $250,000 to the project

Smoking ban

implemented

$90 million

rehabilitation of Annotto Bay Hospital

4 centres of excellence established

GOJ Health Card introduced

•

•

•

•

•

•

Ground was broken to begin construction of the over $140 million Cardiac Wing at the Bustamante Hospital for Children through private sector funding Additionally, the Surgical Ward and the Burn Unit at the BHC were refurbished at a cost of approximately $5.7 million More than 100 wheelchairs valued at $4 million were donated to the Kingston Public Hospital A 25-bed new maternity ward was officially opened at the Black River Hospital, in St. Elizabeth US$23.5 million in upgrading works were carried out at Bellvue Hospital in Kingston The Princess Margaret Hospital in St. Thomas received a state-of-the-art digital X-ray unit from the National Health Fund (NHF) The unit cost $12.6 million Construction of a new female medical ward is soon to be completed at the St. Ann’s

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson (left); and Member of Parliament for North East St. Elizabeth, Raymond Pryce (right); join Chairman of the Board for the Black River Hospital, Beryl Rochester (centre), as she prepares to cut the ribbon to declare the Santa Cruz Health Centre of Excellence officially open on November 29.

Bay Hospital at a cost of $82.5 million, while $30 million will be spent to equip and furnish the facility. The operating theatre will be expanded and refurbished at a cost of $109.1 million.

Centres of Excellence Four Centres of Excellence were created to provide quality health care. The centres represent best practice in primary health care in the country’s four regional health authorities.

Under the Primary Health Care Infrastructure Improvement Project, work was completed on 20 health centres at a cost of $54.8 million.

HIV/AIDS and Sexual and Reproductive Health The Ministry implemented a major strategy, which resulted

Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Hon. Richard Azan (2nd right), cuts the ribbon officially open the Kintyre Bridge in East Rural St. Andrew. It was constructed at a cost of $100 million. Sharing in the moment is: Chief Executive Officer of the National Works Agency (NWA), E.G. Hunter (2nd left).

in the creation of one authority for Sexual Reproductive Health.

The National Family Planning Board and some aspects of the National HIV Programme were merged. This gives effect to one of the key strategies outlined in Vision 2030 Jamaica National Development Plan to expand and improve integration of family planning, maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS into primary health care.

•

•

•

Other Initiatives •

A GOJ Health Card was introduced for the first time in the country’s history.

The card will facilitate proper systems of monitoring and evaluation and the optimisation of service delivery channels for pharmaceuticals.

•

The NHF commenced arrangements to take over the operations of pharmacies in hospitals and public health centres and offer a new level of service.

The Ministry strengthened its immunisation campaign during the year, staging a number of parenting workshops across the island to raise awareness.

The move to transition to an electronic system of storing health records continued with the implementation of a National Health Information System.

19 new ambulances were presented to all Regional Health Authorities, as part of Government’s plans to revitalise the country’s emergency vehicle services.

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson (centre) speaks with Minister of State in the Ministry of Water, Land Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Ian Hayles, on a of tour water supply systems serving Eastern St. Thomas. At right is NWC Director for the K-Factor Programme, David Geddes.

8 – GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

2013 OVERVIEW New recruits (from left) landmark year for the Ministry of National Security’s crime prevention Privates Brian McKenzie, initiative, 2013 heralded the close of phase 2 of the Citizen Security & Justice Nehru Brown and Jermaine Programme II (CSJP II). The Programme expanded its remit from 39 to 50 Ellis, who joined the Jamaica communities in 2011 and this meant that more vulnerable citizens could Defence Force through an benefit from the wide array of services offered by the CSJP. However, it also initiative spearheaded by the meant that the Programme had to find creative ways to manage the Citizen Security and Justice resources effectively to ensure that the most at-risk residents benProgramme (CSJP). efitted.

The CSJP model is based on a sustained, systematic approach that incorporates multiple stakeholders and requires us to seek to eliminate some of the many risk factors that give rise to criminal activities.

In spite of various constraints, the CSJP continues to reap positive results. While some of these are quantifiable, the REAL results are evident in the heartfelt and candid testimonies given on a daily basis by participants.

Some major achievements include: • Approximately 550 students benefited from Tuition Support valued at JA$83 Million • Over 120 persons benefited from the Job Placement programme • More than 700 parents were trained in Parenting Education CSJP participants enrolled at • Up to 620 youth improved their job readiness through NTEI participate in Dominoes internship 4 Life – A Life Skills session • More than 270 students benefited from the Summer which uses principles of dominoes Employment programme to teach life lessons.

• The capacity of approximately 10 community groups was improved through leadership training and they have received ‘Benevolent Society’ status • Approximately 36,000 persons engaged through partnership with SDC’s T/20 National Community Cricket Competition • Approximately 7,000 youth from 30 institutions benefited from motivational talks from CSJP’s Men with a Message, some of which were done in collaboration with the JCF’s Safe School Tour Other major highlights of 2013 included three participants recruited by the Army and an additional two awaiting recruitment after being on the CSJP/JDF on-the-job skills training programme. This act solidified one of the objectives which was to improve the relationship between soldiers and marginalised youth. Additionally, the communication arm of the CSJP launched its Ambassador’s Programme to highlight the remarkable achievements of some of our youth, who despite the challenges said ‘NO!!!’ to all the negativity and stayed on the path of progress.

Moving forward the CSJP will continue providing its core services and will assume a more deliberate approach in impacting the lives of residents from targeted communities.

CSJP II is a multi-faceted crime and violence prevention initiative of the Ministry of National Security (MNS). The Programme is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), United Kingdom’s Department Category W for International Development (DFID) and the the CSJP inners and R unner S pons Spellin Government of Jamaica. g Bee C ored Fletche s-Up in r’s Lan ompetit Contact us: email – csjp9@yahoo.com or in Grade d ion for 4 – 6. studen csjpcsm@yahoo.com. ts

A

For more CSJP news, visit

www.csjp.gov.jm

Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting, presents Certificate of Completion to a participant under the On-thejob Skills Training programme done in collaboration with the JDF.

Communications/Social Marketing Coordinator, Mrs. Patrice Tomlinson-Nephew shares a moment with some of CSJP’s Youth Ambassadors.

ge ntatives enga CSJP Represe mary ri P ’s rd Richa students at St. ce ing of the Pea during the stag lly ia fic t that of Mobile concer Hills Whitehall/Red e welcomed th .

JP S C ity to the Road commun

GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION – 9

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Logistics: The Hub of Investment Ministry

T

HE MINISTRY of Industry, Investment and Commerce focused primarily on efforts to promote and implement critical deliverables in relation to the Logistics Hub Initiative. The Ministry also engaged activities to boost the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector, entrepreneurship and investment.

Multi-billion dollar private sector infrastructure fund established

MSME and Entrepreneurship Policy launched

Logistics Hub Initiative fitting Jamaica into global value chain

Proposals To date, several targets have been met, including a Ministerial Mission to Canada; establishment of a multi-billion dollar private sector infrastructure fund; meetings with investors from China, Singapore, Germany, Canada, United States, Netherlands, Kuwait and Dubai; and for the establishment of several industrial parks.

One Stop Business Registration

Global Entrepreneurship Week Jamaica, for the first time, joined the world in celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week.

The activities included islandwide business clinics; an Open House at the JBDC’s Incubator and Resource Centre; a Business Start-Up Expo and a Capacity Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Building Seminar.

Anthony Hylton (left), listens to a point being made by Executive Director, Jamaica Intellectual Property Office Consumer Protection (JIPO), Carol Simpson, at the launch of JIPO’s Authentic Tribunal Jamaica Design Competition at the New Kingston offices The Consumer Affairs of the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).

Commission established a Consumer Protection Tribunal (CPT) to provide an alternative for aggrieved consumers to file claims in an easy, affordable and timely manner. The CPT is one of several provisions of the Consumer Protection (Amendment) Act.

Business Registration Form (Super form), a multipurpose form, which eliminates the need to visit multiple agencies to process TRN, NIS number, GCT and NHT requirements, and expedites business start up, was introduced.

Business Linkages In September, JAMPRO led its first trade mission to the Dominican Republic to increase trade links between the two countries as well as foster a business-conducive platform between companies in both countries.

Some 15 companies from Jamaica, including small, medium and large entities met with retail giants, including Grupo Ramos and Super Bravo, two of the largest supermarket chains in the Dominican Republic.

