Substance abuse can affect the development of a young person’s brain, which in turn, lessens their ability to resolve conflicts. This is according to the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA). As reported by the NCDA, alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco are reported to be the most abused drugs by young people in Jamaica. In fact, alcohol tops the list with...

Providing a safe and caring environment in which to be nurtured is one of the most beautiful and rewarding gifts one can give a child. During the period 2016 to 2020, Jamaica saw over 762 applications for adoption with 259 of these coming from overseas applicants, according to the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA). This process of legally...

“A real concern” is how the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) describes the condition of more than 2,000 homeless who take refuge on our streets. The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) identifies the homeless as one of the most vulnerable groups and has pursued several initiatives to offer support. Drop-In Centres Drop-in centres are places where homeless persons...

A parent’s job includes being on call 24 hours a day, performing extensive duties and receiving no salary. It is a job that became even harder when the COVID-19 pandemic reduced, or in some cases, removed families’ incomes. This resulted in some parents buckling under the financial and emotional strain. If that is your reality, be assured that you have...

Are you interested in starting a garden but are unsure of how to begin? Rest assured, creating your own backyard garden isn’t a difficult undertaking and you can get help from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, in collaboration with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) through the ‘Backyard Garden Project’. Although the project has since ended, you can still...

Tired of waiting at the bus stop? Is the thought of being squeezed in with other commuters too nerve-wracking? Combine these with COVID-19-induced anxiety and many will seriously consider driving their own vehicle, but first they will need to acquire a driver’s licence. In Jamaica, anyone over the age of 17 may apply for one.   Persons With Disabilities The...

Launched on March 6, 2021, the E-commerce National Delivery System (ENDS) was implemented as a part of the Government of Jamaica’s (GOJ) efforts to allow the quick-service industry to continue operating during COVID-19 curfew hours. The system is used by food-service companies, such as restaurants and supermarkets as well as pharmacies and delivery providers. Over 2,000 entrepreneurs are benefitting from...