Jamaica

A total of 14.434 Jamaicans were placed abroad in 2024 under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security's Overseas Employment Programme; 57% went to Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme

Notable increases in arrests and seizure are the result of tackling praedial larceny - theft of agri produce or livestock from farms or land -, an issue in many rural communities that causes losses to farmers and disrupts local food supply chains

Jamaica now ranks first in the Caribbean for the collection of plastic bottles for recycling; the local collection rate of plastic for recycling is over 40% and the country aims to reach the standard rate of 70% collection per month

1.060 murders have been committed in Jamaica in the first 11 months of 2024, according to statistics by the Constabulary Force; over the past 5 years, the country was surpassed only by Haiti as per highest number of homicides in the Caribbean

Jamaica was selected as pilot for the International Labour Organisation's Just Transition project, which aims at highlighting the impact of climate change on workers and strategies to protect and empower them

The Jamaica Airports Authority has identified a site for the creation of the country's fourth international airport, which will be located in Negril, Westmoreland

Jamaica's fire brigade will install smoke detectors in several homes on the island, as part of efforts to use technology to prevent and minimise fire-related deaths and injuries

An appeal was made to employers to promote emotional well-being in the workplace as a means to increase productivity, reduce illness and create motivation by Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of the Ministry of Health and Welfare

The Marcus Garvey in Schools project, which aims to bring children to an understanding of their history and cultural heritage, has been extended to 23 primary schools

The competition 'Gardens of Peace in Schools', involving around 100 schools in seven regions, was launched by the Alliance for the Prevention of Violence, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Youth

The strategic initiative to integrate artificial intelligence and adaptive technology into school curricula has been presented by the Ministry of Education and Youth

The Banana Board has urged farmers to prioritise the proper use of fertilisers to aid crop recovery after periods of heavy rains, as these can wash away essential nutrients, leading to the depletion of the soil