Editorial

Minister Reid’s Presentation for Post Cabinet Press Briefing March 22, 2016

Ruel-Reid-2016

The new Information Minister Senator Ruel Reid got off to a flying start. His posture was dignified and a breath of fresh air for a damaged division of government … tarnished by Sandrea Falconer and Huntley Medley … thank God they have been sent home. Good riddance.

Below is report from Jamaica House press briefing held today.

The Brussels violence by terrorists was mentioned.

Will send you more details on Foreign Minister’s response.

The negotiation re toll rates was also mentioned … this exercise is ongoing … the deadlines for submissions by the public was extended. Vision’s SIC has objected within the deadline to the steep proposed increase … we posted that already.

This was the first press briefing from Cabinet since this new JLP Government. They also plan a new/revised media policy.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie, senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.

Introduction
Decisions from Cabinet
1. The cabinet was asked to consider a request to relocate the Ministry of Justice from 2 Oxford Road, Kingston 5 to the Commerce Gate Office Complex situated at 61 Constant Spring Road Kingston 10.
The reasons for the relocation request were due to:
• Various issues related to poor air quality of the Oxford Road Building since 12 March 2014
• The negative impact of the health of the staff of the Ministry and the operations of the Ministry and its departments.
• The order by the Kingston and St. Andrew Public Health Department for the closure of the offices.
After consideration and its urgency Cabinet approved the relocation and
Approved the release of a sum of up to $100,000 million to fund the related expenses

2. Cabinet approved Supreme Ventures Limited as the preferred bidder for the privatization of Caymanas Track Limited (CTL). The final sales terms are to come back to the cabinet for the final approval.
3. Vote on 2016/2017 Vote on Account or Carry on budget was approved as per projected estimates of $83,839.8 Million and the tabling of the resolution and a related Ministry Paper in the House of Representatives.
4. Cabinet has approved the disposal of 75% ordinary shares of Seprod Limited held by Coconut Industry Board and the proceeds of the sale to be paid to the Accountant General as a special distribution in keeping with the financial distribution policy for public bodies.
5. Cabinet approved the increase in payments to government pensioners ranging from $1100 pm for those receiving pension of $60, 000 pm to a high of $ 2000 pm for those receiving pensions of under $30, 000 pm.
6. Cabinet approved the change of name from Bureau of Women’s Affairs to Bureau of Gender Affairs.
7. Cabinet approved the award of contract for the placement of insurance coverage for the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) for the period April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2019.
• Placement of US$ Denominated Policies –US $ 819, 682
• Placement of $ J $ Denominated Policies- $9, 491, 334
• Placement of Group Personal Accident $ 700, 000
• British Caribbean Insurance Company Limited as the Insurer through its overseas reinsures.
8. Cabinet approved the Renewal of Insurance Contract for NHT 2016/2017
9. Cabinet approved the proposal to contract a 15 million gas water treatment plant at Content, Rio Cobre in St. Catherine as part of the government’s 10- point plan initative to facilitate growth and development.

National Announcements
Cabinet noted the development at Caribbean Sugar Company and has asked the relevant ministry to pursue negotiations with a view to achieve a sustainable business plan.
They need US $200 million capital injection. Accumulated cost of US $ 60 million on account of a 40% fall in world sugar prices. The government is committed to a diversified cane Industry and operation of all state loss making entities. It will search for a private sector led solution.
Cabinet received a submission on the proposed toll tariffs for Highway 2000- North South Link from Caymanas to Ocho Rios (Mammee Bay). Cabinet has noted the public concerns and has mandated that the government work with the Toll Regulators and Operators to continue negotiations for the best rates possible.
Cabinet received update on Zika and H1N1 by the Minister of Health who is here to provide more details.
Presentation by Dr Christopher Tufton
Questions from the Media
Board appointments have yet to be finalized. We go into Cabinet retreat next week for two days March 30 to 31.
The Government Communication Policy is being developed.
A Communications Unit would be set up within the office of the Prime Minister to among other things interface with the communications and Public Relations Unit in Ministries in order to ensure coordination of information and a disciplined dissemination of information.

We are also contemplating appointing a press secretary to liaise with the press.

We note that the terrorists bombing in Brussels, Belgium and offer our condolences and yet our concerns for the safety and security of its citizens.

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