Laws There were important legislative achievements during the year. These include: • Security Interests in Personal Property Act (SIPP), which increases access to financing by allowing personal property (non-real estate assets) to be used as collateral for loans, to promote entrepreneurship and growth • SIPP Registry, which provides a system to register interest in collateral, protecting the rights and priorities of creditors and facilitating better enforcement vis-ávis loan collection • Insolvency legislation, which will modernise bankruptcy

Launch of MSME & Entrepreneurship Policy The Ministry launched the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) and Entrepreneurship Policy, which seeks to guide the implementation of strategies to improve the local business climate and reduce some of the impediments which MSMEs encounter in doing business.

Logistics Hub Initiative The Logistics Hub Initiative is geared towards achieving continued growth, fitting Jamaica into the global value chain and bringing significant investments to the country. The hub will allow Jamaica to capitalise on increased trade flows through the region, as a result of the expansion of the Panama Canal in 2015.

islation to protect the industry and the public. Export earning since the restart of the trade are in excess of US$12.6 million, and over 2,000 jobs (direct and indirect) have been created.

Opportunities Jamaica Business Link

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton (right), and State Minister in the Ministry, Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams, examine packaged mackerel during a tour of Rainforest Seafoods’ new processing plant located on Slipe Pen Road, Kingston.

laws, encourages entrepreneurship and facilitates rehabilitation of entities facing bankruptcy

Suppliers in the service and business sectors showed their offerings to local, regional and international buyers at the 2013 JAMPRO two-day Opportunities Jamaica Business Link at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

Scrap Metal Trade

Creative Industries

The scrap metal trade was successfully reopened, guided and controlled by stringent leg-

Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) in association with the Ministry of Tourism

and Entertainment, hosted an ‘Authentic Jamaica Design Competition’, targeting artisans, designers and producers within the craft sector. Entries, 98% of which have been approved as being original designs, are being registered and examined. Winners will be announced early February, 2014.

Exporters Sensitised The Trade Board held a series of sensitisation seminars to inform exporters and other interest groups about the benefits to be derived from the various trade agreements being administered. Dubbed ‘Out of Many Exports, One Better Economy’, the sessions broadened public awareness and encouraged an increase in export activity, particularly through trade agreements.

CARICOM Market Access Website Launched Local exporters now have greater access to information on existing and potential markets within the Caribbean with the establishment of the CARICOM Market Aaccess Website, an initiative spearheaded by the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA).

Resuscitation of Bamboo Industry The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) has commenced a project to resuscitate the bamboo industry in Jamaica, which has the potential to significantly boost the economy and generate employment.

Included is a plan to supply the Ministry of Education with school furniture made from bamboo and to export bamboo products.

Animation Jamaica began tapping into the US$300 billion global animation industry as local animation company, GSW Animation Limited, secured an international contract for the production of 52 episodes for a series that has already received global distribution.

Government also partnered with the World Bank and the Government of Canada to stage the second two-day ‘KingstOOn’ animation conference and film festival, and convened a highlevel working group to aid in facilitating the growth and development of the industry.

10 – GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

More Jamaicans Have Affordable Housing

T

HE HOUSING division of the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, last year, aggressively pursued its agenda to provide more Jamaicans with access to affordable housing. The Ministry also ramped up its titling programme in the drive to give more persons economic power.

wooden houses per year for the indigent and vulnerable.

Hague Residents Get Keys to New Homes Twenty-one residents of Hague Settlement in Trelawny moved into their new homes, which were constructed through a joint venture between the Government and Food for the Poor.

Affordable Houses for Low Income Earners Public-Private • A total of 77 houses were Partnership built in Hampden, Trelawny

•

•

as part of a programme which will see Food for the Poor constructing 600 concrete starter units annually for sale to the National Housing Trust (NHT) at a cost of US$9,500 per unit. These will be made available to NHT contributors who earn a weekly salary of between $5,000 and $7,000.

Another 25 houses were built in Meylersfield, Westmoreland.

An agreement was signed between the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing and Food for the Poor for the construction of 1,200

The Government is also undertaking a number of projects through partnership with the private sector. Among them is the Caymanas Country Club Estate in St. Catherine.

The development entailed the construction of 684 two and three bedroom houses on lands acquired from the UDC. A total of 264 units were provided during the first segment of the project, while an additional 420 will be provided under phase two.

Longville Park Phase III The first set of keys was handed over to beneficiaries of

Minister of Transport, Works and Housing, Dr. the Hon. Omar Davies (centre) in discussion with Managing Director of National Road Operating and Construction Company (NROCC), Ivan Anderson, during a tour of the North-South link of Highway 2000. Looking on is Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Audrey Sewell. the $4.8 billion Longville Park • 17 residents of Martha Brae were displaced by Hurricane and 35 from Duanvale in Sandy in 2012, were provided Phase III Housing Scheme in Trelawny with new homes.

Clarendon. Eight hundred and • 29 residents from Rose eighty two families will benefit.

Special Housing Benefit Hall, St. James Tourism Workers/ Cabinet approved a special • 70 residents from Ebony benefit order to facilitate the alloPark in Clarendon Young Professionals Ground was broken for the • 85 residents of Gravel Heights cation of serviced lots in the Creighton Hall Housing Developin St. Catherine construction of 590 housing ment in St. Thomas to specified solutions in the Whitehall Phase beneficiaries.

3 Housing Development in Mortgage Write-Off Fifty homeowners had their Cabinet also approved the Negril, Westmoreland, at a cost outstanding mortgage balances compulsory acquisition of land in of $390 million.

Under the project, 173 studio written off and their titles officially Leith Hall in St. Thomas for the units are to be built, and 417 presented to them as part of the Gov- regularisation of over 2,000 houseserviced lots made available, ernment’s ‘Jamaica 50’ initiatives. holds as well as the acquisition of lots in Hannah Town in an effort to mainly for hotel workers, Hurricane Victims provide titles in the subdivision for young professionals and first Get New Homes residents who lived there for a time homeowners.

Twenty-two families from long time.

Crooked River in St. Mary, who Pursuing the Titling

Agenda

RT, WOR NSPO KS A R AN T F D O H Y R

NG SI U O

MI NI ST

Minister of Transport, Works and Housing, Dr. the Hon. Omar Davies (right), addresses the media at a press conference. With him are Minister with reponsibility for Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy (centre), and Minister of State in the Ministry, Hon. Richard Azan.

During the year many residents across the island received land titles from the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ). These included: • 60 residents of Flanker and Norwood in St. James • 24 residents of Callaloo Mews, St. Andrew

“Providing service on land, in the water, in the air…everywhere.”

Improvements Made to Road Infrastructure GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVE to provide a safe, reliable and quality main road network, continued to show notable progress.

A total of 14 new bridges were constructed across the island; over 250 road sections were improved under the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP), and more than 25 retaining walls constructed islandwide.

Some of the major works completed include: • Shoreline protection and rehabilitation of the Palisadoes Peninsula.

• Sea defence as well as improvements and construction of the Black River Sea Wall in St. Elizabeth.

• Repairs of several critical sections of the Sandy Gully in St. Andrew, and the Capital Heights Gully in St. James.

The new Christiana Development Road in Manchester, Fern Gully in St. Ann and the Scott’s Cove to Belmont roadway in Westmoreland were among the main thoroughfares on which significant road and drainage works were carried out.

Other rehabilitaion works include: • Ferris to Belmont in Westmoreland – J$400 million • Fern Gully – J$680 million • King Street in Kingston and Green Pond in St. James – J$146 million • The Palisadoes Peninsula in St. Andrew – US$65 million • Port Henderson Drive and Laso in St. Catherine – J$200 million • Sandy Gully in St. Andrew – J$3.4 billion • Cassia Park Bridge in St. Andrew – J$183.7 million • Rio Grande Bridge in Portland – US$28 million

GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION – 11

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

A Landmark Year for Tourism •

J

AMAICA’S TOURISM industry recorded several landmark achievements.

Visitor Arrivals The island reached a historic milestone when it welcomed, its two millionth stopover visitor. Jamaica earned just over US$2 billion from tourism as at December 2013.

•

Airline Partnerships •

•

Russian airline – Air Transaero. This collaboration currently affords Jamaica access to markets in 40 central and eastern European countries. These include: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine. This is currently being facilitated through connecting service from hubs in the Russian capital, Moscow, and adjoining cities St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg.

Condor Airlines providing service to Jamaica out of Munich, Germany, and Thomas Cook, out of

$400 Million Project for Ocho Rios Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill (2nd right), welcomes the two millionth stopover visitors to the island, Alexis Grenier (3rd left) and husband, Craig Greiner (3rd right), from Boston, Massachusetts, USA, after they disembarked the American Airlines flight on which they arrived at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay from Miami, Florida, on Sunday December 29. Also sharing the occasion are: Tourism Director, John Lynch (left); State Minister for Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Damion Crawford (2nd left); and Montego Bay's Mayor, Councillor Glendon Harris.

