Tag Archive for: Poverty in Jamaica

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Reverse Osmosis: A Path to Clean Water in Jamaica

Clean Water in JamaicaAccess to clean, safe drinking water is integral for maintaining the health and everyday life of any human being, with the World Bank stating that it is “essential for human and economic development.” However, with less than 1% of the water on Earth being drinkable, not everyone has access to clean, safe water.

Access to Clean Water in Jamaica

The anthropogenic change in the climate is placing further stress on natural freshwater sources due to increasingly irregular rain patterns and more frequent extreme weather, such as droughts and flooding. This affects access to safe drinking water and damages water infrastructure, further limiting availability. In Jamaica, this has led to indefinite water restrictions in some areas as reservoirs like the Hermitage System and Mona Reservoir operate well below capacity, at 37% and 33%, respectively.

In recent years, Jamaica has even had to resort to water shutoffs where water is only accessible at certain times. This demonstrates that although Jamaica is known as “the land of wood and water,” access to clean and safe water remains an important issue and is only predicted to worsen if no intervention is undertaken to combat the impact of climate emergency.

Increasing Access to Clean Water in Jamaica

Jamaica’s National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), in response to the nation’s worsening clean water situation and the threat posed by adverse climate conditions, signed a grant agreement with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) on July 31, 2024. The grant “will support the development of reverse osmosis technology” by facilitating a study undertaken by the NEPA into 13 different national reverse osmosis sites and four international sites “that are environmentally responsible and reduce the impact on groundwater and marine life.”

Advancements in Reverse Osmosis Technology

Reverse Osmosis (RO) “is a multistage water filtration process that is used to remove up to 99.9% of contaminants.” This could simply be removing salt from seawater and turning it into safe and clean potable water for households or industries. However, it can also have other less obvious applications, such as removing heaving metals and dangerous chemicals from industrial wastewater, allowing it to be reused or distributed to the public. Both these applications of RO technology can help reduce water insecurity and help provide greater access to clean water in Jamaica.

Current developments in RO technology are also promising, offering increased efficiency at lower energy costs through a new pressure exchange system that fully automates the RO process. These new technological developments, combined with the implementation of RO systems made possible by the USTDA grants, can reduce Jamaica’s water insecurity while reducing the operation costs of such technology, making these services much more cost-effective and viable for a developing economy such as Jamaica’s.

Safe Water, Health and Poverty

While most people intuitively understand the importance of access to safe and clean water because it’s used copiously in daily life, it is also inextricably linked to health and, by extension, poverty. Clean water is essential not only for drinking and basic sanitation but also for many industries, including agriculture, which accounts for about one-twentieth of Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP). Therefore, a lack of access to clean and safe water can cause diseases such as cholera or diarrhea and reduce economic growth by impacting and limiting industries such as agriculture, which accounts for 29% of GDP and 65% of jobs in developing countries.

Poor health is a major cause of poverty and a significant barrier to escaping it, as medical treatment often forces those living in or near poverty to cover out-of-pocket expenses. Ill health also prevents the sick individual or those caring for them from working, creating a loss of earnings that “is often larger than that through medical expenses.” Therefore, disease and poor health caused by unsafe water, often resorted to when clean and safe water is unavailable, can directly impact or cause poverty. A lack of safe and clean water can also affect early childhood development due to time spent fetching water and associated illness with poor hygiene and sanitation, leading to disrupted education, another factor directly linked to increases in poverty.

Final Remarks

Achieving 100% access to clean water across Jamaica is essential for reducing poverty-related factors and fostering economic growth. The USTDA’s support will help accelerate progress toward this goal while facilitating the implementation of sustainable, long-lasting infrastructure to meet Jamaica’s ongoing demand for clean water. Advancements in RO technology further support meeting future water demands while lowering energy costs, making RO a more viable long-term solution for Jamaica’s clean water needs. This will help reduce the impact of a lack of clean and safe water as an influencing cause of poverty and its continuation, hopefully paving the way for further poverty reduction measures in the country.

– Archie Day

Archie is based in St Andrews, Scotland and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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4 Charities Operating in Jamaica 

Charities Operating in Jamaica 
Jamaica is a diverse and culturally rich island known for its music and natural attractions. It is the third-largest island in the Caribbean and has a population of about 2.5 million. However, COVID-19, changing weather patterns and other governmental issues have resulted in environmental, educational and economic gaps. Post-pandemic, Jamaica’s economy has taken a hit. Tourism, which is a large part of the Jamaican economy, has plummeted and Jamaica’s poverty rate increased by 4%. This article features four impactful charities operating in Jamaica that strive to help resolve these issues and improve the quality of life on the island.

