The registration and classification of prospective contractors, which were done by the National Contracts Commission contrary to the provisions of the Contractor General Act and the National Contracts Commission (Interim Provisions) Act, 2017, are to be validated and confirmed by a bill tabled in the House of Representatives by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr Nigel Clarke.

These actions included the form and requirements for registration, the charging and collection of registration fees and acts done by all other persons acting in connection with, or in support of, the acts of the commission done in good faith and inadvertent as to their being unauthorised, unlawful, illegal or improper, during the period commencing on February 11, 1999, and ending on the day appointed for the coming into operation of the Public Procurement Act, 2015, and to indemnify the NCC and all other persons from liability thereto.

Newly appointed Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Fayval Williams, has tabled a new bill, the Information and Communications Technology Authority Act, 2019, to establish a new authority.

The new authority is to promote improvements in information and communications technology service management in all public bodies. It will also transfer the functions of eGov Jamaica Limited and the Office of the Chief Information Officer to the Information and Communications Technology Authority.

The bill’s Memorandum of Objects and Reasons also notes that the new authority will promote the use of technology and interoperability of systems and technologies across the government; drive a sustainable digital agenda in the government and the wider society; enable the consolidation and delivery of services, acquisition and management of ICTs across government.

ICT staff will be equipped and retooled to increase efficiency and productivity; and it will lead and manage the innovative development and implementation of ICT strategies, frameworks and solutions for the Government.

Cabinet has approved the recommendation for the Minister responsible for Housing and the Housing Agency of Jamaica Limited to enter a joint venture agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company for the construction of 1,650 to 1,900 housing solutions in six phases over a period of 60 months at Bernard Lodge Estate in St Catherine.

The Housing Development is intended to create a cohesive and sustainable residential community targeting low to moderate income earners, by providing studio and one-bedroom units.

Cabinet has also approved the sale of approximately 206.39 hectares to Gore Developments Limited, for the development of residential communities located in part of Woodlands, Phoenix Park, Union and the Salt Pond Pen in St Catherine at a market price of $1.525 million per acre.

These lands also form part of the approved Bernard Lodge Land Use Master Plan and are designated for residential development.