JPS INTRODUCES PREPAID ELECTRICITY PLAN—04/19/15
The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) company has introduced a new Pay As You Go (PAYO) service to 2,000 of its customers in Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine. The prepaid metering represents a new energy management tool that is being introduced in the form of a commercial pilot program designed to measure consumers’ acceptance of the service. The service provides a realistic option for consumers who are interested in managing their electricity utilization.

JAMAICAN FIRMS GET GOOD RATINGS FOR ABILITY TO USE TECHNOLOGY—04/20/15
A report from the World Economic Forum entitled the Global Information Technology Report for 2015 has ranked Jamaica at 61 of 143 nations in terms of the extent businesses have adopted new technology. Local firms received a lower rating in regard to their ability to do business over the Internet, however. According to the report, Jamaica had a score of 4.7 on a scale of 1 to 7, which means that 67 percent of Jamaican companies are close to an “extensive” adoption of new technology. Jamaica received a 4.0 on the scale in terms of the extent to which firms have the capacity to innovate.

ROBINSON SAYS NEGRIL SERIOUSLY THREATENED BY DEVELOPMENT—04/21/15
Shahine Robinson, Opposition spokesperson for tourism and cruise shipping in Negril, is worried about how developments in the resort town are being addressed by Jamaica’s government. Robinson referred specifically to the breakwater issue and a new development order. She noted that Negril accounts for considerable tax revenue and thousands of jobs as a top resort destination and believes that the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), and the Natural Resources Conservation Authority’s (NRCA) approved projects despite the objections of local agencies.

TRADE MARKS ACT AMENDED—04/22/15
According to Jamaica’s Industry Minister Anthony Hylton, the nation’s Trade Marks Act will be amended to provide protection for the name “Jamaica.” The law will prohibit foreign businesses from using trademarks and domain names that originate from anywhere but the island nation itself.  Hylton made his announcement during the launch of Intellectual Property Week.