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During the first decade of independence between 1962 and 1972, Jamaica’s average economic growth under the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was almost 6%. This was under the stewardship of the late Sir Donald Sangster in the first five years and subsequently the late Edward Phillip George Seaga as Minister of Finance during the second half of that decade from 1967 to 1972. It is worth noting that during this five-year stint of Mr. Seaga at the helm of the Ministry of Finance, with the Rt. Hon. Hugh Shearer as Prime Minister, the economy grew by an average of 5.56% per year.
Interestingly,...

Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Agro-Investment Corporation, Michael Pryce, is emphasizing the importance of the fisheries sector to the economy, which contributed US$79million to the country’s gross domestic product two years ago.
Mr. Pryce noted that exports from the sector totaled over 1000 metric tonnes and was valued at approximately US$12million.
“In the last five years, the estimated value of the fishing industry has been in the region of US$40million to US$60million per year and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, and Fisheries is playing an...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon Audley Shaw, has hailed the launch of ‘FIRST’, a new line of low and no gluten added product by manufacturer, Consolidated Bakeries (Jamaica) Limited, as “impressive and the sort of innovative thinking that is needed” in the industry.

Under the brand name, Miss Birdie, this product expansion will see the initial rollout of chocolate and banana-flavoured ‘N’uffins’ muffins and reduced gluten bread.

Made with locally grown cassava flour, Miss Birdie is not only providing healthier treats for the family, but at the...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, speaking at the launch of Purity's Gluten Free and Reduced Gluten Product Line, at the Consolidated Bakeries (Ja) Limited in Kingston on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. Under its ‘FIRST’ line, which utilizes cassava in making cassava bread made wholly of Jamaican inputs, as well as chocolate and banana-flavoured N'UFFINS, which are gluten free and reduced gluten product. Purity is on a journey to using simpler ingredients to produce healthier, affordable products.

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw (2nd right); and Managing Director, Consolidated Bakeries (Ja) Ltd., Anthony Chang (left), along with cassava farmers, at the launch of Purity's Gluten Free and Reduced Gluten Product Line, Valentine Drive, Kingston on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. Under its ‘FIRST’ line, which utilizes cassava in making cassava bread made wholly of Jamaican inputs, as well as chocolate and banana-flavoured N'UFFINS, which are gluten free and reduced gluten product. Purity is on a journey to using simpler ingredients to...

Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw, who was speaking at the 8th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston on June 18, says the country is focused on the medical marijuana industry.