The year 2022 has been declared the year of Early Childhood Development by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen. A major part of this focus is raising awareness about the importance of early-childhood development and making the necessary improvements to the sector. The Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY) and the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) will spearhead...

According to data from the 2016 Women’s Health Survey of Jamaica, one in every four Jamaican women reported being sexually harassed during their lifetime. Sexual harassment is described as conduct or statements of a sexual nature directed at another person whether orally or in writing. Persons can face harassment from partners, friends, relatives, employers, employees, acquaintances, business associates and/or strangers....

“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” Mahatma Gandhi   Some of the most vulnerable are persons with disabilities who struggle to complete daily tasks that most take for granted. The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) provides support to persons living with disabilities by offering several services that are specific to...

“A part of the challenge we face as a Jamaican family is the increase in violence in the society,” Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness said at a press briefing in August 2021. He explained that many violent crimes stem from domestic issues where people just do not know how to get along. Data from the Ministry of National...

The Disabilities Act came into effect on February 14, 2022. This followed the act’s approval in 2014 and the affirmation of the Disabilities Regulations in 2021. The act makes provisions to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities across Jamaica. It also aims to protect and promote equal rights for the disabled and prohibits discrimination against them, in...

Individuals often seek higher education in order to improve their earning potential, expand knowledge base or just to have a sense of accomplishment. However, due to the costs of tuition fees, books, stationery, food, transportation and clothes, pursuing tertiary studies can be challenging. The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) tabled a budget of $912 billion for the 2022/23 fiscal year. Of...

Jamaica is rich in beautiful and diverse natural water resources. These resources serve to excite, heal and even innovate. The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) through local government initiatives, the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) and other public and private entities continue to work to develop and maintain facilities that nurture our natural water flows. Some of the facilities are outlined...