Income tax threshold increased

The income tax threshold is to increase to $200,304 on July 1, from the current tax-free amount of $193,440.

This means individuals will now benefit from a tax-free income of $16,692 monthly, $7,704 fortnightly or $3,852 weekly.

The income tax threshold will again be increased to $220,272 on January 1 next year, in keeping with new measures announced during the 2008-2009 Budget presentation by Audley Shaw, minister of finance and the public service.

For further information, call 1-888-TAXHELP or visit any of the Collectorates islandwide or the website www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.

Armed, dangerous 'Handsome' wanted

The police have listed Donald Brown otherwise called 'Negush' and 'Handsome', as a person of major interest.

Brown is linked to several murders and shootings in the Waterloo, Waterloo Villa, Tredegar Park, Gravel Hill, and Lauriston areas of Sligoville Road, near Spanish Town, St Catherine.

The police say Brown, 23, is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information are asked to call Operation Kingfish at 811, Crime Stop at 311 and police control at 119.

Con men target work programme

The ministry of Labour and Social Security is warning that unscrupulous persons, claiming to be agents of the ministry have been soliciting money to place persons in the Government's Overseas Employment Programme.

The ministry says there are no fees associated with the initial recruitment of workers. Costs apply to worker only after the selection process.

As a result, the ministry said under no circumstances should any money be paid to any individual. The ministry says if persons are approached, the matter should be reported to the police.

Archbishop Reece to receive his pallium

Archbishop Donald J. Reece is to receive his pallium from Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in Rome tomorrow.

The pallium is a wooden vestment comprising a narrow circular band, which signifies authority as an archbishop.

Archbishop Reece, who previously served in Antigua, is now serving the archdiocese of Kingston.

Five go overseas to assist with services

Five members of staff from the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency are to be sent overseas to help Jamaicans in need of the services.

The agency's chief executive officer, Jennifer McDonald says the five persons would be placed in the United Kingdom, United States of America and Canada for three to four years.

She says their main duty will be to help to review passports, citizenship and visa applications.