Local

AMMAN – His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces, on Monday called for further development of Public Security Department (PSD) services to create a feeling of security and safety among citizens and residents.

During a visit to the department, the King was briefed by PSD Director General Gen. Tawfiq Tawalbeh on its accomplishments over the past 12 months in line with its duties and within the framework of its security strategy.

The briefing covered PSD efforts in combating drug crimes and the situation of traffic on the roads across the country.

King Abdullah asserted the need for continued efforts to combat and curb crime, expressing his pride in the PSD's efforts and sacrifices.

AMMAN – Experts are mulling new subsidy mechanisms for bread that should target Jordanians only, with a system similar to that applied to fuel cited as a strong candidate.  

Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Hatem Halawani said on Monday that no decision has been taken yet on adopting a new subsidy system for bread as the ministries of finance and industry and trade are still studying options.

In a statement e-mailed to The Jordan Times, the minister pointed out that a favourite mechanism so far is the direct cash payments to citizens, which is the same system used in fuel subsidies. 

 Once any mechanism is endorsed, Halawani said, citizens will continue to benefit from the same amount of subsidy they currently enjoy, he said.

The official added that targeted subsidies will not put any financial burdens on citizens who deserve government support as they will be compensated for the difference in prices. 

Halawani explained that the main goal of directing bread subsidies to those who deserve it seeks to address flaws in the currently used regime, under which the government provides bakeries with subsidised flour at around JD36 per tonne while the real cost on the budget is estimated at JD305 per tonne. 

The government estimates the value of the flour subsidy and basic commodities at JD260 million, from which non-Jordanian residents also benefit.

He accused some bakery owners of misusing the subsidised bread for making other products, adding that some people use bread as fodder because it is cheaper. 

Halawani also added that some people smuggle subsidised flour to neighbouring countries, also citing thefts by some truck drivers, referring to cases being seen by the judiciary.  

AMMAN — The Princess Salha Bint Asem Health Centre in Ghor Al Safi opened late last week after recent renovations.

The centre, inaugurated by HRH Princess Sanaa Asem on Thursday, includes new waiting rooms, sanitary facilities and fully equipped doctors’ rooms.

The Arab Potash Company (APC) provided JD260,000 to fund the renovation, which was used to add a specialised mother and child centre that will serve 110,000 women and newborns in the southern Jordan Valley, according to an APC statement.

The centre will also provide training and guidance on health and reproductive issues, and immunisation for newborns.

AMMAN — The We are All Jordan Youth Commission and UNFPA signed a joint agreement on Sunday to establish a new health programme that will focus on reproductive health and healthy lifestyles, especially for youths at risk, according to a UNFPA statement.

The UN agency will work with the commission to conduct capacity-building workshops on promoting reproductive health and healthy lifestyle programmes through the use of creative and social media tools, the statement said.

UNFPA and the commission will also be conducting three events to promote health initiatives in three main pilot governorates, Irbid, Zarqa and Tafileh.

AMMAN — The Jordan Teachers Association (JTA) on Sunday said its members in the Muwaqqar and Sahab areas would refrain from giving the first lesson at schools on Monday in protest against an assault on one of their colleagues by a parent earlier this week.

In a statement sent to The Jordan Times, the JTA noted that the perpetrator went to the computer lab and hit and insulted the teacher.

Stressing its commitment to following up on the issue and protecting the rights of teachers via the legal channels, the JTA called on the Education Ministry to intervene and enact laws that protect the dignity of teachers.

AMMAN — Seventeen schoolchildren, a teacher and a bus driver were injured on Sunday when their bus collided with a vehicle in the Shafa Badran area in Amman, according to Public Security Department (PSD).

The PSD said West Amman Civil Defence Department personnel administered first aid to the injured students before sending them to Prince Hamzah Public Hospital, where they were reported to be in fair condition.

Farid Khatib, director of the Private Education Administration, checked on the students later on Sunday and was briefed on their condition.

Fifteen students were discharged from hospital, while two are being monitored.

AMMAN — The Jordan River Foundation (JRF) and Saudi Majid Bin Abdulaziz Society for Development and Social Services on Sunday signed an expertise exchange agreement.

The JRF will assist the Saudi society in developing the handicraft industry with the participation of the local community to empower targeted categories in Saudi Arabia.

The JRF will also develop training guides for the society and certify trainers in the sector.

AMMAN — The Lower House on Sunday endorsed a provision in the draft amendments to the Higher Education Law giving university security personnel the authority of law enforcement status when dealing with incidents of campus violence.

Also during the session, deputies continued their deliberations over the draft amendments to the Jordan Press Association Law.

Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh then adjourned the meeting until Tuesday.

NORTHERN GHOR — The Northern Ghor District on Sunday started logistic procedures to move Syrian refugees residing in illegal makeshift camps in Sharhabil Bin Hassneh Municipality to the Zaatari Refugee Camp.

Northern Ghor District Governor Adnan Otoum attributed the move to safety concerns, as the camps lack the minimum health and safety requirements for the 800 refugees.

AMMAN — The Office of the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Jordan and Irbid Youth Volunteers (IYV) have carried out a pilot project to support local civil society actors to achieve the future they want, by strengthening their capacities to address development challenges that affect them, according to a UN statement released on Sunday.

The initiative builds on the outcomes of the post-2015 national consultations, which have so far mobilised and engaged around 50,000 people in Jordan.

The IYV is a “youth volunteer network founded in 2011” that supports entrepreneurship and provides leadership training.

The initiative has supported the IYV in consolidating its network and developing seven social projects to be implemented in 2014.