News

Experts weigh efficiency of ZOSO’s social intervention methods; CAPRI reports calls for review of strategies

The spotlight on social-intervention tactics in crime-ravaged neighbourhoods, controlled by gangs with unchecked violence, is glaring. While some critics and security stakeholders support these methods, others remain critical, citing their prolonged history of failures despite being deemed essential by some.

The issue was among those that took centre stage last week as the Caribbean Policy Research Institute’s (…

Environmentalist Dr Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie said that the health and sustainability of the island’s rivers will continue to hang in the balance if the authorities do not take decisive action in tackling a complex web of challenges ranging from pollution to inadequate enforcement of laws.

Rodriguez-Moodie, who is the CEO of the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), underscored the urgency of addressing these issues by suggesting higher fines for breaches, encouraging greater and more meaningful public engagement, and improving the…

Jamaica currently generates an estimated 7 per cent of annual gross domestic product (GDP) from economic activities associated with the Caribbean Sea, but a new study carried out by the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI) finds that number can be easily doubled with greater inclusiveness, lots of funding, and stricter coastal regulations.

The findings of the study titled “Sea of Opportunities” were released on Wednesday by CaPRI, with key takeaways being economic growth can align seamlessly with…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has given the clearest indication an increase of the $1.5 million income tax threshold is coming, announcing that a version 2.0 is to be implemented by his administration.

"We will deliver the next version of 1.5," Holness told a gathering of Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters in Clarks Town, Trelawny, last night as he sought to ramp up support ahead of the February 26 local government polls.

The promise comes just ahead of the tabling of the national budget on Thursday which…

As calls linger for the importation of overseas skilled workers to quench the island’s labour shortage, the Labour and Social Security Ministry is rectifying issues that have been detected with the local work permit process for immigrants.

Portfolio Minister, Pearnel Charles Jr, made the disclosure while responding to questions during a Caribbean Policy and Research Institute (CaPRI) forum on its latest report titled ‘Brain Gain: Solving the Labour Shortage and Competing for Global Talent’, last week.

During the event at AC…

The Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CAPRI) is proposing that the Government increase the personal income tax threshold by 47 per cent in the next budget cycle to help compensate for losses due to inflation since the last increase. The proposal, if accepted, will see the personal income tax threshold rising from $1.5 million per annum to $2.2 million.

The recommendation formed part of executive director of CAPRI Dr Damien King's presentation of the report "Budget Breakdown 2023: An Analysis of the Government's Proposed Revenue…