The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a five-point scale developed in 1971 by engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson. It is the most widely recognised scale used for categorising hurricanes. The five categories are used to classify the hurricane’s intensity and potential impact based on the wind speeds. Categories According to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management...

The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) has issued a health alert in response to the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern, by the World Health Organization (WHO). There are currently no active cases reported in Jamaica, but the disease is contagious, therefore all precautions must be taken as some strains are deadly. What is...

Yams are a popular export crop which earned Jamaica over US$50 million in 2023. However, despite their popularity, yam farmers face production challenges as the crop can also be affected by disease. Yam Rust One such disease is ‘Yam rust’, also known as Goplana dioscorea and Goplana australis. This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen. Symptoms include yellow spots...

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) is committed to the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in Jamaica. Entrepreneurs can access funding, research and development, business incubators (facilities to manufacture and process products) and accelerators (professional mentoring) from the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) and the Scientific Research Council (SRC). Development Bank of Jamaica...

The Data Protection Act (DPA) was passed in Parliament in 2020 and became effective December 2023. The regulations serve as a guideline for the lawful handling of personal data and the protection of information, to safeguard the rights and privacy of individuals. Safeguarding Personal Data ‘Personal data’ is defined by the DPA as any information that can be used to...

The National Water Sector Policy was created by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) in 2009 to strategise the distribution of water for all Jamaicans. The policy incorporates the Vision 2030 goals for universal access to water and targets the strengthening of infrastructure, storage, treatment, distribution and disposal of water. The GOJ mandates several agencies to increase the availability of potable...

Crimes committed in Jamaica are not limited to adult perpetrators as in some cases, persons under the age of 18 face criminal charges. In response, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) developed a National Plan of Action for Child Justice in 2010. National Child Diversion Programme As part of the National Plan of Action, the National Child Diversion Programme (NCDP) was...