Jamaica's Agricultural Marketing Information System

Title: JAMIS Will Only be Beneficial if Utilized - Dr. Tufton

Source: KINGSTON, Jamaica Information Service (JIS)

Date Published: Thursday, December 17, 2009

URL: http://jis.gov.jm/MinAgriFish/html/20091217T150000-0500_22285_JIS_JAMIS_WILL_ONLY_BE_BENEFICIAL_IF_UTILIZED___DR__TUFTON.asp

Abstract:

The article reports the goals that the Minister of Agriculture hopes to achieve from the launching of the website for the Jamaican Agricultural Marketing Information System (JAMIS). One of the goals is to spur a more competitive sector, by providing customers with the market intelligence to know where to shop for produce for cheaper rates, as well as for suppliers to have a guide for pricing their produce.

Excerpt:

"JAMIS will post notice boards in main municipal markets to display weekly prices for farmers, higglers, and middlemen. Prices will also be posted at Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) parish offices. Additionally, text message services detailing prices, will soon be circulated to stakeholders to allow then to make strategic decisions, and to increase transparency in the marketplace."

Jamaica launches Web-based Agricultural Marketing Information System

Title: JAMIS Website Launched to Assist Stakeholders in Agricultural Sector

Source: KINGSTON, Jamaica Information Service (JIS)

Date Published: Monday, December 14, 2009

URL: http://jis.gov.jm/MinAgriFish/html/20091214T140000-0500_22249_JIS_JAMIS_WEBSITE_LAUNCHED_TO_ASSIST__STAKEHOLDERS_IN_AGRICULTURAL__SECTOR.asp


Abstract:

The article reports on the launch of new Website that will serve the information needs of Jamaican suppliers and buyers of farm produce. This new website is the initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, to serve the information needs of the Jamaican market place for farm produce for prices of produce, as well as where to purchase the produce. The article also mentions two of the funding agencies behind the project, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and CDS Development Solutions. The URL of the website is also provided.

Evaluation:
In terms of funding agencies, there is a discrepancy between what is reported on the article and what is available on the Website. In the article CDS Development Solutions is reported. On the website, it is CDC Development Solutions and App Venture.

Excerpt:

All stakeholders in the agricultural industry are now able to equip themselves with vital pricing information, which will enable them to make better decisions about the sale and purchase of produce.

This has been made possible through the Jamaica Agricultural Marketing Information System (JAMIS) website, which was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, today (December 14), at its Hope Gardens headquarters, in Kingston.

The web portal is part of the Ministry's ongoing thrust to modernise the sector through the application of technology. Its primary role is to collect, compile and disseminate agricultural data, which will aid producers, purchasers, consumers and distributors.

New school "library" to receive local Jamaica Information Service materials

Title: Three Schools in St. Catherine Benefit from JIS Donation
Source: KINGSTON, Jamaica Information Service (JIS)
Date published: Sunday, November 29, 2009
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/officepm/html/20091129t190000-0500_22082_jis_three_schools_in_st__catherine_benefit_from_jis_donation__.asp

Abstract:
A number of Jamaican schools received donations of local materials from Jamaica Information Service. One such school is a primary school recently upgraded from an all-age school. In this report, the principal of that school, Hazel Bradford expressed her gratitude for the materials and indicates how the materials will be used. The principal also mentions how the institution converted classrooms to a library in order to faciltate the upgrade.

Excerpt:

"At Seafield Primary and Infant, Principal, Hazel Bradford, also stated her delight with the JIS donations.

She explained that the school recently converted two classrooms into a library following a change from all-age to primary status.

"With the JIS contribution, our students will be very knowledgeable about their heritage," she stated, while informing that the materials will be added to the library's collections."