The Government of Jamaica (GOJ), under the Public Health Act, has instituted prohibitions and penalties for food operators that are found to be in breach of the established standards. Prohibitions The Public Health (Food Handling) Regulations 1998, require strict adherence to cleanliness, quality, and safety standards in food-handling establishments, with a focus on the presence of licences, permits, hygiene, record-keeping,...

A jury consists of a group of citizens who have been selected to listen to the details of court cases and, based on the evidence, determine the guilt or innocence of someone who has been accused of an offence. Jury duty is an integral part of society as it gives persons an opportunity to be active participants in the country’s...

The Government of Jamaica, through the Universal Service Fund (USF), an agency of the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport (MSETT) has implemented free Wi-Fi Hotspots in all 14 parishes to create a robust digital society by 2030. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 which promotes growth in industry, infrastructure and innovation. Seamless Surfing There...

Aiding The Ailing: Government Provisions For Medical Needs The Government of Jamaica (GOJ), through the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), the National Health Fund (NHF) and the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund has several ongoing programmes and initiatives to support the healthcare needs of the public. Compassionate Care Programme This programme was initiated by the MOHW...

The Jamaica-Cuba Eye Care Programme has resumed, boosting optical care services to Jamaicans. This partnership aims to augment public health offerings by collaborating with Cuban specialists and ophthalmology departments offering equipment maintenance support and sharing knowledge with local clinicians. Nine (9) Cuban eye care professionals, currently stationed at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), are screening and treating patients for various...

The synergy among the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Education and Youth and the HEART/NSTA Trust has created a pathway to long-term opportunities for employment and social integration for the country’s high school graduates. The Learning and Investment for Transformation (LIFT) programme, launched in August 2023, aims to equip students exiting fifth and sixth forms with the skills...

Effective September 1, 2023, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ), through a collaboration with the Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency (PICA) and the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), has mandated that an online immigration form be completed by persons entering the island. The form is available free of cost to travellers. This new online version will now allow individuals up to 30...