•

•

Stockholm, Sweden Thomas Airways’ 787 Dreamliner commercial aircraft was added to the island’s flight schedule Virgin Atlantic Airlines allowed for more flights out of the UK

More than US$2 billion earned from tourism as at December 2013

More than 3.2 million tourists visited

For the first time Jamaica was elected as chairman of the UNWTO Executive Council

The 226-room Braco Hotel in Trelawny, is to be managed by Melia Hotels International (MHI) under a 15-year agreement with the National Insurance Fund (NIF).

The 130-room Marriott Courtyard Business Hotel, currently under construction in New Kingston, is slated to be completed in 2015.

Investments reached almost J$20 billion including several acquisitions and upgrading of properties.

Phase I of Ocho Rios transformation project underway at a cost of J$400M.

•

• •

Air Canada’s new leisure carrier, Rouge, which operates flights out of Toronto Air Trans from Chicago, Illinois Frontier Airlines, from Denver, Colorado, in the United States.

Latin American Market •

Copa Airlines – significant headway was made in strengthening flight connections with the Latin American market through direct airlift which facilitated service out of countries such as Colombia and Venezuela through the airline’s hub in Panama City.

Visa Relaxation Government’s relaxation of visa requirement for entry into Jamaica for nationals of Colombia, Venezuela, Panama,

Artistic representation of what the Ocho Rios Cruise Terminal/Pier will look like at the completion of the enhancement project.

Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine resulted in record number of arrivals.

Cruise Ships The United States-based Disney Cruise Lines vessel, the Disney Wonder, with 2,700passengers, made five stops in Jamaica signifying a tremendous endorsement of the country.

The resort town of Ocho Rios is set for major transformation with a $400 million multiagency improvement project.

The scope of work will include the full upgrading of the cruise ship terminal and the parking area, where kiosks will be erected to accommodate craft vendors. It will also include major reconstruction of the Turtle River Road, between the pier and Main Street.

Culture •

Hotels The industry’s hotel room stock was increased with: • The 225-room Jewel Paradise Cove Resort and Spa in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, formerly Hedonism III, which was acquired by Sagicor, and given a US$5 million facelift. .

• 350 refurbished rooms at the Royalton White Sands property in Trelawny, and the opening of the 238-room RIU Palace Resort in St. James.

J$1.2 billion was invested in cultural activities and the renovation and preservation of built heritage attractions including: Devon House, Seville Heritage Park, birthplaces of National Heroes, Falmouth Courthouse and Post Office.

Entertainment •

The Arts in the Park initiative was conceived to increase the quality of entertainment offerings across resort areas while providing international talent scouts the opportunity to sign local acts. The first Arts in the Park was held on February 24 during Reggae Month.

Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, participates in the wage signing agreement between the Government and the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) as State Minister with responsibility for the Public Sector, Hon. Horace Dalley, and JTA President, Clayton Hall seal the deal with a handshake.

12 – GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Protecting the Poor and Vulnerable

T

More than

The PATH Programme Continued to Deliver

Approximately

HE GOVERNMENT provided benefits for the nation’s most needy, under social protection initiatives.

•

• •

•

•

$4 billion allocated in the 2013/2014 budget, to deliver benefits through cash transfers, and interventions geared toward developing human capital in the poorest and most vulnerable groups in the society.

67 per cent increase in benefits to the elderly. $100 million set aside to provide scholarships/ bursaries for 1,000 tertiary level students from PATH households.

Increased attendance among beneficiaries in schools through a Compliance Intervention Strategy (CIS).

The Ministries of Labour and Social Security, and Education, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to undertake a pilot project, dubbed, ‘School Wi Seh’, aimed at

$4 billion allocated for PATH $1.5 billion for beneficiaries under the NIS

US$2.9 million grant agreement to implement the Social and Economic Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Project reducing non-attendance in the targeted schools. The programme was expanded to include 61 schools island wide at a cost of $200 million.

The PATH programme offers an array of benefits to children from birth to completion of secondary school; senior citizens 60 years and over, who are not in receipt of a pension; persons

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier (right), converses with (from left) student, Kemps Hill High School, Simone Mattis and Edwin Allen Comprehensive High School students, Janel Thompson and Oshane Campbell, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the ‘School wi Seh’ pilot project, at the Ministry.

with disabilities; pregnant and lactating women; and poor adults, between the ages of 18 to 59 years, who are duly registered.

Scheme (NIS) to accommodate the increase in benefits, such as old age, sugar worker, invalidity, widow/ widower’s pension, and orphan and special child benefits.

Increased NIS Benefits •

Approximately $1.5 billion was allocated for beneficiaries under the National Insurance

Improving the Lives of the Disabled •

JUTC Improved Service to Commuting Public

T

HE GOVERNMENT improved the way Jamaicans commute, by enhancing the operations of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) and tidying up the public transportation system.

Some achievements included: • The fleet of JUTC buses plying routes across the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region (KMTR) was increased from 244 to 350.

• Training of staff in Customer Service

• •

•

Implementation of the cashless fare system The new ‘Park and Ride’ service for Portmore, St. Catherine $150 million per annum to be saved from the removal of the free transfer system on JUTC buses from Half-Way Tree to other destinations

Improved Commuting The JUTC, in November, implemented a pilot for a designated bus lane along the

Mandela Highway, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion.

This has resulted in a 12% increase in passenger lift and an 11% rise in revenue. The pilot ends on January 31, 2014.

Driver Training In August, 541 persons were certified after completing a Public Passenger Driver and Conductor Training Programme.

•

A US$2.9 million grant agreement was signed with the Japanese Government to implement the Social and Economic Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Project. The main objectives of the project are to increase the employability and skills development of poor persons with disabilities ages 18-36; and to improve the service delivery of special education needs to poor children with disabilities from 0-6 years.

The Ministry signed a

•

•

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) to refurbish the office of the Early Stimulation Programme (ESP). The MoU is part of a larger loan with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB). Currently, the programme offers centre and community-based services to 1,241 children.

The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) held a series of islandwide registration fairs, adding 6,500 persons to its database.

The JCPD made other provisions to include: rehabilitative assistive aids; school assistance; and an economic empowerment grant, of between $150,000 and $400.000.

JUTC-HEART MOU The bus company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HEART Trust/NTA for the training of persons to repair the JUTC buses.

KMTR Fleet

increased by 106

541 drivers and conductors certified

Managing Director, Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), Colin Campbell (left), speaks with Managing Director, J.R. Group, Rene Wellington, as they sit in one of the articulated buses that were procured by the JUTC this year, to increase its fleet.

Customer service training for staff

Director, Child Labour Unit in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Marva Ximinnies (right), presents Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon-Harrison, with a copy of the ‘Child Labour Handbook for Professionals’, which was officially launched on February 14, 2013, during a training workshop in Kingston.

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION – 13

14 – GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

More Jamaicans Get Water •

Provision of Water

S

EVERAL PROJECTS were undertaken to provide potable water to more Jamaicans across the country.

•

Projects Completed • 6,000 residents of Cascade, White Sands and Bohemia in St. Ann, received potable water at a cost of approximately $45 million • Hope and Mona Water Treatment Plant were rehabilitated – $1.6 billion • 1,200 residents in St. Mary, received potable water – $60 million • 300 residents of Sligoville and surrounding communities in St. Catherine received potable water after six years – $50 million • 3,500 residents of the York Street in Treadways, St. Catherine, and adjoining areas, received potable water – $13 million.

Projects Commenced in 2013 • Just under $1 billion contract for water pipes to be laid from Old Harbour to Manchester has been awarded

•

•

•

•

Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Robert Pickersgill (3rd left), pays keen interest to a point being made by engineer at the National Water Commission (NWC), Trevor Wilks, during a tour of a project to improve the sewerage system in the Liguanea Plains in Kingston. Looking on at left is Managing Director of Bacchus Engineering, Robert Bacchus.

