Starting in the 2018-2019 academic year, students will sit the Primary Exit Profile (PEP). PEP will replace the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) as the national secondary school placement test. The main objective of PEP is to enhance the academic and critical thinking capabilities, and creativity of students by the end of primary level education. Students entering Grade Six in...

In an effort to improve the safety and security of Jamaican citizens, in March 2018 the Ministry of National Security implemented JamaicaEye. It is the national closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance system that allows registered private citizens to share footage from their cameras with the local authorities free of cost. JamaicaEye’s primary aim is to use digital imagery to detect...

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is the most common non-communicable disease (NCD) in Jamaica and one of the five leading causes of death among the population. It is caused by abnormally high tension (or pressure) in the arteries – the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Blood pressure is measured...

Any offensive communication sent to an individual with the intent to cause harm and slander is referred to as Malicious Communication. Examples include: internet trolling, publishing and distributing obscene writings, drawings and photographs and making devices or data available to communicate in an offensive manner. In Jamaica persons who are affected can seek redress as they are protected by the...

Fire is a major cause of damage to property and physical infrastructure and loss of life, making safety measures imperative. Since the start of 2018, the Fire Prevention Unit of the Jamaica Fire Brigade has recorded 727 building fires, during which 25 lives were lost and 58 people were injured. Despite best efforts, fires do occur. Below are some tips...

Each year there is an increase in the number of persons who are victims or have been affected by intimate partner violence in Jamaica. To support the persons who have been affected there are a number of services provided by the State. At the legislative and policy level there are several Acts that inform the support available to victims of...

As part of its current push to help Jamaicans to make healthier food choices, the Ministry of Health (MOH) encourages reading and understanding food labels, particularly the nutrition facts. Doing so can help you follow a healthy diet and make it easier to select the most wholesome foods. Below is a guide to making the most of nutrition facts labels...