Children First Agency

One of the major charities operating in Jamaica is Children’s First Agency, which is a nonprofit charity that supports children, mobilizes them to overcome poverty and gives them educational tools to improve their lives. Its mission is to allow children who may not have had equal opportunities to realize their full potential. More than 190,000 children in Jamaica live in poverty, with rural areas having higher poverty rates, while 85% of children experience violent discipline and 30% are born to mothers under 17. This charity aims to assist families that are not sufficiently supported by their environment.

The nonprofit has two main projects: the Youth Wellness Center and the Bashy Bus. The Youth Wellness Center focuses on educating children on their healthcare needs by giving them knowledge that helps them make informed decisions. The center offers education and vocational skills training, job placements and support services. The Bashy Bus is a bus that provides reproductive health information and resources to teenagers. It is the first mobile bus service for reproductive health.

Issa Trust Foundation

Couples Resorts founded the Issa Trust Foundation in 2005 with the mission to promote the well-being of Jamaican people. The organization strives to assist with the needs of children and families, advocating for improved medicine and education. Besides fostering a sense of community and support for the impoverished, the charity has a focus on pediatric care.

Issa Trust Foundation’s 10th pediatric medical initiative showed more than 1,000 children being treated with more than 41 volunteers taking part for treatments. The charity also offers free health lectures, as well as providing eye care and glasses for children in need. A pharmacist intern Shanique Powell is an example of a Jamaican-born citizen returning to Jamaica to counsel and help needy families. Powell says, “Coming back has reminded me of where I am from.” This opportunity to reconnect with her culture and improve upon her home country would not have been possible without the Issa Trust Foundation and her story is only one in many.

Food for the Poor

Food for the Poor is a global charity that strives to assist impoverished families by providing food, housing, clean water and more. In Jamaica, 17.1% of citizens live below the poverty line and 7% of children under 5 suffer from malnutrition. Although the charity is global, Jamaica was the first country in their initiative in 1982. Since then, FFTP has remained steadfast in helping relieve Jamaica’s poverty. In 2022, it implemented two income-generating projects, provided 68 computers to children in Angel of Hope’s Children Homes, provided a rainwater harvesting system in a school and more. In 2024, the charity gave more than 32.4 million meals to Jamaica and contributed to the building and expansion of more than 322 schools.

Smile a While Foundation

Smile a While Foundation is a nonprofit organization geared towards providing therapy for special needs children in Jamaica. The founder, Joanne Oates, was inspired to help children who may not be able to get the support they need. In Jamaica, 162,800 people reported having a self-identified mental illness. Children under 14 make up 21% of this group. However, developing countries often don’t have the resources or infrastructure to provide sufficient help.

Between 76% – 85% of people in these countries with serious mental illness do not receive the help they need. The Jamaican government has tried to reduce the reliance on institutional care, use more licensed professionals, and emphasize community care. Smile a While Foundation is an example of a progressive step forward. In 2023, the charity opened a splinting clinic, recruited new therapists with specializations in autism, and more.

Looking Ahead

These four charities operating in Jamaica are essential contributors to alleviating Jamaica’s economic, educational and environmental issues. With the support of donations and volunteers and the vision of these nonprofit leaders, Jamaica will continue to improve and strive for a better island for all its citizens.

– Sofia Hattiangadi

Sofia is based in New York City, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Jamaica

Charities in JamaicaAccording to a report by the World Food Programme (WFP), 58% of Jamaica’s population experienced severe food insecurity in 2022. Addressing critical issues such as food insecurity and period poverty and providing essential aid to individuals affected by regional turmoil, such as that in neighboring Haiti, remains vital for meeting Jamaica’s community needs. In addition, implementing robust mentorship and empowerment programs for vulnerable populations is crucial for fostering sustainable growth and development. The active involvement of various charities in Jamaica is making a significant impact in addressing these diverse community challenges. Here are five charities operating in Jamaica.

Food for the Poor

Food for the Poor (FFTP) Jamaica is the largest charitable organization in Jamaica and it has been assisting since 1982. Through its transformative initiatives, the organization collaborates with more than 1,300 churches and institutions to distribute food, medicine, educational supplies and other essential items. FFTP has successfully executed numerous projects in Jamaica, focusing on education, medical care, housing and agriculture.