•

More than 9,000 residents of 15 communities in eastern Hanover are to benefit from potable water – $225 million Over 29,000 residents of eastern St. Mary are to benefit from improved water supply – $800 million 9,000 residents of communities in western Westmoreland are to benefit from improved access to potable water – $445 million Ground was broken for the Lucea Pipeline Replacement and Non Revenue Water (NRW) Reduction project – US$12.6 million 7,000 residents of Mason River, Kellits, Sandy River, and neighbouring areas in North Clarendon will benefit from improved water supply – $200 million Several residents in Westmoreland benefited from improved water supply – $445 million Thousands of residents in the Kingston Metropolitan Area, including Portmore, will benefit from improved water supply – US$24.46 million

•

Over 3,000 persons from Burnt Savannah, Knoxwood and adjoining communities across south western and north eastern St. Elizabeth will benefit from improved water supply – $59.6 million.

Best Tasting Water For the second consecutive year the NWC was adjudged to the provider of the Best Tasting Drinking Water in the Caribbean by a panel of water experts at the 22nd Annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) conference and exhibition, held in Barbados.

Upgrading of Sewerage Systems •

A $73 million project to improve the sewerage system in the Liguanea area of St. Andrew is currently underway.

Portmore Sewerage Project Cabinet, approved a contract valued at US$21 million for the improvement of the sewerage system in Portmore.

GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION – 15

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Building Bridges and Deepening Ties

T

HE MINISTRY of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade continued to cement its relations with international and regional partners, as it sought to improve foreign policy and trade prospects.

CELAC Summit Early in 2013, Minister Nicholson attended the 1st EUCELAC Summit/7th EU-LAC Summit in Santiago, Chile, which brought together European, Latin American and Caribbean Heads of State and Government to address an Alliance for Sustainable Development to Promote Investments of Social and Environmental Quality.

Fifth Diaspora Conference The 5th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference drew a record number of attendees.

Following the conference, a Post Diaspora Implementation Council (PDIC) was established to execute the recommendations put forward.

Visits to Jamaica • •

President of Haiti, His Excellency Michel Martelly, His Royal Highness, Prince Michael of Kent

ITC Meeting The Ministry, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), hosted a consultative workshop for stakeholders on non-tariff measures (NTMs).

NTMs are policy measures on exports and imports, other than ordinary customs tariffs, that can have an effect on the international trade of goods. Minister Nicholson used the occasion to urge private sector entities to become more vigilant in monitoring, identifying, documenting and reporting suspected use of NTMs.

Diplomatic Relations •

•

The official opening of a Jamaican Embassy in Brazil Diplomatic relations with Solomon Islands

Landmark Arms Trade Treaty Jamaica was among 10 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries to sign the first ever international Treaty to regulate the trade of conventional weapons. The Treaty aims at preventing the flow of arms to conflict regions, as well as the flow of conventional arms to human rights abusers, terrorists, warlords, pirates and gangs.

Successful Diaspora Conference

National Policy on International Migration and Development drafted

37th Meeting of COTED Minister Nicholson attended the 37th Meeting of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), where he participated in discussions on CARICOM’s environment policy framework and cooperative efforts regarding climate change, sustainable land management, and renewable energy.

Jamaica Meets with Trinidad and Tobago The Minister met with his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, in Jamaica, Hon. Winston Dookeran, to iron out problems stemming from an incident in which 13 Jamaicans were refused entry into the twin island republic.

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller stands at attention during the singing of the National Anthem at the official opening of the 5th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference held at the Hilton Rose Hall hotel in Montego Bay. She is flanked by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. AJ Nicholson (left) and Minister of State in the Ministry, Hon. Arnoldo Brown.

•

•

•

Significant Developments •

The Ministry raised Jamaica’s profile in the international fora through successful candidatures to the various committees including Chair United Nations World Tourism Organization; Membership on the UNESCO World Heritage Council

•

and Executive Council, International Maritime Organization.

Jamaica participated in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in November 2013.

The National Policy on International Migration and Development was submitted to Cabinet for consideration and approval.

Jamaica signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with Kuwait. The agreement forms a crucial part of country’s push to become to one of the world's top four logistics centres.

Jamaica signed Tax Information Exchange Treaties with Macau (SAR) China, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and Finland.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. AJ Nicholson and his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Hon. Winston Dookeran, shake hands following talks on the path to improve free trade and movement arrangement between the two countries.

Climate Change, Environmental Protection Got Priority Focus Last Year Freeze on CFCs JAMAICA IMPLEMENTED a freeze on the importation of the hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) at the average import levels of 2009 and 2010 in accordance with the Montreal Protocol.

• •

•

Equipment Provided •

Climate Change Campaign An advertising campaign was unveiled to draw national attention to the critical issue of climate change, including slogans on JUTC buses.

The 30-month project, which got underway in 2012, was funded primarily by the EU at a cost of €4.5 million. Already, there have been gains:

222 hectares of land replanted in water-shed areas Reforestation activities carried out in Pencar/ Buff Bay; Yallahs; and Hope River watershed

•

An automatic weather station and rainfall gauge commissioned into service at the Royal Palm Reserve in Sheffield, Negril and the Cave Valley Health Centre in Hanover, respectively, at a cost of approximately $1 million.

A modern hyperbaric chamber, to treat decompression illness in divers, was officially commissioned into

service at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Discovery Bay marine laboratory in St. Ann. The island’s first Virtual Reference Station Network (VRS), gFIX.net, was installed as a tool in mapping natural hazards.

Climate Change Policy •

•

The Climate Change Policy Framework and Action was tabled in the Houses of Parliament as a Green Paper on November 5.

The Climate Change Division has been established to coordinte climate

change matters within the public sector.

Legislation •

Work on components of the National Spatial Plan (formerly the National Physical Plan) also got underway in 2013.

Treaty Signed •

Jamaica was one of 91 countries to sign the historic Minimata Convention on Mercury, which seeks to phase out the production of and trade in mercurycontaining products by 2020.

16 – GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Keeping Our Children Safe

T

HE MINISTRY of Youth and Culture pursued several initiatives to improve child safety and to reduce and prevent child abuse, by strengthening of the Child Development Agency (CDA) and the Office of the Children’s Registry (OCR).

Efforts were also made by the Ministry and its agencies to deal with youth unemployment by focusing on entrepreneurship, skills training and preparing young people for work in the global village.

Children Removed from Lockups and Adult Correctional Centres One hundred and seventyfive (175) children were removed from police lockups and adult correctional centres. All female juveniles were relocated to the newly refurbished and redesigned South Camp Road Correctional Centre. The Centre now accommodates 46 girls.

from $6 million in 2012 to $60.3 million.

ANANDA Alert Secretariat Strengthened The Ananda Alert Secretariat was transferred from the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development to the Office of the Children’s Registry (OCR) in the Ministry of Youth and Culture. The Ananda Alert Missing Children Recovery Programme received an allocation of $9 million to bolster its response and recovery mechanism of missing children.

‘Uncontrollable Behaviour’ Label Removed Cabinet approved the removal of the ‘uncontrollable behaviour’ label from children who display extreme behaviour. This will eliminate the option to have children sentenced to correctional centres.

More Money to Rehabilitate Children’s Upliftment Programme Launched Homes There was a 900% increase in the 2013/14 allocation for the rehabilitation of children’s homes and places of safety

The pilot stage of the Upliftment Programme 2013, which provides social and psychological support for children in remand

Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna (3rd right), and youth participants at the first National Youth Forum held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on November 20, 2013.

The Forum was dubbed: ‘A Suh Di Ting Set? Reset Di Ting! Youth Dialogue for Action.’ facilities, was launched on August 7 at the Diamond Crest Juvenile Correctional Centre in St. Elizabeth.

•

CDA Hires More Staff to Investigate Child Abuse The Child Development Agency (CDA) increased staff in its Investigation Unit to enhance its capacity to effectively address incidents of child abuse.

Youth Employment •

Through the National Youth Service (NYS) 5,142 youth

•

•

were employed in the hospitality sector.

3,100 youth received hospitality training through partnership with the National Centre for Youth Development (NCYD) and the Bars To Go Training Institute.

Thirty persons began a Graduate Work Experience Programme at public and private institutions in eastern parishes.

The NCYD through the Youth Information Centres referred 4,014 at risk young people to the Learning for Life Programme in collaboration with Bars to Go Training Institute.

•

•

Three Museums Opened In its drive to redevelop heritage sites, the Ministry opened three museums: • The National Museum, Kingston • Seville Heritage Park Museum, St. Ann • The Roxborough Museum in Manchester, which houses a permanent exhibition on the life and work of National Hero, Rt. Excellent Norman Washington Manley.

•

Other Achievements •

•

Launch of Culture Card The Culture Card initiative, is set to expose hundreds of young people across the island to both the tangible and intangible aspects of the Jamaican culture by granting them access to institutions and organisations that are paramount to the retention and continuation of the country’s legacy.

