The pros and cons of zero-based budgeting
THE EDITOR, Sir: MANY COMMENTATORS have been suggesting zero-based budgeting to bring greater discipline to government finances. But what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Big changes ahead for Radio Mona
RADIO MONA FM 93 will have to make big changes once the University of the West Indies carries out plans to cease subsidising its operations. Since its start as a commercial entity, the station has been receiving close to $2 million per month...

Housing Trust expects big increase in borrowing
THE NATIONAL Housing Trust (NHT) is budgeting for a big growth in the number of persons accessing their loans this year. According to Corporate Communication Officer at NHT, Karlene Morgan, the organisation is preparing to fund 7,500 borrowers...

Jamaica's bauxite/alumina production best since 1974
IT WAS a record year for bauxite production despite the challenges which the active Hurricane season presented to the bauxite and alumina industry in 2005, the Jamaica Bauxite Institute confirms. Total bauxite production hit a record 14.1 million...

Investors on the sidelines in early 2006
THE RECENT Business and Consumer Confidence Survey on Jamaica reported that consumer confidence fell to its lowest level for 2005 in the fourth quarter. And although business confidence rebounded strongly for the same period, businesses...

Targeting a reduction in the current account deficit for 2006
JAMAICA HAS to continue to strengthen its economy in the new year. One major plank that could do with restructuring, should be a target of achieving a reduction in its current account deficit by the end of 2006.

Economic developments and activities... this coming week in our past
HEALTH January 13, 1948: The St. James Parochial Board accepted a recommendation from the Medical Officer of Health to offer a reward of one penny for every rat caught in the town of Montego Bay.

Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) week in Jamaica
HISTORY WILL record the significance of January, 2006 to the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM). On January 1, the CARICOM Single Market (CSM) took effect, signalling the formal establishment of the newest trade bloc.

A look at the Growth Facilitators/Knowledge Works strategic alliance
GROWTH FACILITATORS, Group Process Consultants and Knowledge Works Consulting have forged an ongoing relationship to bring world-class conferences to Jamaica. Discussing the nature of the alliance in the following discussion...