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Jamaica in Focus:
Where the World Meets the Island
Beyond Stigma:
Jamaica's Male Mental Health Crisis
Dr. Georgia Rose, Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Western Regional Health Authority, is sounding the alarm on male suicide rates in Jamaica. With men accounting for over 80% of suicides, Dr. Rose attributes this alarming statistic to cultural norms discouraging emotional expression among males. She highlights how these expectations lead men to resort to more fatal suicide methods and turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. However, there's hope on the horizon. Dr. Rose notes an encouraging trend of more men seeking help at mental health clinics across the island. She emphasizes that reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness, and urges men to break the stigma surrounding mental health and emotional vulnerability.
September 16, 2024
20,200 New Jamaican US Citizens
In a significant milestone, over 20,200 Jamaicans became naturalized US citizens in fiscal year 2023, solidifying Jamaica's position as the ninth-largest source country for new Americans. The strong Jamaican community in the US continues to expand and contribute significantly to various sectors of American society. This trend highlights the enduring ties between the two nations and the opportunities available for Jamaicans seeking new horizons in the United States.
September 16, 2024
The Power of Mint
What is the size of Jamaica’s US Diaspora?
As of 2023, nearly 1.2 million Jamaicans lived in the United States—that's about 22% of Jamaica's entire population! New York has over 311,000 Jamaican residents, while Florida hosts an even larger community of 321,000.
Peppermint, along with other varieties of mint, has long been a go-to herb for treating various ailments. Previously, a steaming cup of mint tea, with its invigorating menthol aroma, was the common remedy for digestive issues and cold relief. However, peppermint has recently gained recognition for its potential to elevate mood. This newfound appreciation stems from numerous professional studies on medicinal plants, illuminating their diverse health benefits. Peppermint, black mint, and spearmint, originally native to the Mediterranean region, are widely cultivated in Jamaica and valued for their flavor, fragrance, and pharmaceutical properties. The benefits of mint extend even to car rides. A 2015 study by Western Oregon University revealed that aromas like mint can enhance mood. Additionally, researchers found that participants exposed to the scent of peppermint exhibited increased alertness.
September 13, 2024
August 21, 2024
Jamaica's Unrealized Tech Revolution:
The Vision of Donald J. Harris
Donald J. Harris, a Jamaican-born former Stanford University professor and father of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, proposed a revolutionary plan in 1995 that could have transformed Jamaica into a global tech hub rivaling Silicon Valley. This visionary economist, hailing from the parish of St Ann, crafted a 102-page document outlining an industrial policy to reshape Jamaica's economic future. Harris's plan went beyond traditional tourism and agriculture, envisioning a Jamaica where cutting-edge tech startups and sustainable agro-processing plants coexist. His strategy included ten key recommendations: 1. Diversify the economy beyond bauxite and sugar 2. Develop infrastructure to attract investors 3. Invest in human capital, emphasizing STEM education 4. Foster technological innovation 5. Support small and medium enterprises 6. Promote exports of Jamaican-made products 7. Implement regulatory reforms to ease business operations 8. Attract foreign investment 9. Embrace sustainable practices and eco-friendly technologies 10. Encourage public-private partnerships This ambitious blueprint, crucial in addressing Jamaica's unemployment and poverty issues, aimed to bring about strategic economic growth. Harris saw potential for the island to become a leader in biotechnology, agro-processing, and tech innovation, sparking interest and engagement in his plan. While Jamaica has made progress in areas like tourism, business process outsourcing, and renewable energy, the full extent of Harris's vision remains unrealized. His plan serves as a reminder that economic development is about creating opportunities and improving lives, not just numbers and policies. The story of Donald J. Harris's economic strategy for Jamaica raises intriguing questions about what could have been and what still might be possible for the island nation.
August 19, 2024
Jamaica's Getting a Makeover!
Jamaica is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with ambitious mega-projects set to redefine the island's economic landscape and global standing. These initiatives promise to create jobs, attract investment, and propel Jamaica into a new era of prosperity.
August 19, 2024
KPH: 248 Years of Critical Healthcare
The Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), a cornerstone of Jamaica's public health sector, celebrates 248 years of service this year. The hospital, alongside the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, provides crucial care to thousands of Jamaicans annually. As a leading trauma center, KPH's expertise spans from emergency care to specialized services. The institution remains a vital part of Jamaica's healthcare system.
August 21, 2024
Jamaica Embraces STEAM Project
Jamaica's education landscape is evolving with the commencement of design work for the country's first Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Academy in Bernard Lodge, St. Catherine. Acting Chief Education Officer, Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle, announced that land has been transferred to the Ministry for this project, with plans for a second location in St. Ann underway. This initiative aligns with Jamaica's declaration as a STEM island, aiming to boost graduates in these fields for national development. The STEAM Academy, part of the Greater Bernard Lodge Development, will be built on 22 acres reserved for social services, marking a significant step in Jamaica's educational transformation agenda.
August 21, 2024
NHT Making Strides in building 70,000 units
Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that the National Housing Trust (NHT) is well on its way to delivering its portion of the government's ambitious 70,000 housing solution plan. With nearly 30,000 units in progress, the NHT is making significant advancements in providing affordable housing across Jamaica. The Prime Minister assured that these houses will be available over the next few years and highlighted the success of the New Social Housing Programme.
August 21, 2024
Overseas Job Programme Set for Overhaul
In a significant move to bolster Jamaica's farm work program, Permanent Secretary Colette Roberts Risden has been appointed to lead a special two-year initiative overseeing the country's Overseas Employment Programmes in Canada and the United States. Starting September 2024, this strategic assignment aims to enhance and expand opportunities for Jamaican workers abroad. Mrs. Roberts Risden, chosen for her decade-long exceptional leadership at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, will focus on securing the future of these vital programs that currently support over 13,000 Jamaican families. Her role involves strengthening Jamaica's overseas employment policy and exploring new horizons for worker placements. Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr expressed confidence in the appointment, highlighting Mrs. Roberts Risden's experience with international partners and deep program knowledge. The Permanent Secretary herself emphasized her commitment to safeguarding the programs and expanding Jamaica's global labour presence.
August 21, 2024
Can foreign-based Jamaicans pre-register for a national ID?
The National Identification System (NIDS) will allow Jamaicans living abroad to pre-enroll online, but they must visit an enrollment centre in Jamaica to provide their biometric data. Citizens will be able to register their information into the NIDS database and schedule a visit to the enrolment facility using the NIDS pre-enrolment software. “For my diaspora family… you can apply for NIDS,” said Minister Without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister Floyd Green. “You will have to travel to Jamaica to get your picture taken and to give your fingerprints, but what you will be able to do is to pre-enroll, get an appointment date, align that appointment date with your trip and come in and get it done.” Those who are usually residents of Jamaica, or those who have resided there continuously for six months or longer, are also eligible for the NIDS, he pointed out. “It doesn’t matter where you live. Once you are a citizen of Jamaica, you qualify for the National Identification System.” Additionally, people are required to submit supporting documentation like a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or address proof. The applicant will receive a reference number so they can follow their application online. After the verification is complete, a notification will be sent to the applicant instructing them to pick up, activate, and pin the new national ID card. Persons can go to https://www.nidsfacts.com for pre-enrolment and other information.
May 4, 2023
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