One of FFTP’s initiatives is the Build Back the Love for Jamaica campaign, launched to commemorate the charity’s 40th anniversary in Jamaica. The campaign aims to improve socioeconomic conditions by providing shelter, implementing sustainable projects and offering resources and training for individuals and families.

Moms on a Mission

A group of mothers in St Ann, called Moms on a Mission, is addressing period poverty by distributing sanitary napkins to schools in the parish. The group was founded by Marcia Rankinson-Stanley, who was inspired to focus on girls’ needs after learning about Jamaica’s lack of access to sanitary pads. By donating “48 packs of sanitary napkins to the school every month,” the charity’s efforts have significantly impacted students’ lives, reducing absences due to the lack of menstrual products.

SOS Children’s Village Jamaica

Established in 1970, SOS Children’s Villages Jamaica is a private, nongovernmental organization that works with children who have lost parental care. It follows a rights-based approach as defined by the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Child Care and Protection Act of Jamaica.

In Jamaica, more than 80% of children experience violent discipline at home and thousands require external care and protection. As part of SOS-Kinderdorf International, the world’s largest private child welfare organization, SOS Children’s Villages Jamaica provides essential care and support to these vulnerable children and young people.

Currently, the organization cares for more than 60,000 children in more than 550 of its village communities, established in 125 countries, including Jamaica. Additionally, it has educated and equipped more than 290,000 underprivileged children in the nations where it operates. The initiative emphasizes the belief that no child should grow up alone and encourages child sponsorship to make a lasting difference in the lives of at-risk children.

Looking Ahead

These charities operating in Jamaica are making significant progress in addressing food insecurity, period poverty and child poverty. Through their continued work, life in Jamaica should only improve.

– Deonna Jackson

Deonna is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Unveiling the Realities of Elderly Poverty in Jamaica 

Elderly Poverty in JamaicaAmong the vibrant rhythms of reggae music, the serene sound of the Caribbeans’ turquoise water lapping at Jamaica’s shores, lies the harsh reality of elderly poverty. Behind a picturesque view of the island lives a significant portion of Jamaica’s elderly population, grappling with economic hardship, often unseen and overlooked.

Elderly Poverty in Jamaica

Despite Jamaica’s strides in economic development and poverty reduction, elderly poverty in Jamaica remains a pressing issue. The Planning Institute of Jamaica states more than 18% of Jamaicans older than 60 live below the poverty line. Unveiling this silent crisis affecting Jamaica’s elderly in their twilight years, the statistic reveals how vulnerable and marginalized these senior citizens are.

There is not a singular root cause of the prevalence of elderly poverty in Jamaica. Several factors contribute to its pervasiveness: pension insecurity, limited access to health care and high unemployment rates among older adults. Moreover, Jamaican senior citizens lack the familial support required to have a safety net in times of need. This is due to either familial breakdowns or migration of younger generations.

Hearing from the Elderly

Basil Parchment, 74, was regularly sighted sitting on the side of the road in St. Catherine, Jamaica. Upon The Gleaner, a Jamaican magazine approached him, he explained that the people of the house he was caretaking kicked him out without even a dollar in compensation for his eight years of working for them. Parchment went on to express that the side of the road he sat at was a spot he would often frequent upon taking breaks from work. That side of the road was all he had to call home. Parchment even explained that real poverty is when going to the doctor is impossible and that catching a sickness turns into living with it. He even confided that he has a family who does not bother to support or check up on him.

Many Jamaican families care for their elderly at home. However, while the cost of living increases, salaries remain constant and unemployment increases, younger generations search for opportunities abroad. This may result in further challenges for the elderly in Jamaica moving forward.

Taking Action

Notable achievements have been made due to the implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing. The plan includes revising national policies for senior citizens creating a responsive framework that acknowledges and facilitates the enjoyment of human rights by older citizens. The establishment of a non-contributory social pension for persons 75 years and older allows senior citizens to live productively and free of any stress and anxieties included with financial status. A national health promotion campaign called “Jamaica Moves” to prevent and reduce non-communicable diseases for the elderly and the pensionable age adjusted to 65 years for both men and women which focuses on preventing rather than treating, allowing elderly Jamaicans access to the healthcare they require.

Elderly poverty remains an issue in Jamaica. However, the Jamaican government has implemented new strategies and succeeded in the decline of elderly poverty. With further awareness and the attention of policymakers, a rapid decrease in elderly poverty rates in Jamaica can be achieved.