Poet Laureate of Jamaica launched – Nominations for Jamaica’s first poet laureate in over 50 years were opened in December 2013. A joint initiative

•

of the National Library of Jamaica and the Entertainment Advisory Board, the Poet Laureate of Jamaica programme seeks to stimulate a greater appreciation for Jamaican poetry, promote poetry as an art and medium for entertainment and for the recording and disseminating of cultural heritage.

New Jamaica/Cuba Youth and Cultural Agreement – Cuban specialists will train Jamaicans in the art of movie animation and high quality craft manufacturing for export.

Promotion of Youth and Student Governance for Democracy – The National Secondary Schools Council (NSSC) and the National Youth Council of Jamaica (NYCJ) elected regional and national executives after a two-year haitus.

Jamaica elected to the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, for the first time – Jamaica has applied for the Blue and John Crow Mountains to be inscribed on the World Heritage List and will be lobbying for Reggae music to be inscribed on the Intangible Heritage List.

National Youth Policy Concept Paper Completed – The policy will facilitate the active participation of youth in areas integral to their own development. and will focus on seven main areas which include: Achieving Optimal Potential/ Human Development; Expanding Participation in Economic Opportunities; Creating Safe, Nurturing and Secure Environment to Thrive and Capacity Development for the Youth Sector.

The revised policy will replace the one developed in 2004.

GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION – 17

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Education Our Mission

T

HE MINISTRY of Education continued to focus on its mantra, ‘Every Child Can Learn, Every Child Must Learn’. Student achievement was at the centre of its policies and programmes.

Notable achievements include: • Incorporating 68 infant departments into primary schools and establishing two stand-alone infant schools under the Early Childhood Commission rationalisation project.

• Deploying more than 100 literacy specialists and reading coaches in 450 primary, all-age and junior high schools as well as 25 high schools in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development.

• Improving Grade Four Literacy Test results from 74% to 76%, Jamaica is nine percentage points away from attaining 85% mastery by 2015.

• Recruiting 50 Mathematics specialists to assist teachers where the need exists in schools across the island.

• Implementing a Breakfast Programme by Nutrition Products Limited in 37 schools, catering to 8,156 students. The breakfast programme utilizes local produce including ripe bananas, plantains, potatoes, carrots and liquid eggs. An additional 137 basic schools from St. Thomas, Clarendon and St. Catherine will participate in the breakfast programme in January 2014.

This will accommodate 3740 students.

• Completing a new curriculum for Grades 1-9. Teaching manuals are being produced and will be piolted in Grades 4-6 in 24 schools.

Teachers in these schools have been trained in the use of the curriculum, and the actual implementation will commence in January.

• Providing approximately 2,300 additional school places through plant expansion or the construction of new schools including Belair High, Holy Trinity High and Cedar Grove High.

• Removing five schools from shift system: Holy

More than 100

literacy specialists and reading coaches were deployed

One million textbooks to schools

350 principals

and education officers trained

•

•

•

Trinity, Crescent Primary, Bethabara Primary and Junior High, Albion and Sandy Bay Primary & Junior High. $1.2 billion to be spent to replace pit latrines with flush system in 158 schools. Thirty schools have already been outfitted with flush systems.

Signing contracts with local suppliers for the printing of books valued at $60 million. These books are projected to come on stream for September 2014.

National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL) trained 330 princi-

Pupils of the Bannister New Testament Basic School in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, perform during the institution’s official opening ceremony on Thursday October 31, at the Bannister New Testament Church of God. From left are: Rihanna Plummer, Ashauna Harvey and Laeana Graham.

Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites (2nd left); late Mayor of Portmore, George Lee (left); Chairman, Ascot High School, Pauline McKenzie (2nd right); and Principal, Ascot High School, Cedric Murray, break ground for the sixth form block at the School in Greater Portmore, St. Catherine on June 12.

pals and 24 education officers in various aspects of school operations. Some 60 participants will begin the Aspiring Principals’

•

Programme in February 2014.

The National Parenting Support Commission, has established 30 parents’ places across the island.

Parents’ Place is a onestop-shop for parents to access information, courses and workshops, and support from each other.

18 – GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Agriculture Rebounds to Record Growth Communities (SDAs). An additional amount of $213.7 million is being spent to upgrade sports facilities in these areas.

T

he agricultural sector continued to perform well, rebounding from the adverse effects of weather-related factors, to record growth for the third quarter of the year.

Agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining and quarrying; as well as construction, topped the industries recording growth during the July to September quarter of the 2013/14 fiscal year, which grew by 0.6 per cent.

Agro Parks Reducing the country’s food importation bill from US$1 billion to US$700 million in the short to medium-term was a key objective.

Among the strategies employed was the targeted cultivation of 8,000 acres of idle Government land under the flagship Agro Parks initiative which the IMF said was critical to Jamaica’s recovery. A total of nine agro parks were established.

They are projected to realise foreign exchange savings of $4 billion, provide employment for about 5,000 persons, increase agricultural output and reduce importation.

Irish Potato Programme The Ministry, in collaboration with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), launched the Irish Potato Programme.

The proposed production target is 1,483 arcres for autumn; 1,482 acres for spring; and 124 acres for summer. In order to achieve this, the Ministry is providing support in the sum of $68 million towards the autumn and spring crops.

Eat Jamaican Month As the Government intensified efforts to get Jamaicans to eat more locally produced food, November was designated ‘Eat Jamaican Month’.

The month-long series of events and public awareness campaign coincided with the 10th Anniversary of the ‘Eat What We Grow…Grow What We Eat’ campaign, which was launched in 2003 by the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS).

Food Safety Another priority area was food safety, with several measures implemented to ensure the availability of sufficient quantities of safe food and that Jamaica meets global food safety requirements.

In July, nine agro-exporters received approximately $10 million in grants from the Government to assist in upgrading their facilities,

Sugar Transformation Programme The Sugar Transformation Programme entails the implementation of the Revised Sugar Adaptation Strategy Phase II (2010/11 – 2014/15). The objective is to modernize and transform the sugar industry by promoting competiveness while addressing the social needs of the residents of SDA. The programme has three main components: 1. Developing of a commercially viable sugar cane sector 2. Strengthening the economic, social and environmental resilience of SDAs 3. Creating an enabling Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke (left), and Food and Agriculture policy environment for the Organization (FAO) Representative in Jamaica, Belize and the Bahamas, Dr. Jerome Thomas sugar cane sector to prosper. (right), sign the $30 million agreement to provide grant funding to 1,000 of the most severely affected farmers in St. Thomas and Portland, who are recovering from Hurricane Sandy.

Observing is Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Donovan Stanberry. The signing was Rehabilitation of Cane Roads held at the Ministry’s Hope Garden’s location in Kingston on May 27.

During September, eight panying Measures (BAM) REEACH) Cocoa Farmer in order to become compliant with contracts totalling just over special assistance programme, Field School (FSS). the United States Food Safety $404 million were signed for over the next four years.

• Farmers from across the Modernization Act (FSMA). the rehabilitation of more than • An agreement was signed island have been trained in 44 kilometres of cane roads in Farmers Get Assistance to provide $30 million in areas such as: cocoa crop seven SDAs across the island.

The nation’s farmers, contingrant funding to 50 farmers husbandry, propagation ued to benefit from capacity in the communities of methodologies, post-harvest Tackling Drought building interventions, GovernLeith Hall, and 900 in Font handling and business Another boost to the agriment, particularly in light of the Hill, both in St. Thomas; management. cultural sector was a $45 million damage caused to farms folas well as 50 farmers in crop production programme to lowing the passage of Hurricane Sugar Workers Benefit be implemented as part of the Reach District, Portland.

Sandy in 2012.

• Forty small farmers in from Housing Solutions Governemnt’s drought mitiga• 1,000 farmers received St. Mary and St. Thomas • The Government made tion initiative for the sector. fertiliser and insecticide, benefited from a $30 milprovisions to resettle 876 provided under the European lion EU funded Economic residents of sugar estate RADA Boosted Union Banana Support Diversification Programme. barracks through the conThe operations of RADA Programme (EUBSP), • Sixty-five cocoa farmers struction of 398 housing were further enhanced through valued at $13.5 million. from Clarendon and St. solutions at seven sites at the acquisition of tablet com• 1,400 banana and plantain Mary benefited from a sixan estimated cost of $2.4 puters and computer applicafarmers, as well as other month training course billion. J$597.4 million tions valued at $11.1 million. sector interests, will benefit was approved to support administered by the Ground was broken for the from a $660 million (€4.73 improvements to 49 projects, construction of a new $69 milJamaica Rural Economy million) European Union mainly schools and clinics lion parish office for RADA in and Ecosystems Adapting (EU)-funded Banana Accomin Sugar Dependent Areas/ Hague, Trelawny. to Climate Change (Ja

More Support for Fisheries Sector Fisher Folk The safety of the nation’s fisher folk received priority attention. Approximately 2,000 fisher folk from six parishes benefitted from the donation of well needed safety gear, as part of the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI), spearheaded by the Agriculture Ministry.

