Extortion hits jails
THE CRIMINAL underworld has taken a tighter grip on two of the island's maximum penal institutions, squeezing thousands of dollars in cash from inmates in what appears to be a deepening extortion racket. "Inmates have been making demands from other...

JPSCo steps up load shedding
THE JAMAICA Public Service Company (JPSCo) has stepped up its load shedding schedule to cope with the increased stress on the system caused by Monday night's fire which damaged the number three unit at the company's Old Harbour plant. Based on the...

GCT Act to be amended
THE GENERAL Consumption Tax (GCT) Act is to be amended to empower the Commissioner of Taxpayer Audit and Assessment to determine when taxable activities commence and to assess the taxes. According to the Bill's "Memorandum of Objects and Reasons", the...

Chang lobbies for integration
JAMAICA NEEDS to adopt an integrated approach to economic development, focussing on increasing investor confidence and cooperation between the private and public sectors, says president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, Anthony Chang. Speaking...

DPP orders inquest into 19-y-o's death
WESTERN BUREAU: THE DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has ordered a coroner's inquest into the death of 19-year-old Ricardo 'Rico' Stewart, who was allegedly shot dead by a policeman in Green Island, Hanover six months ago.

Five trucks out of service, SPM hampered
MANDEVILLE, Manchester: SOUTHERN PARKS and Markets (SPM), the agency responsible for solid waste management in the parishes of St. Elizabeth and Manchester, has found itself without sufficient funds and other resources to carry out all its duties.