Get in touch with us at:
Jamaica in Focus:
Where the World Meets the Island
Justice Restored: President Biden Clears Marcus Garvey’s Name
On Sunday, January 19, U.S. President Joe Biden posthumously pardoned Marcus Garvey, the Jamaican-born Black nationalist whose legacy inspired civil rights icons like Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Garvey, who championed racial pride and economic empowerment for Black people globally, was convicted of mail fraud in the 1920s. The conviction, widely criticized as politically motivated, led to his deportation back to Jamaica. Garvey passed away in 1940, leaving behind a movement that continues to resonate worldwide. Garvey’s pardon comes amid calls from congressional leaders and global supporters, who argued that the charges against him were an attempt to suppress his influence and silence his message of Black liberation. The move recognizes Garvey’s pivotal role in promoting racial pride and unity through the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), an organization he founded that gained millions of followers worldwide. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said of Marcus Garvey: “He was the first man, on a mass scale and level, to give millions of Black people a sense of dignity and destiny.” The announcement of Garvey’s pardon also coincided with pardons for other individuals, including advocates for immigrant rights, criminal justice reform, and gun violence prevention. However, Garvey’s story holds special significance for Jamaicans and the global African diaspora, underscoring his enduring impact as a leader and visionary.
January 20, 2025
JLP's Historic Bid: Can PNP Stop Them?
Jamaica’s 2025 general election could redefine the nation’s political landscape. With the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) seeking an unprecedented third term and the People’s National Party (PNP) determined to reclaim Jamaica House, the stakes are at an all-time high. Economic progress, including record-low unemployment, infrastructure developments, and a doubled minimum wage, strengthens the JLP's case. However, rising youth unemployment and persistent crime issues create openings for the PNP to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction. The PNP must present a bold vision, tackle the JLP’s perceived weaknesses, and re-engage disillusioned voters. Women voters, a critical demographic, could also play a decisive role in determining the outcome. This pivotal election will test both parties’ strategies and Jamaica’s appetite for continuity versus change. As the country faces critical choices, one question looms large: will Jamaicans defy history or write a new chapter in their political journey?
January 10, 2025
For more, watch this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/PCrFUfWD3RM
1970s US Pressure vs. 2025 China: Jamaica’s Dilemma
In the 1970s, Prime Minister Michael Manley (1972–1980, 1989–1992) faced intense pressure from the United States due to Jamaica’s close relationship with communist Cuba. Manley, known for his bold leadership, stood firm despite the economic fallout. US sanctions and strained relations led to widespread hardships, including food shortages, as Jamaica paid the price for its independent foreign policy. Fast-forward to 2025, and Jamaica once again finds itself in the geopolitical spotlight. This time, China’s growing investments in the island may be raising eyebrows in Washington. Unlike the Cold War era, Jamaica now has an opportunity to maintain balanced relationships without being drawn into superpower rivalries. Michael Manley’s defiance remains a powerful example of Jamaica’s resilience and commitment to sovereignty. As the island navigates its modern challenges, the lessons from the past offer invaluable insights into the importance of strong leadership and strategic diplomacy.
For more, check out this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/PaltoKYbJJg
January 10, 2025
Your Ideas, Jamaica’s Future: Share Now!
What is the size of Jamaica’s US Diaspora?
In Jamaica, community voices are the backbone of progress, shaping each parish’s future. From Kingston's bustling streets to Negril's peaceful shores, every Jamaican’s insight matters—whether it’s fixing local roads, creating community parks, or improving public services. We invite citizens and diaspora members to share their ideas for transforming their communities. You contribute to a stronger Jamaica where every parish thrives by submitting suggestions. Your input guides candidates preparing for the 2025 general election, aligning their plans with real needs. Share your vision with us via email or on the Impacting Jamaica YouTube channel. Let’s build a brighter future, one parish at a time.
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.
Please email us at impactingjamaica@gmail.com or share your thoughts in the community hub at https://www.impactingjamaica.com/forum
August 21, 2024
October 29, 2024
The Power of Mint
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.
August 19, 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
