Flood rains, 9/11 to blame for the decline in reserves
THE COUNTRY'S Net International Reserves (NIR) declined during 2002 by US$243.7 million to US$1 597.0 million, according to the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica 2002, a publication of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

Playing with press freedom
I WAS shocked to hear some two weeks ago, a suggestion from the Privileges Committee of the House of Representatives that the media be barred from the next sitting of that committee.

Justice system to get a face-lift
THE GOVERNMENT of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Justice, has received a grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to assist in improving the efficiency of the justice system in Jamaica.

Red Stripe, Wray & Nephew top manufacturers' awards
RED Stripe took the top award at the 35th Annual Awards Banquet and Presentation Ceremony of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA) last Saturday night, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.

May Pen Cemetery 'bushed'
AN OVERGROWN section of the May Pen Cemetery on Spanish Town Road in Kingston, said to be a breeding ground for rats that had infested the nearby Tivoli Gardens High School, has been cleared after intervention from the Ministry of Local Government.

RURAL ROUND-UP
Repairs coming for flood-damaged roads

Girl dies in auto accident - Residents mount roadblock in protest
ON THE eve of Mother's Day, 33-year-old Dorcel Ebanks gripped her stomach and wept in agony.

Caribbean leadership summit begins today
THE NEED for effective leadership in an age characterised by globalisation, terrorism, political crisis, religious extremism and other challenges will be the focus of the Central Caribbean Leadership Summit...