“Anyone, anywhere and at any time may have a breathing problem that requires CPR to save their life,” this is according to an official at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ), a voluntary partner of the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency technique that can help save a person’s life if their breathing or...

Awarding students a place in a secondary school is the responsibility of The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MOEYI). The results of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) given in grades four, five and six are used to determine the secondary school in which students should be placed. The results of these assessments are combined and used to determine the...

There are few things as relaxing as lounging beneath the cool shade of a tree and listening to the rustle of its leaves in a gentle breeze at the beach or even in your own yard. No one can deny the value of trees –from the air we breathe to the food we eat – for thousands of years, trees...

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...