December 9 is International Anti-Corruption Day. The aim of the observance is to raise awareness about corruption and of the role of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in combating and preventing it. The observance also presents an opportunity to highlight the steps taken by the Government to fight corruption in Jamaica. Initiatives such as the passage of the Law...

The Ministry of National Security has launched a mobile application known as ‘Stay Alert’. The application allows citizens to contact the police for assistance. All information sent through the “Stay Alert” app is anonymous. The application has four main sections: ‘Panic Mode’, ‘Alerts’, ‘Report’ and ‘The Law’. • Panic Mode allows persons in distress to alert the security services directly...

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, observed on 2nd December, is an opportunity to highlight the Government’s significant efforts to eradicate modern slavery. ‘Modern slavery’ is used to describe practices, such as forced labour, forced marriage, and trafficking in persons (TIP). Persons in such situations are unable to refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception, and/or...

Since 1988, World AIDS Day has been observed annually on December 1. The observance provides an opportunity for people to assist in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and to remember those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Since the beginning of the epidemic, more than 70 million people have been infected with HIV...

The International Day for Person with Disabilities, observed annually on December 03, aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and to increase awareness of the challenges they face. The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) is the Government Agency responsible for the rehabilitation, vocational training and placement of persons with disabilities in Jamaica. Yearly, the...

The observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (IDEVAW) raises public awareness of violence against women. It has been observed on November 25 each year since 2000. Annually, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport hosts a series of public events aimed at promoting healthy gender relations and raising awareness about violence against women and...

World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14. It was started in 1991 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in response to concerns about the growing threat to health posed by diabetes. It is the primary global awareness campaign focusing on diabetes. The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) lists diabetes as the third leading cause of death among males...