THIS DAY IN OUR PAST

The following events took place on February 12 in the years identified:

1982: Government’s move o deregulate the economy, by the removal of certain items from the list of restricted imports, is hailed by the masterbuilders. Mr Stuart Gough, secretary of the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association, issues a statement on behalf of the association, with reference to the removal of the 64 items which was announced last weekend by Minister of Industry and Commerce Douglas Vaz. The statement says: “The officers and members of the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica congratulate Prime Minister Seaga and the minister of industry and commerce on the Government’s very positive effort to move towards a more deregulated and competitive economy.”

1988: Formation of a team

expedite the establishment of a Public Broadcasting Unit, comprising both radio and television, is announced by Senator Olivia Grange, minister of state for Information in the Office of the Prime Minister. Heading the unit from Monday, February 15 will be Mr Carey Robinson, who has been general manager of the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation. “Establishment of the PBS forms an important part of the new media landscape announced in 1987 by Prime Minister Edward Seaga in outlining the Government’s policy for the electronic media,” a news release from Jamaica House states

1988: The conditions under

justice is carried out in Jamaica is under scrutiny so as to rationalise the system. This is to improve the efficient dispensation of justice in the courts. Senator Oswald Harding, minister of justice, says this when he tours the Falmouth Courthouse on the final leg of a two-day tour of courthouses in St Ann and Trelawny. He says he will meet with members of the judiciary to get their input in the rationalization process. Moves are afoot, he says, to speed up the process of justice with the introduction of computers at the Supreme Court. In rural parishes, the emphasis will be on the efficient use of courthouses.