Gender-Based Violence App to Be Launched This Year

A gender-based violence mobile application (app) will be launched this year to provide discreet access to emergency help, legal information, and support services for victims.

The move is part of initiatives by the Government to eliminate domestic violence, said Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, while delivering the Throne Speech at the ceremonial opening of Parliament for the 2026/27 Financial Year, at Gordon House on Thursday (February 12).

He noted that gender equality remains a priority.

“A full review of the Domestic Violence Act is under way, supported by expanded shelters, intervention centres, and 24-hour hotlines,” he pointed out.

Highlighting progress made in culture and entertainment, the Governor-General said that Jamaica’s global cultural standing was strengthened in 2025/26 with Port Royal inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, joining the Blue and John Crow Mountains, and highlighting the nation’s rich heritage.

Notably, the Governor-General said that a Joint Select Committee is reviewing the National Policy for Culture, Entertainment and the Creative Economy (2025-2035), which will guide long-term growth in the sector and inform the drafting of a new Culture, Entertainment and Creative Economy Act.

Turning to achievements in sports, the Governor-General said that major investment in sports infrastructure is ongoing, with the National Stadium Redevelopment Programme progressing through concept and detailed technical design phases ahead of construction in 2027.

Athlete welfare is also being strengthened through improvements to the Jamaica Athletes Insurance Plan, informed by a recent actuarial study, which will extend coverage to coaches and increase operational efficiency.

Measures are being undertaken to safeguard integrity in sports, including amendments to the Anti-Doping in Sport Act (2014) and updating the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) rules, which will align fully with the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code.

The Governor-General hailed the country’s athletes taking part in the winter Olympics.

“Our athletes are currently representing Jamaica in bobsleigh and alpine skiing at the Winter Olympic Games in Italy, and we wish them great success,” he said.

“Our reputation as the hottest team on ice has been burnished by the bobsleigh team’s historic gold medal at an international sledding competition at the North American Cup in November,” he noted.

The 2026/27 Throne Speech was delivered under the theme ‘Building Forward: Enhancing Resilience, Expanding Opportunity’.