“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...

Jamaicans now have the opportunity to be vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19), which has infected over 47,000 people since the first reported case in March of 2020. As a part of the Government of Jamaica’s efforts to slow the spread of the virus, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) is encouraging all Jamaicans to get vaccinated against COVID-19. However,...

Regular physical activity is essential to physical and mental health. The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) recommends that Jamaicans use the additional time that is being spent at home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to engage in physical activity daily to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity can have several implications for persons who have not contracted COVID-19,...