标签： Jamaica

Jamaica has reached a significant milestone in its fight against poverty, with the national poverty rate dropping to a historic low of 7.8% in 2024, down from 8.2% in 2023. Additionally, extreme poverty, also known as food poverty, has fallen to 2.7%, the lowest level since 1989. These findings were disclosed by Dr. Wayne Henry, Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), during the institute’s quarterly media briefing on Tuesday. The data, sourced from the Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions (JSLC) conducted by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, highlights the nation’s progress in addressing economic disparities. Dr. Henry emphasized that the 2024 poverty rate is statistically similar to the previous year’s figure, considering the margin of error. He explained that food poverty, which refers to households’ inability to afford the minimum daily caloric intake for good health, has seen a gradual decline since 2013 when it stood at 10.3%. Key factors contributing to this improvement include targeted social protection programs, record-low unemployment rates, and enhanced macroeconomic stability, including moderate inflation. Despite economic challenges such as weather-related shocks that reduced agricultural output and rural earnings, government interventions, inflation moderation, and increased employment have helped maintain household consumption levels. Dr. Henry also noted that poverty rates have shown relative stability across all regions, with the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area recording the lowest rate at 2.5%. Rural areas, historically the most affected, saw a slight reduction to 11% in 2024. Furthermore, mean per capita consumption expenditure grew by 5.5% nominally and 1.1% after adjusting for inflation. The PIOJ is also developing a multidimensional poverty index to capture broader forms of deprivation, such as limited access to education, healthcare, and housing, complementing traditional monetary measures.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Women Entrepreneurs Network of the Caribbean (WENC) Jamaica Chapter has unveiled its new board of directors for the 2025–2027 term. Established regionally in 2012 and formally operational in Jamaica since 2014, WENC is dedicated to addressing challenges faced by women-led micro and small enterprises, such as limited access to finance, mentorship, networks, and markets. The newly appointed board will guide the organization’s initiatives over the next two years, focusing on technology adoption, policy advocacy, and hurricane recovery efforts. The board includes Ethnie Miller Simpson as president, alongside vice presidents overseeing governance, technology, strategic partnerships, marketing, advocacy, membership, and finance. The secretary position remains unfilled. WENC has partnered with Pioneering Greatness, led by CEO David Archer Jr, and secured support from several companies for ongoing relief activities. The organization is advocating for a national recovery plan that prioritizes the needs of women and children in shelters and supports the rebuilding of women-owned businesses, including food stalls, bars, Airbnb rentals, and farms. Through its #womenfornationalrecoveryplan campaign, WENC plans to host town hall meetings, business restart seminars, and funding sessions for affected entrepreneurs. President Miller Simpson emphasized the critical role of small businesses, particularly those led by women, in Jamaica’s economic recovery. She highlighted the importance of smaller operators in the tourism sector and warned that natural disasters exacerbate gender inequality, disproportionately affecting women in informal sectors and increasing caregiving burdens. WENC remains committed to collaborating with partners to empower women entrepreneurs as they rebuild their businesses.

