As part of Vision 2030, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) is seeking to strengthen the advancement of health among Jamaicans by encouraging individuals to “seek environments that minimise exposure to hazards and practice healthy lifestyles…”. Green spaces are areas of vegetated land within urban areas. These spaces are set apart for recreational use, for example, community gardens, parks and playing...

The Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY) has approved the full resumption of face-to-face learning effective Monday, March 7, 2022. In order to decrease the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) MOEY and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) have outlined after-school protocols for protecting children who are returning to school as well as the adults who interact with them....

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)....