Director General of the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), Leesha Delatie-Budair gave an update on the merchandise trade data during a quarterly press briefing at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston this morning.

She explained that following the category 5 system last October, emergency-related items such as those linked to energy supply, communication and temporary shelter saw notable import increases.

The post STATIN records hike in importation of essential items/emergency-related goods following passage of Hurricane Melissa appeared first on IRIE FM.

State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Senator Abka Fitz-Henley says though there is much more to be done, an indication from the Planning Institute of Jamaica, PIOJ, that there has been an improvement in the country's Housing Quality Index, HQI is welcomed news.

The PIOJ revealed its findings of an increase in the HQI on Monday.

It said the index rose to 80.5 per cent in 2023, from 75.0 per cent in 2017.

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State Minister for Investment Delano Seiveright says St. Ann is emerging as one of Jamaica's fastest growing investment hubs.

Pointing to expansions across housing, infrastructure, commerce and large-scale private sector development, Mr. Seiveright, says the parish is experiencing sustained growth, driven by both local and international investors.

The post St. Ann emerging as one of Jamaica’s fastest growing investment hubs- Seiveright appeared first on IRIE FM.

The hospital's Acting Chief Executive Officer Eric Hosin, made the statement during this morning's sitting of parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The UHWI was flagged by the auditor general for the alleged breach which contributed to losses of over $20 million.

The post Investigations progressing into misuse of UHWI’s tax exemption status to facilitate importation of goods for private companies appeared first on IRIE FM.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness says the project will see two segments, branching from a new grade separated inter-change near Mammee Bay westward to Discovery Bay in St Ann and eastward to Tower Isle in St Mary. He says the North Coast Highway's capacity has been exceeded, noting major traffic congestion in the area, especially when events are held in this section of St Ann.

The post Feasibility studies being completed for North South Highway extension project appeared first on IRIE FM.

The Government is actively pursuing over US$300 million in international grant funding to support several climate-resilient projects that are at varying stages of development. Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda made the disclosure at a press briefing, yesterday.

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She was speaking during the launch of the agency's Canine Programme, yesterday. She said the programme, which comprises 12 staff members and eight highly trained canines is a declaration that the Jamaica Customs Agency is making the necessary adaptations to fight against criminality.

The post Jamaica Customs Agency says Canine Programme is declaration that it will not be outmatched by those who seek to exploit nation’s borders appeared first on IRIE FM.

During an event at the Caribbean Maritime University in Kingston on Friday, JUTC's Managing Director, Owen Ellington said despite Government directives to reduce fares, revenues have grown. He also pointed out that the revenue for the past week is higher than in 2024, when new buses were added to the company’s fleet.

The post Despite reported increase in JUTC’s revenue, Opposition says there is still concern with entity’s accounts, as figures remain below those seen in 2016 appeared first on IRIE FM.

Dr. Holness made the statement as he addressed the issue of road repairs at an awards banquet hosted by the St. Ann Chamber of Commerce Sunday evening. He said while he understands the need for better roads, the Government can make bad decisions if it yields to pressure.

The post Prime Minister says Gov’t cannot cave in to political pressure to repair roads, citing need for a planned approach appeared first on IRIE FM.

No murder was recorded in the Turks and Caicos Islands, TCI up to Friday March 27.

That's according to the country's Police Commissioner and former Deputy Commissioner of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Fitz Bailey.

The post Regional News: No murder recorded in TCI up to March 27- Commissioner Bailey appeared first on IRIE FM.