A pivotal regional colloquium is set to take place on November 27-28 at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Regional Headquarters in St Andrew, Jamaica. Organized by the Jamaica National (JN) Foundation in partnership with the Early Childhood Commission, The UWI School of Education, and the Dudley Grant Early Childhood Resource Centre, the event seeks to address critical gaps in Jamaica’s early childhood education sector. The initiative comes in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which exacerbated existing challenges in the sector, highlighting the urgent need for systemic improvements. Claudine Allen, General Manager of JN Foundation, emphasized the long-term nature of this endeavor, stating, ‘It is not a sprint, it is a marathon.’ She expressed concern over the damage reported by the National Education Trust and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to mitigate learning losses and ensure equitable access to quality education. The colloquium aims to bring together regional experts to share successes, challenges, and actionable solutions. Topics on the agenda include inclusion, technology’s role in education, teacher training, and policy effectiveness. Over 20 speakers from across the Caribbean will participate, fostering a collaborative environment to develop strategies for sustainable progress. The event, themed ‘Building Strong Foundations: Advancing Early Childhood Education through Policy, Practice and Partnership,’ underscores the commitment of stakeholders to create a robust framework for early childhood education. Interested participants are encouraged to register via the JN Foundation website at www.jnfoundation.com.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South West, Floyd Green, collaborated with Tank-Weld Metals Ltd to spearhead a comprehensive relief initiative across seven severely affected communities. The operation, executed through the South West St Elizabeth Hurricane Relief Command Centre, involved the distribution of 700 care packages, over 75 cases of water, 500 high-quality sleeping bags, and 400 solar-powered lanterns. These supplies were sourced with the support of partners such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Waldron Wealth, while logistics and fuel assistance were provided by MJ Trucking and FESCO, respectively. The relief team traversed Newcombe Valley, Beacon, Galleon, Fyffes Pen, Cambridge, Oxford, and Compound, ensuring aid reached families grappling with housing damage, loss of belongings, and prolonged power outages. Minister Green emphasized the critical nature of the intervention, particularly in addressing the widespread devastation to the electrical system, including the Maggotty power generation plant. Sarah Bicknell of Tank-Weld Metals Ltd underscored the company’s commitment to aiding recovery with dignity and comfort. The effort was bolstered by a dedicated volunteer team, praised by Kenneisha Campbell, Coordinator of the Relief Command Centre, for their heart and teamwork. The initiative now moves into its second phase, focusing on rebuilding homes, clearing roads, and restoring stability to the constituency.

A tragic accident on the PJ Patterson Highway in St. Catherine, Jamaica, has resulted in the feared loss of at least two lives and left several others critically injured. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday afternoon around 3:00 pm, involved a Toyota Hiace bus operating as a public passenger vehicle. Eyewitnesses reported that the bus, traveling in the eastbound lane, overturned into a ditch just a few hundred meters before the Vineyard Toll Booth. Emergency services, including police and fire personnel, swiftly responded to the scene, working diligently to manage the aftermath and provide assistance to the injured. Multiple victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, which has sent shockwaves through the local community. As this remains a developing story, further updates are expected in the coming hours.

In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has unveiled a comprehensive $630 million national clean-up initiative. During a ministerial statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Holness announced that each of Jamaica’s 63 constituencies will receive $10 million to spearhead the recovery efforts. Additionally, $150,000 will be allocated to each councillor within these constituencies to support local coordination.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the JN Group, in collaboration with local and corporate partners, has launched a vital initiative to offer psychosocial support to residents in southern Trelawny, Jamaica. The Category 5 storm left many grappling with emotional and physical devastation, prompting the JN Group to step in with comprehensive relief efforts.

In a heartfelt response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Body Studio Skincare launched a community-focused initiative to uplift the spirits of affected Jamaicans. The company provided complimentary facial treatments and wellness shots at its medical spa in St Andrew, offering a total value exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars. Over 50 free facials, each priced between J$10,450 and J$13,000, were administered, amounting to more than J$550,000 in services. Additionally, the spa distributed over 30 wellness shots, including glutathione, NAD, and B12 injections, to promote physical and emotional well-being. The event attracted a diverse group of participants, ranging from loyal clients to newcomers and even individuals from the severely impacted St Elizabeth region. Michelle Vernon, CEO of Body Studio Skincare, emphasized the company’s commitment to community healing, stating, ‘Wellness goes far beyond beauty; it is about dignity, confidence, and compassion.’ She expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of her staff and the community, highlighting the initiative as a way to reciprocate years of loyalty. Vernon also underscored the symbolic significance of the effort, noting that the services provided moments of respite and a reminder of care during challenging times. Beyond skincare, the initiative aimed to restore hope and resilience, embodying the core values of Body Studio Skincare.

Comedian Dufton “Duffy” Shepherd, known for his infectious cheerfulness, was left heartbroken after witnessing the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in western Jamaica. The Category 5 storm left a trail of destruction that surpassed his worst fears. However, Shepherd quickly transformed his grief into action, using his upcoming comedy show, *Slightly Unhinged*, as a platform to bring relief and smiles to his fellow Jamaicans.