Agriculture is an essential contributor to the Jamaican economy, accounting for nine per cent of Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020. The sector is also crucial to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition as well as promote sustainable agriculture. Considering the importance of this industry, the Government...

The GOJ, through the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) intends, to focus on destigmatising mental illness. This is one of the priority programmes of the Ministry, in keeping with its mandate to ensure ongoing development of community mental health services and provide equitable, integrated and comprehensive care for persons with these kinds of illnesses. As part of this, the...

For many Jamaicans, a Justice of the Peace (JP) is most commonly known for authenticating and authorising important documents like a birth certificate, a passport photo, proof of address and character references. However, a JP is much more significant. JPs are characterised by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) as persons of unquestionable integrity who seek to promote and protect the...

Vaccination cards provide information to healthcare providers about a person’s vaccination status. They also provide a basis for health workers to offer a subsequent dose and/or health services as appropriate. In some instances, vaccination cards are also used to facilitate international travel, as some countries now require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against coronavirus (COVID-19) as a condition of...

“When I went to pick up my medical and I was told that I was HIV positive, I just could not believe it. I felt I was going to die. I cried. I screamed. I felt anger at my husband who had given it to me,” said then 23-year-old Michelle in a 2003 interview with the Jamaica Information Service (JIS)....

Vaccination has been a major disease prevention tool in Jamaica for over 100 years. The use of vaccines began with the Act to Establish a System of General Vaccination in 1868. Since then, vaccination has led to sharp decreases in illness and death from ailments, such as diphtheria and poliomyelitis and the elimination of measles from the island in 1991....

Medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) are essential to the Jamaican economy, making up over 97% of the island’s taxpaying businesses. MSMEs are those that have between one and 50 employees and earn between $15 million and $425 million annually. The sector is responsible for the majority of employment in Jamaica and drives economic growth and development. As such, the...

“This thing about all men are privileged is not true, individuals experience life differently and so we have to look at the issues,” said Acting Policy Analyst of the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), Nashan Miller. According to Mr. Miller, the top issues facing Jamaican men and boys are related to violence, health and an unawareness of their own rights...

A home is a place that shelters, protects and nurtures its occupants. The ability to secure shelter for oneself is a necessity of life. However, for many Jamaicans, the cost to rent or purchase housing is difficult to afford, leaving them struggling to find housing or living in sub-standard conditions. The solution to this problem is affordable housing. This enhances...