Effective May 31, 2018, Jamaica will have a second area code and ten-digit dialling will become mandatory. The island will be the first country in the English-speaking Caribbean to utilise an additional area code. It is expected that the new area code will provide an additional seven million numbers over the next decade. The new code (658) will come into...

A regular feature of life in the tropics – a hurricane is a powerful storm that can cause great damage to property and loss of life. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 yearly. The 2018 season is expected to be one of above-normal activity, with as many as 16 named storms – up to nine...

Climate change refers to the negative variation in the global atmospheric conditions caused primarily by the burning of oil, coal and gas to produce energy for homes, businesses and transportation. These activities produce greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. The gases trap heat and cause typical atmospheric conditions to become extreme. Within the last few years,...

According to the National Road Safety Unit in Jamaica, approximately 115 road accidents have occurred across the island since the start of 2018, with some being the result of unsafe practices on the roads. In an effort to reduce accidents on the nation’s roads, the Road safety Unit in the Ministry of Transport and Mining consistently issues road safety tips...

Under the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Skilled Persons) Act, skilled nationals of CARICOM member states are entitled to move and work freely within other member states. This is made possible through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Skills Certificate, a provision of the Act that allows these freedoms without the need for a work permit or permit of stay. How to...

The Jamaican Government is currently taking steps to protect and preserve the island’s wildlife and habitats. Wildlife in Jamaica incorporates: • Several species of birds over 20 of which are indigenous • Marine life including manatees and dolphins • Plants such as the Blue Mahoe (National Tree) and the Lignum Vitae (National Flower) • Mammals including the popular mongoose and...

The Government of Jamaica is committed to ensuring that all Jamaicans can access quality legal representation, irrespective of their financial resources. To this end, the Legal Aid Council was established to provide legal services to members of the public who have been charged with criminal offences and especially to those who are unable to afford private legal representation. The Council...