Director of Policy Research at the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Suzette Johnson, says priority action is needed to address issues of income security, insurance, basic infrastructure and building resilience, the major determinants of poverty across Jamaica. She was speaking at the recent release of Jamaica’s first national Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) report at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston,...

State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Hon. Krystal Lee, says the establishment of the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) Northeast Regional Office signals the Government’s commitment to strengthening public health and wellness across Jamaica. She was addressing the official opening of the facility in Drax Hall, St. Ann on Friday (Jan. 16). “This launch represents far...

The Government of Jamaica is now better equipped to measure and address poverty across the island following the launch of the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Developed by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) in collaboration with Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), the Index will serve as a foundation for the development of policies and programmes aimed at...

The process to develop Jamaica’s national Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) began in June 2021 and has involved extensive consultation with stakeholders and persons living in poverty across the island. Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on January 15, Director of Policy Research at the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Suzette Johnson, said the initiative received funding support from the Caribbean...

The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) has reported that the inflation rate for December 2025 was 1.3 per cent, compared to November 2025. Director General, Leesha Delatie‑Budair, shared the details during a press briefing at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston on Thursday (January 15). She explained that the main drivers of the inflation rate in December were housing, water,...

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) will launch the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) on Friday (January 16). The MPI, which has been in development for six years, captures the various experiences of persons in poverty. Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on January 15, Director of Policy Research at the PIOJ, Suzette Johnson, noted that poverty is diverse and...

The Jamaican economy grew by 5.1 per cent in the July to September quarter of 2025, compared with the corresponding period in 2024. Providing details during a press briefing at the AC Hotel in St. Andrew, on January 15, Director General, Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), Leesha Delatie-Budair, said the overall performance in the third quarter largely reflected continued recovery...