Through the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) project, physical infrastructure at six

fishing beaches islandwide is being upgraded.

The project received funding support of $21.6 million from the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) and the World Bank.

Ornamental Fish Manual To standardise the production of ornamental fish in the country, a manual titled ‘Jamaica Ornamental Fish Quality Assurance Programme’ was produced and presented to the Ministry in

November by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

It is designed to certify the operations of some 100 fish farmers and put them at an advantage to tap into the US$400 million export market.

The manual provides a sound and practical way of achieving high standards for the ornamental fish sector. It offers guidelines to farmers, breeders, exporters and importers of pet fish.

Agro Park for Fish Production The Hill Run facility in St. Catherine would be dedicated to fish production.

Bills Passed to Enhance Sector •

The Aquaculture, Inland and Marine Products and By-Products (Inspection, Licensing and Export) (Change of Name and Amendment) Act, 2013 was passed in July.

GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION – 19

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Major Strides in Sport

H

igh standards were set by our sportsmen and sportswomen in various sporting disciplines in 2013. At the IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Jamaica finished third on the medal table while at the IAAF World Youth Championships in the Ukraine, Jamaica finished at the top of the medal table.

Jamaicans enjoyed record setting dominance in track and field, boxing, netball, cricket, swimming, badminton, table tennis, martial arts and shooting in regional and international competitions. The Special Olympians and Paralympians were not to be outdone as they contributed significantly to the strength of our Brand Jamaica.

Tabling the National Sport Policy The National Sport Policy was finalised and tabled in Parliament on March 26, 2013, setting the framework for the future development of sport.

The policy vision, which has been embraced by all Jamaicans, is “to create a dynamic and enabling environment in which persons enjoy and excel in sport at all levels while building strong bonds of unity in their communities and benefiting from economic opportunities to be derived from sport.”

Re-establishing the National Council on Sport The Prime Minister reconvened a 24-member advisory body comprising representatives

of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and private sector organisations as well as individuals involved in organising and directing sports. The role of the Council is to advise the Government on relevant aspects of sport development and the coordination of sport activities to ensure that these are aligned with the National Sport Policy.

Health Benefits In keeping with its commitment under the National Sport Policy, the Government announced a health insurance plan to provide coverage for all qualified national sports men and women. The benefits are expected to cover up to 1,500 persons from 40 sporting disciplines.

Jamaica as a Sport Destination A Sport Tourism Committee, chaired by a private partner, was established through collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment and the Office of the Prime Minister (Sport) to focus primarily on marketing the sport component of Brand Jamaica.

Improving Jamaica’s Sport Infrastructure The Government launched the High School Sport Infrastructure Improvement Project (HSSIIP) which will see an investment of J$250 million over two years in the improvement of 24 high schools across the island. The project is being funded

by the Sport Development Foundation and the Sugar Transformation Project.

More than a billion dollars was spent on sport development generally and sport infrastructure development.

Diaspora and Private Sector Support The Charitable Organizations Harmonization Act 2013 and the Charities Act 2013 provides for the importation of duty-free donations to charitable organisations that support the development of amateur sport.

Strengthening Jamaica’s Anti-doping Programme Preserving integrity in sport and maintaining a doping free sporting environment was a priority for the Government.

The budgetary allocation for the Jamaica Anti-doping Commission (JADCO) was more than J$61M for conducting in and out of competition testing and public education. The Government has almost tripled the budgetary support to JADCO to guarantee the integrity of the country’s antidoping system. This increase in budget allocation allowed the Commission to conduct more tests in the 2012/2013 financial year by 110% over the previous year.

Additionally, the CHASE Fund approved a grant of $7.185M for the purpose of “Preserving the Spirit of Sport”.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Colin Fagan (right), in discussion with Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Laurie Williams (left), during a tour of the Waterford Fire Station in Portmore, St. Catherine.

Minister with responsibility for Sport, Natalie Neita-Headley, (left), accepts the IAAF World Championship commemorative plate from IAAF President, Lamine Diack, in Moscow.

Minister with responsibility for Sport, Hon. Natalie NeitaHeadley (right), makes a presentation to junior athletes who participated at the 8th IAAF World Youth Championships in Ukraine on July 17, on their return to the island.

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller (left) and Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting (right), get ready to cut the ribbon to officially open the new Falmouth Police Station in Trelawny. In the background are Member of Parliament for North Trelawny and Attorney General, Hon. Patrick Atkinson (left); and Mayor of Falmouth, Garth Wilkinson.

20 – GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Facilitating Jobs at Home and Abroad

J

OB CREATION was high on the agenda of the Government during 2013, with a number of employment opportunities being sought for Jamaicans, particularly overseas.

More Jobs for Jamaicans Abroad •

•

•

Some 172 workers, 50 of whom were travelling for the first time, left the island for Canada on January 3, to work in a number of sectors under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Overseas Employment Programme. The Canadian farm and factory programme is in addition to the United States farm work programme, the United States hospitality programme, and the Guantanamo Bay programme.

Thousands of Jamaicans continued to benefit throughout the year from overseas work opportunities in various sectors, as a result of recruitment drives and pre-selection exercises held across the island.

In August, the Ministry secured a deal with Caribbean Airlines, which will now transport these workers who were previously accommodated through private charters.

•

Locally, an agreement was also signed with the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment and Melia Hotels International, for approximately 400 Jamaicans to obtain employment at the renovated Braco Hotel in Trelawny.

Entrepreneurs Receive Assistance The nation’s entrepreneurs benefited from an increase in the National Insurance Fund (NIF) Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) credit facility, which rose from $1 billion to $1.5 billion during the year.

The scheme, has contri-buted to the creation of employment across several business sectors.

Some $931.69 million has been disbursed through 12 participating financial institutions.

The agricultural sector, which received the major share of the disbursements created or sustained 4,225 jobs.

The NIF now stands at $96.5 billion.

Tackling Child Labour A Child Labour Handbook for Professionals was launched under the Tackling Child Labour Through Education (TACKLE) Project.

The TACKLE Project, which is administered through the

Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier (right), is presented with a copy of the signed agreement between the National Insurance Fund (NIF) and European hotel chain, Melia Hotels International (MHI), by MHI Chairman, Gabriel Escarrer Julia (left), for the provision of over 400 jobs for Jamaicans at the Braco Hotel in Trelwany, following a brief signing ceremony at the hotel on November 21. Also sharing in the proceedings is Tourism and Entertainment Minister, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill.

Labour Ministry, has the following objectives: •

•

Build the law enforcement and legislative mechanisms to address child labour; Collaborate with the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Education in order to include recurrent funding for child labour programmes in the national budget.

•

•

Provide interventions for children involved in child labour (prevention and withdrawal), mainly through remedial programmes, through non-governmental organisations, as well as through the school system; and Develop good practices and sharing of information, which will benefit all stakeholders.

Addressing HIV/AIDS Discrimination The White Paper on the National Workplace Policy on HIV and AIDS was tabled in the Houses of Parliament earlier in the year. The policy is a framework for action by the Government, employers and workers to deal effectively with HIV/AIDS in places of employment. It is based on the International Labour Orga-

nisation’s (ILO) principles on HIV/AIDS in the workplace.

As part of ongoing efforts at the national level for HIV/AIDS reduction and prevention through a rights-based approach, the Ministry partnered with the Jamaica Manufacturers’Association (JMA) in March on a pilot project, aimed at reducing the levels of discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS who work in the local food services industry.

Labour Market Reform System Upgraded The Ministry of Labour and Social Security upgraded its Labour Market Information System (LMIS), making it more user-friendly.

Job seekers and employers, can get information through its newly improved website: www.lmis.gov. jm, or the Ministry’s website: www.mlss.gov.jm.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier (right), converses with persons attending a pre-selection exercise for the Canadian Work Programme, held on March 15 at the Upper Deck Hotel in Montego Bay.

GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION – 21

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Millions Spent on Local Government Infrastructure

T

HE MINISTRY of Local Government and Community Development, spent millions of dollars on the construction and upgrading of infirmaries, markets, fire stations, and other facilities to improve the quality of service to ordinary Jamaicans.

•

•

NSWMA

Advancing the Reform Process Cabinet approved the issuing of drafting instructions for the three strategic laws in the Local Government Reform process.

These are the: • Local Government Act • Local Government and Financial Management Act • Local Government Unified Services and Employment Act. Drafting of the proposed Disaster Risk Management Bill, which seeks to strengthen the country’s overall national disaster preparedness, emergency management and response processes and mechanisms, is far advanced.

The ‘No Build’ Zone Bill is now at the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

This legislation will empower the Government to prevent construction in disaster-prone areas and will also include compulsory evacuation where there is imminent danger.

A new Building Act was approved by Cabinet in March to improve the efficiency of the building approvals process, and provide a framework for the effective management of the building industry.

Parish Councils The KSAC established an audit committee with oversight of the financial reporting process.

Other notable achievements include: • Continuing the drive to rid the Corporate Area of illegal billboards and signs • Registering vendors and handcart operators • Utilising designated vending areas • Acquiring 40 tablet computers • Launching the KSAC’s LoveCleanKSA interactive

Southern Command.

Rescue tools valued at approximately US$35,000, to assist with the extrication of casualties during an accident.

Three new fire trucks at a cost of US$1.35 million.

Approximately $45 million was spent over the festive season to clean up, clear, transport and dispose of solid waste.

The NSWMA also collaborated with parish councils in its public education effort to encourage persons to dispose of garbage appropriately.

Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Noel Arscott (centre), demonstrates the process of separating plastics from other household waste, during the launch of phase two of the National Solid Waste Management Authority's (NSWMA), Plastic Separation Pilot Project for Manchester, at the Ingleside Wellness and Recreation Centre.

Also engaging in the exercise are (from left) Cartographer, Planning Department, Calvert McLeod; Executive Director, Jennifer Edwards; Member of Parliament for North West Manchester, Mikael Phillips; and Mayor of Mandeville, Councillor Brenda Ramsay.

•

•

•

mobile technology application.

Boosting property tax collection by 169 per cent since April 1, 2013, compared with 2012 Establishing a Safety and Security Committee at the Westmoreland Parish Council Just under $140 million was allocated by the Government for drain cleaning in preparation for the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season

LED Streetlights As part of efforts to ensure greater energy efficiency and reduce costs, the Ministry launched a LED streetlight project.

With a six-month pilot: • 5,000 LED lights are being installed in Clarendon as well as sections of St. Catherine and Kingston and St. Andrew.

• The Ministry’s headquarters at Hagley Park Road in Kingston was retrofitted with energy saving solutions.

•

•

The fish market in Lucea, Hanover, was refurbished at a cost of $1 million The Charles Gordon Market in St. James was refurbished at a cost of approximately $4.3 million.

Infirmaries •

•

47 residents of the Hanover Infirmary moved into a new building valued at $40 million.

The St. Ann and St. Mary infirmaries were refurbished. A solar system and fence were installed at the St. Mary Infirmary.

Fire Brigade •

The Freeport Fire Station in St. James was refurbished at a cost of $4.7 million • The Portmore Fire Station in Waterford, St. Catherine received a well needed facelift at a cost of $1.5 million.

To further strengthen its search and rescue operations in six parishes, the Jamaica Fire Brigade received: • Water and structural rescue kit equipment valued at approximately US$10 million from the United States

Other Projects •

US$30, 000 was donated to the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) Earthquake Unit to install four motion seismographs across the Kingston Metropolitan Area.

• A pilot early warning system to alert disabled persons of impending disaster was tested.

• The Montego Bay Civic Centre in the historic Sam Sharpe Square was fenced at a cost of $17 million.

• 500 farmers in and around the Accompong area of St. Elizabeth benefited from a greenhouse project, costing US$50,000.

Markets •

In the Corporate Area, the markets which were reopened after renovation are: the Redemption Arcade and Jubilee Market in downtown Kingston.

Jamaica Social Investment Fund For 2013/2014, JSIF's revised targets for its projects were as follows: 22 social infrastructure projects, 25 economic projects, three sports projects, 20 agricultural and tourism projects and 80 social services projects. As at the end of the 2nd

quarter 86% of social infrastructure and 73% of economic projects were completed, all 20 agricultural and tourism projects were in progress and 73% of social services initiatives had been delivered or were in progress.

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller (left); and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke (2nd left); perform the symbolic groundbreaking exercise for 80 houses to be built at Hampton Court, St. Thomas, under the Sugar Barracks Relocation project. Looking on are Spanish Ambassador Celsa Nuño (2nd right); and Head of Operations, European Unon Delegation in Jamaica, Jesús Orús Báguena.

22 – GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Busy Legislative Year in 2013

J

AMAICA’S ECONOMIC and social agenda was advanced with the passage of a number of laws covering: finance, agriculture, justice and industry.

New President of the Senate History was created in the Senate on May 17, when Government Senator, Floyd Morris, was elected as the first visually impaired President of the Chamber. He replaced Rev. Stanley Redwood, who resigned on May 10, after serving for 16 months.

Additionally, attorney-atlaw, Sophia Frazer-Binns was appointed Government Senator, to fill the vacancy arising from the resignation of former Senate President, Rev. Stanley Redwood.

Meanwhile, businessman, Dr. Nigel Clarke, and Principal of Jamaica College, Ruel Reid, were sworn in as Opposition Senators in the Upper House, on November 28.

Legislation Passed 1. The Retiring Allowances (Legislative Service) (Amendment) Act, 2013

Minister of Justice, Senator Prime Minister the Most Hon. the Hon. Mark Golding Portia Simpson Miller

2. The Bauxite (Production Levy) (Validation and Indemnity) Act, 2013 3. The National Housing Trust (Amendment) (Special Provisions) Act, 2013 4. The Tax Collection (Amendment) Act, 2013 5. The Tax Administration Jamaica Act, 2013 6. The Appropriation Act, 2013 7. The Charitable Organizations (Tax Harmonization) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2013 8. The General Consumption Tax (Validation and Indemnity) Act, 2013 9. The Financial Investigations

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

Division (Amendment) Act, 2013 The Revenue Administration (Amendment) Act, 2013 The Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2013 The Charities Act, 2013 The Pensions (Superannuation Funds and Retirement Schemes) (Validation and Amendment) Act, 2013 The Protection of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Act, 2013 The Obeah (Amendment) Act, 2013 The Larceny (Amendment)

Attorney-General Patrick Atkinson

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

Act, 2013; and the Law Reform (Flogging and Whipping) (Abolition) Act, 2013 The Law Reform (Fraudulent Transactions) (Special Provisions) Act, 2013 The Professions Supplementary to Medicine (Validation and Indemnity of Council) Act, 2013 The Trade Marks Act, 2013 The Conch (Export Levy) (Validation and Indemnity) Act, 2013 The Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppression and Punishment) (Amendment) Act, 2013

22. The Aquaculture, Inland and Marine Products and By-Products (Inspection, Licensing and Export) (Amendment) Act, 2013: 23. The Mustard Seed Missionaries (Incorporation and Vesting) Act, 2013 24. The Crown Property (Vesting) (Amendment) Act, 2013 25. The Committal Proceedings Act, 2013 26. The Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013 27. The Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act, 2013 28. The Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Skilled Persons) Act, 2013 29. The Commissions of Enquiry (Amendment) Act, 2013 30. The United Nations Security Council Resolutions Implementation Act, 2013 31. The Church of Haile Selassie I (Incorporation and Vesting) Act, 2013 32. The Defamation Act, 2013 33. The Security Interests in Personal Property Act, 2013 34. The Registration (Strata Titles) (Amendment) Act, 2013 Cont’d on page 23

GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION – 23

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Energising Growth, Spurring Progress

A

S THE Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining focused on ‘Laying the Foundation for Growth’, one of the most significant achievements in the telecommunications sector in 2013 was the reduction of telephone rates by up to 60 per cent. This was made possible by the amendment to the Telecommunications Act. The Ministry is now working on a project which will allow customers to have portability of telephone numbers, to eliminate the need to purchase more than one telephone from telecommunication providers.

launch of Net Billing and granting close to 120 residential and commercial licences to supply excess energy to the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) grid.

The new licencees will provide up to 100 kilowatts of energy to the JPS at a cost of US$0.25 per kilowatt hour.

