Local Government Elections in Jamaica Jamaica’s parishes are divided into 63 constituencies with 228 electoral divisions. Councillors and mayors are elected to develop, manage, and maintain infrastructure and public facilities within these divisions through local government elections. These elections are due every four years and were last held on November 28, 2016. Postponement Although the local government elections were due...

The Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence (PMYAE) was instated in 1998 as part of the Government’s drive to nurture excellence at the national level. Under this initiative, outstanding youth are recognised for their remarkable achievements in various fields, including: Academics Agriculture Arts and Culture Community Development Entrepreneurship Environmental Protection Journalism National leadership New Media Science and Technology Sports Standard...

Consumers play a vital role in endorsing vendors who practice good hygiene and prioritise food safety. Patrons have a personal responsibility to observe vendor practices to ensure they consume food prepared in accordance with the Public Health (Food Handling) Regulations, 1998. Qualifications Persons involved in the handling of food for public consumption must acquire a: Valid Food Handler’s Permit –...

All births, marriages and deaths are to be registered with the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) within reasonable time of the event. The RGD reviews applications submitted and issues certificates. The process to replace these certificates may be completed online or at any of the RGD branches.   Replacing a Birth Certificate An application for birth certificate replacement requires: The Birth...

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ), under the Public Health Act, has instituted prohibitions and penalties for food operators that are found to be in breach of the established standards. Prohibitions The Public Health (Food Handling) Regulations 1998, require strict adherence to cleanliness, quality, and safety standards in food-handling establishments, with a focus on the presence of licences, permits, hygiene, record-keeping,...

A jury consists of a group of citizens who have been selected to listen to the details of court cases and, based on the evidence, determine the guilt or innocence of someone who has been accused of an offence. Jury duty is an integral part of society as it gives persons an opportunity to be active participants in the country’s...

The Government of Jamaica, through the Universal Service Fund (USF), an agency of the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport (MSETT) has implemented free Wi-Fi Hotspots in all 14 parishes to create a robust digital society by 2030. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 which promotes growth in industry, infrastructure and innovation. Seamless Surfing There...

Aiding The Ailing: Government Provisions For Medical Needs The Government of Jamaica (GOJ), through the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), the National Health Fund (NHF) and the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund has several ongoing programmes and initiatives to support the healthcare needs of the public. Compassionate Care Programme This programme was initiated by the MOHW...

The Jamaica-Cuba Eye Care Programme has resumed, boosting optical care services to Jamaicans. This partnership aims to augment public health offerings by collaborating with Cuban specialists and ophthalmology departments offering equipment maintenance support and sharing knowledge with local clinicians. Nine (9) Cuban eye care professionals, currently stationed at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), are screening and treating patients for various...