Data-driven research continues to shape Jamaica’s social development agenda, with new findings underscoring both progress and persistent challenges affecting children, youth, and vulnerable groups across the island. The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), in its latest Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ), reports that evidence-based analysis remains central to the design of policies and programmes under the country’s social protection...

The National Export-Import Bank of Jamaica (EXIM) is encouraging business operators affected by Hurricane Melissa, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to take advantage of its loan facilities. Manager of Loan Origination and Business Development, Hopeton Nicholson, said that the Bank continues to provide traditional lending to assist its clients affected by the hurricane in their recovery efforts. “Our mandate...

The Government is moving to strengthen the pension system by introducing auto-enrolment, aimed at expanding coverage, increasing retirement savings, and reducing old-age poverty. “Many people intend to save… but the truth is they will delay. Many workers postpone action because the process feels complex and distant. Auto-enrolment changes the default. It makes participation the normal starting point while preserving choice....

The Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) brought stories to life for students at Mountain View Primary School on Tuesday (May 5) as part of activities to mark Read Across Jamaica Day 2026. The Bureau’s participation underscores its commitment to education, literacy and national development, reinforcing its role as a partner in Jamaica’s educational journey from early childhood through to tertiary access....

The Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) is reporting that since the launch of its Debt Reset Programme in 2025, it has had strong engagement from its customers who have applied to benefit from the initiative. In an interview with JIS News, SLB’s Executive Director, Nickeisha Walsh, stated that thousands of borrowers have benefited from waivers, structured repayment plans, and credits applied...

The Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) has extended the period of its Debt Reset Programme to December 2026. The initiative enables borrowers to regularise their loan accounts through structured repayment arrangements and targeted financial relief, including waivers on late fees, insurance charges and interest arrears. It also provides incentives for those customers who maintain good standing. The programme was initially slated...

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) and Honey Bun Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to undertake a micro enterprise business development and growth monitoring initiative. Addressing the MOU signing ceremony at PIOJ’s Oxford Road offices in Kingston, on Thursday (April 30), PIOJ Director General, Dr. Wayne Henry, said the two-year pilot study will monitor the growth and...