Medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) are essential to the Jamaican economy, making up over 97% of the island’s taxpaying businesses. MSMEs are those that have between one and 50 employees and earn between $15 million and $425 million annually. The sector is responsible for the majority of employment in Jamaica and drives economic growth and development. As such, the...

“This thing about all men are privileged is not true, individuals experience life differently and so we have to look at the issues,” said Acting Policy Analyst of the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), Nashan Miller. According to Mr. Miller, the top issues facing Jamaican men and boys are related to violence, health and an unawareness of their own rights...

A home is a place that shelters, protects and nurtures its occupants. The ability to secure shelter for oneself is a necessity of life. However, for many Jamaicans, the cost to rent or purchase housing is difficult to afford, leaving them struggling to find housing or living in sub-standard conditions. The solution to this problem is affordable housing. This enhances...

Did you know that while there are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes in the world, only 74 are found in Jamaica? Only two of those species of mosquitoes are vectors, which means that they are living organisms that can transmit infectious diseases between humans, or from animals to humans. These vector species are the anopheles, which carries malaria and the...

World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed on November 5 annually to raise the public’s understanding of this natural phenomenon. ‘Tsunami’ is a Japanese word with the English translation, "harbour wave". These waves can destroy infrastructure, animals and lives. Though rare, Jamaica has experienced tsunamis – one in 1692 and the other in 1907 – each triggered by the country’s most...

Our heritage is one of the most crucial parts of our identity as Jamaicans. Heritage celebrations help to preserve this identity and our culture, which sets us apart from all other countries. National Heritage Week is observed annually during the week leading up to the third Monday in October, National Heroes Day. It is being observed from Sunday, October 10...

    Plant a Tree on National Tree Planting Day National Tree Planting Day is celebrated on the first Friday in October each year and supports the GOJ’s climate change efforts. It was launched in 2003 and aims to raise awareness and get people involved in the tree planting initiative. This years’ theme is ‘Plant trees: Restore our Ecosystems and Renew...