British Council to Host Global Social Enterprise Expo in Kingston

November 18, 2019

I know it is short notice, but it would be worth dropping by this Expo if you are in the New Kingston area. Come and see what the students are doing and talk to them about their social enterprise. It’s a competitive program that I believe will help build leadership as well as entrepreneurial skills. … More British Council to Host Global Social Enterprise Expo in Kingston

Message from the Prime Minister on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

November 18, 2019

Today we have been remembering those whose lives were suddenly taken from them. They leave a void in the lives of many. According to the Ministry of Transport’s weekly report, 370 people have died on our roads this year – whether pedestrians, drivers, cyclists or motorcyclists. Most alarmingly, child fatalities and motorcyclist fatalities are expected … More Message from the Prime Minister on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

Ode to a Poui Tree

November 17, 2019

Every morning, while taking a shower, I gazed out of the window. There was always the poui tree, looking a little different every day. Sometimes its branches looked a little thin, almost leafless, especially during drought periods. At other times (and when the birds loved it most) it bore its fruit. Sometimes it tossed in … More Ode to a Poui Tree

Concern over Incident at Bustamante Hospital for Children

November 14, 2019

Health issues seem to be seizing the headlines, in one way or the other, at the moment. Our health sector is under pressure, and a violent incident involving a local politician, who had brought her sick baby to the Bustamante Hospital for Children for treatment, highlights those stresses. The politician concerned has since (partially) apologized. The … More Concern over Incident at Bustamante Hospital for Children

Ministry of Health and Wellness Update on Dengue Fever Outbreak (Delivered to Parliament, Tuesday, November 12)

November 13, 2019

The ongoing outbreak of dengue fever continues to create anxiety and concern among the general public, especially in relation to young children and other vulnerable Jamaicans.  But panicking won’t help. Everyone needs to take responsibility for their health and the health of others. And it’s amazing how irresponsible some citizens are – almost deliberately so. In … More Ministry of Health and Wellness Update on Dengue Fever Outbreak (Delivered to Parliament, Tuesday, November 12)

UNICEF’s U-Report: Helping Youth with Mental Health Challenges

November 12, 2019

Our Ministry of Health and Wellness has been focusing on mental health recently. Young Jamaicans are by no means immune to such challenges, and often do not know where to turn when the world seems to be falling apart around them. A partnership with UNICEF, U-Report Jamaica, has been effective, however – kudos to the … More UNICEF’s U-Report: Helping Youth with Mental Health Challenges