Government also introduced, the Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel Fuel (ULSD). This is expected to have a significant impact on owners of vehicles with advanced emission control systems that are designed to use ULSD fuel.

Additionally, an agreement

Over $20 million was spent through the Rural Electrification Programme (REP) Pilot plant was officially opened for the multi-million dollar rare earth project

Community Access Points The Government spent millions of dollars to provide computer access to more Jamaicans during 2013, facilitated through the launch of close to 80 Community Access Points (CAPs) islandwide.

Providing Computers in Schools To improve literacy and learning across the island’s schools, the Government committed resources, which will see the provision of approximately 25,000 tablet computers to 38 early childhood, primary, and secondary institutions under a pilot Tablet in Schools Programme, to be implemented through eLearning Jamaica Company Limited.

was reached for the start of construction of a modern 360 megawatt electricity generating plant, projected to commence in 2014.

Energy Conservation Government implemented solar film technology and coolroofing solutions at select government buildings.

On December 11, a contract was signed by Minister Paulwell, in the sum of US$2.65 million, for four State entities to be fitted with modern and efficient air conditioning systems, as part of the drive to reduce the energy bill in the public sector.

The contract forms part of a US$20 million loan agreement for an Energy Efficiency and

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (STEM), Hon. Phillip Paulwell (3rdright) and Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Senator Angela Brown-Burke (2nd left), cut the ribbon at the pumps of the Petcom Dunrobin petrol station, symbolising the launch of the introduction of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel fuel in 2013.

Conservation Programme, with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Electricity for More Rural Communities Over $20 million was spent through the Rural Electrification Programme (REP), to provide several communities with electricity. Portland, St. Thomas, Manchester, St. Andrew and St. Elizabeth were some of the parishes that benefitted.

The REP is to undergo a name change to Jamaica Energy Solutions Limited (JESL), and its mandate adjusted to incorporate greater use of solar energy solutions.

Rare Earth Elements A pilot plant was officially opened for the multi-million dollar rare earth elements extraction project, being spearheaded

Industrial Minerals Under the PetroCaribe Development Fund’s Trade Compensation Mechanism, the Caribbean Cement Company shipped approximately 20,000 tonnes of a 100,000 tonne consignment of clinker to Venezuela. It is expected that this US$8.5 million deal will

The Government, through the Ministry, provided US$20 million for the expansion of office space in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. The funding was made available through the Development Bank of Jamaica from the PetroCaribe Development Fund.

Factories Corporation of Jamaica has been requested to provide 60,000 square feet of additional space for the sector.

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (MSTEM), Hon. Phillip Paulwell (left) and Minister of State Hon. Julian Robinson, arriving at a meeting.

New Development at SRC

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) developed two waste water systems, utilising anaerobic technology, which is the process of treating wastewater without using oxygen.

These systems do not pollute the environment, especially ground water, and allow for the construction of buildings in areas with high water tables.

Cont’d from page 22

Orders

Reducing Energy Cost

pave the way for other shipments of mineral products to Venezuela.

The Government continued to focus on developing the Limestone Sub-sector with the launch of a ‘Limestone Market Study’ that was requested by MSTEM and Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).

Busy Legislative Year…

35. Fiscal Incentives (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act; and the Income Tax Relief (Large Scale Projects and Pioneer Industries) Act 2013 36. The Securities (Amendment) Act, 2013 37. The Companies (Amendment) Act, 2013

Expansion of ICT Sector

Government’s drive to reduce the high cost of energy by at least 30 per cent by 2016 took a giant step forward with the

by the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI) and Japanese entity, Nippon Light Metals.

Rare earth oxides (extracted from red mud), are being traded at rates of up to US$3,500 per kilogram, compared to alumina, at US$330 per tonne. Rare earth elements are vital in the manufacture of smart phones, plasma screens, wind turbines, satellites and other high-tech products.

Five Orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), were approved as part of measures to combat the issue of money laundering. They are: • Proceeds of Crime (Designated Non-Financial Institution) (Gaming Machine Operators) Order; • Proceeds of Crime

(Designated NonFinancial Institution) (Real Estate Dealers) Order; • Proceeds of Crime (Designated Non-Financial Institution) (Attorneys-atlaw) Order; • Proceeds of Crime (Designated Non-Financial Institution) (Casino Operators) Order; and the • Proceeds of Crime (Designated Non-Financial Institution) (Public Accountants) Order.

The Orders will cover non-financial businesses and professions, as the Government continues to implement antimoney laundering measures.

24 – GOVERNMENT ON A MISSION

ACHIEVEMENTS 2013

Improved Access to Justice

T

he historic sitting of the Court of Appeal in the town of Lucea, Hanover took place during the week of December 9 to 13. It was the first time in the 51-year existence of the court that it was holding a session outside of Kingston.

Judicial and legal professionals hailed the move as a significant development in the dispensation of justice and to bring justice to the people where they reside.

Increased Civil Jurisdiction of RM Courts The Justice Ministry increased the civil jurisdiction of the resident magistrates’ courts from $250,000 to $1 million, to enable more citizens to enforce their legal claims in their home parish courts and avoid the inconvenience and expense of having to take them to the Supreme Court in Kingston.

Restorative Justice The Ministry continued to roll-out the Restorative Justice Programme, opening three centres in Trench Town and August Town in Kingston, and Russia in Westmoreland. This brings to seven, the number of centres opened across the island to serve approximately 10 communities.

Judges and Justices of the Peace Sworn In A number of judges were sworn in to higher office during the calendar year. Two judges were appointed to the Supreme Court.

EU provided some $52 million for the implementation of projects, focused on the rehabilitation of inmates

New Western Civil registry – a first in Jamaica

Scores of Justices of the Peace (JPs) were also appointed, with 53 installed for Kingston and 35 for St. James. There is a total of 5,969 JPs serving communities across the island.

Upgrading Infrastructure The Ministry of Justice, signed a contract valued at $245 million for Phase II of the Justice Square Project.

The work, to be undertaken over a six-month period, involves the further refurbishing of the Supreme Court and renovation of the former National Commercial Bank (NCB) building on King Street in downtown Kingston.

The project will provide several new court rooms, judges’ chambers and a new and more spacious Supreme Court registry, thereby allowing for the appointment of additional judges.

The Justice Square project is part of the Reform Policy Agenda of the Ministry, and is intended to provide appropriate working conditions for judges and court personnel, as part of overall plan to improve the justice system.

The Ministry also completed

the new court facility in Morant Bay; provided new facilities for the Montego Bay Legal Aid Clinic; and established a new Western Civil Registry for the Supreme Court, which is a first in Jamaica.

Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding; and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Carol Palmer (left); participate in the signing of a contract for Phase 11 of the Justice Square Project, with Managing Director for MLO Construction, Melanie Fisher. The signing took place at the Ministry of Justice on December 3.

Technology An automated case management software system, known as Prosecuting Attorney System (PAS), was put in place at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to improve the management of their portfolio of cases.

There was improvement in court reporting with the acquisition of 21 new real-time stenowriting machines for the Supreme Court with the assistance of the United States Government.

In addition, 37 new desktop computers, 10 new laptop computers, and two high-end servers were provided for courts.

National Child Diversion Policy Consultations were held for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on the Draft National Child Diversion Policy to garner

Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding making a point in Parliament. At left is Senator the Hon. K.D. Knight.

feedback from the various Government departments and agencies, non-profit and community-based organisations and church groups as the Administration finalises the document for approval and publication.

The Policy seeks to establish a formal framework for dealing with children in conflict with the law throughout the criminal justice process, with a view to ensuring that detention or institutionalisation is a measure of last resort.

Justice and Human Rights The Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Jamaica provided $52 million

for the implementation of three projects, focused on the rehabilitation of inmates in the correctional system including juveniles, and to address legal and human rights issues.

Office of the Director of Public Prosecution The Office of the DPP launched its disclosure protocol, which serves to enhance transparency and accountability in the justice system. The protocol was developed through the Justice Undertaking for Social Transformation (JUST) Programme, a joint project of the Governments of Jamaica and Canada.

OPM Constituency Development Fund Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller (centre), is accompanied by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MegaMart, Gassan Azan Jr. (left) and President and Chief Executive Officer of Scotiabank, Bruce Bowen (right), as she tours the newly opened MegaMart Mandeville store on February 27.

In the area of community development and renewal, the Constituency Development Fund facilitated the evaluation and approval of 764 development projects with fund disbursement totalling J$937,847,255.09.

Twenty-four constituency consultation meetings were held.

All project proposals received were evaluated and a total of 288 projects were recommended/ approved by the Parliamentary Committee.