标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) has issued a critical warning to citizens undertaking construction projects, emphasizing the non-negotiable necessity of formal written contracts to mitigate substantial financial and legal exposures. This advisory comes amid growing concerns about unregulated practices within Jamaica’s construction sector.

Lenworth Kelly, former IMAJ president, articulated these concerns during a recent JIS Think Tank session, highlighting the alarming absence of regulatory legislation governing contractors. “The industry faces significant challenges due to the lack of formal oversight,” Kelly stated. “Many individuals operate as contractors based solely on self-proclamation, without verified credentials or regulatory compliance.”

Kelly emphasized that a formal contract represents the fundamental first step upon completion of building plans and drawings. He characterized the undertaking of major construction without contractual protection as “ridiculous,” particularly given that home construction or expansion typically constitutes the largest financial investment in an individual’s lifetime.

Beyond contract formalization, the IMAJ recommends engaging qualified professionals—architects, engineers, or designers—to administer projects on the homeowner’s behalf. These professionals can conduct monthly milestone verifications and authorize payment disbursements, ensuring accountability and quality control throughout the construction process.

Common issues reported to the IMAJ frequently involve homeowners who neglected basic due diligence. Kelly posed essential questions homeowners should address: “Have you verified the contractor’s background? What is their professional track record? Are they properly registered with the Company’s Office of Jamaica? How extensive is their business experience?”

Notably, the association stresses that even minor projects require documented agreements. Kelly illustrated this point stating, “Even for constructing something as simple as a chicken coop, document the terms on paper—specify payment amounts, schedules, and timelines. Such documentation still constitutes a legally recognizable contract.”

To support public awareness and protection, the IMAJ offers complimentary consulting services through its in-house expert, available to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Homeowners can schedule in-person consultations, Zoom calls, or telephone advice at no cost, receiving professional guidance for various construction endeavors, from small home expansions to new builds.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A powerful appeal for national unity and compassionate discourse has emerged from Jamaica’s highest leadership levels following the 46th annual National Leadership Prayer Breakfast. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has publicly endorsed Senior Pastor Reverend Peter Garth’s urgent message advocating for an end to destructive criticism and malicious character attacks within Jamaican society.

During his keynote sermon at Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Andrew, Reverend Garth challenged Jamaicans to abandon vulgar criticisms and embrace mutual respect. “We are all in this together and we need all persons on deck if we are going to rebuild Jamaica,” Garth emphasized, framing national progress as dependent on collective goodwill rather than divisive rhetoric.

Prime Minister Holness, in subsequent remarks to Observer Online, characterized the pastor’s message as both timely and transformative. “I am particularly heartened by the message today,” Holness stated. “There are those who will stand on the sideline and criticise unnecessarily, unreasonably and unjustly—that is not serving the interest of the nation.”

The event, which adopted the theme “Caring for our Neighbour,” served as a platform for examining the social risks associated with helping others. Both leaders addressed the growing cynicism that discourages civic engagement, with Garth specifically referencing Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in October as a case where criticism overshadowed relief efforts.

Holness highlighted the historical significance of the prayer breakfast, established in 1981 following Jamaica’s divisive 1980 general election, as a stabilizing force in national life. “It reaffirms that Jamaica is a Christian society,” he noted, “and gives us an opportunity to hear words directly transmitted to leaders to guide us.”

Reverend Garth concluded with a call to action: “Let us continue our efforts to restore lives and rebuild homes. Let us respond to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Jamaica. Let us care for our neighbors.” This dual endorsement from religious and governmental leadership signals a coordinated effort to address Jamaica’s social discourse challenges.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a decisive move to combat the persistent issue of praedial larceny, Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has reinforced its strategic approach through amplified enforcement mechanisms and the widespread implementation of traceability technologies across the agricultural value chain.

Kalecia Hall, acting director of the Praedial Larceny Prevention Coordination Branch, articulated the government’s comprehensive strategy during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank session on January 14. Hall emphasized that the specialized branch, originally established as a unit in 2015, has evolved into a multifaceted operation targeting five critical domains: enforcement, public education, institutional collaboration, traceability infrastructure, and legislative modernization.

Significant legal advancements have been achieved through the 2023 amendments to the Agricultural Produce Act, which dramatically elevated financial penalties for agricultural theft—from a mere $200 to a staggering $3 million. These reforms also mandated compulsory dealer registration, now administered by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA). Complementary revisions were simultaneously enacted across multiple statutes including the Malicious Injuries to Property Act, Lawful Possession of Property Act, Country Fires Act, and Trespass Act.

The institutional framework has been strengthened through sustained partnerships with RADA, the Veterinary Services Division, and the Jamaica Agricultural Society. These collaborations facilitate the implementation of sophisticated traceability instruments such as farmer registration databases, cattle identification passports and tags, and standardized receipt books—all synchronized with enforcement initiatives.

A pivotal development in enforcement capabilities emerged two years ago with the creation of the dedicated Agricultural Protection Division within the Jamaica Constabulary Force. This specialized police unit has contributed to a substantial increase in arrests and successful prosecutions, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated enforcement and monitoring systems.

Hall clarified that the traceability infrastructure serves dual purposes: protecting legitimate farmers while identifying bad actors within the supply chain. “These systems are engineered to monitor agricultural producers while simultaneously ensuring accountability among intermediaries and end consumers,” she stated, noting that compliance inspections and random spot checks frequently reveal illicit activities that often go unreported through formal channels.

The Branch, in concert with its institutional partners, will conduct a series of farmer sensitization workshops to enhance stakeholder awareness and promote regulatory compliance throughout the agricultural sector.