– Rika Mokal

Rika is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Hunger in Jamaica: Everything You Need to Know

Hunger in Jamaica
Food crises disproportionately affect the poorest, who often resort to cheaper, less nutritious food options during such periods. This underscores the critical importance of ensuring food security, particularly for vulnerable segments of society like children. Failure to meet nutritional needs jeopardizes their physical health and impedes their ability to concentrate on academic pursuits. Jamaica, nestled in the Caribbean Sea, grapples with hunger as a pressing issue affecting its populace. According to findings by Food For The Poor (FFTP), a nonprofit organization, approximately 17.1% of the country’s population resides below the poverty line. More than 7% of children under the age of 5 endure stunting due to malnutrition, exacerbating the nation’s food insecurity.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Forbes article revealed that one in three survey respondents admitted to skipping meals or reducing food intake, with 1in 10 experiencing an entire day without sustenance. Additionally, global food prices have surged, partly attributed to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. As per the World Bank, Ukraine and Russia’s significant grain, oilseed and fertilizer production has led to supply shortages, resulting in price spikes for these commodities.

Food for the Poor

The intertwining of poverty and hunger underscores Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to seek support from various organizations dedicated to aiding impoverished families. Understanding hunger in Jamaica often hinges on the mission and focus of different organizations. FFTP is a prominent nonprofit that has been substantially impacted since its establishment in 1982. Jamaica holds the distinction of being the first country to receive assistance from this organization.

FFTP operates its office and warehouse complex in Spanish Town at the nexus of five highways spanning the island. Through its distribution centers, the organization provides life-saving food to approximately 350,000 Jamaicans each month, addressing the immediate needs of the most vulnerable populations.

Beyond food aid, FFTP endeavors to enhance the living conditions of numerous impoverished families by constructing homes island-wide. With an impressive track record, the organization has built 36,556 homes, addressing the pressing issue of homelessness in Jamaica.

Other Organizations Helping Jamaica and Political Actions

The World Food Program (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, extending its reach to the Caribbean to bolster food security efforts. Within the region, the WFP Caribbean endeavors to assist governments in developing mechanisms to connect local production with institutional markets, such as school meal programs and campaigns to stimulate demand for locally sourced food. Furthermore, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is steadfast in its commitment to reducing its food import expenditure to  25% by 2025, aligning with broader goals to eradicate hunger and malnutrition by 2030.

Jamaica, under the leadership of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has celebrated significant milestones toward achieving a more sustainable economy. Notably, the country has witnessed a nearly 50% reduction in its unemployment rate. Holness highlighted this achievement: “When we assumed office in 2016, the unemployment rate stood at 13.7%. Today, it hovers around 7%. This remarkable progress signifies greater employment opportunities and increased household income for individuals across diverse backgrounds.”

Vision 2030 Jamaica

Understanding hunger in Jamaica revolves around the willingness to embrace change and accept necessary assistance. By acknowledging the need for change and embracing support, Jamaica can progress towards aiding the most vulnerable families. Getting help should not be seen as a sign of weakness or surrender but rather as a determination to persevere. As Jamaica approaches 2030, its national vision statement envisions the country as the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business. This vision includes ensuring that poverty does not persist due to insufficient support and fostering sustained growth and development. Consequently, Jamaican families hold an optimistic and confident belief that they can achieve future food security for all.

– Nevin Guler
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Addressing Period Poverty in Jamaica

Period Poverty in JamaicaIn Jamaica, period poverty affects 44% of girls, and many go without sanitary products for months. The lack of conversation surrounding periods causes stigmatization that dissuades girls from asking for supplies or information. Period poverty enforces gender inequality in Jamaica, as girls miss school and, therefore, vital education due to their periods.

The stigma surrounding women’s reproductive rights and menstruation makes it difficult for women to seek adequate health care and education about their bodies. In countries where education surrounding periods is limited and there is a lack of access to sanitary products, period poverty becomes an issue. UNICEF reported in Latin America, one in four adolescent girls who live in impoverished rural areas do not attend school but instead do unpaid domestic chores and care work. This lack of education limits their knowledge of their menstruation and health. In developing countries like Jamaica, the problem worsens, with period poverty being a central issue facing young girls and women. 

About Always’ Work to End Period Poverty

Sanitary product company Always began a campaign in 2021 to end period poverty. Always found that 35% of girls treat menstruation as a “private matter” worldwide. The company committed itself to opening the discussion surrounding periods by installing a van in busy areas of Kingston, Jamaica. The van- nicknamed the Menstru-Mobile– tested passers-by on their knowledge of menstruation and provided information on period poverty. 

Additionally, for every pack of Always purchased in shops linked to the campaign, the company donates a sanitary pad to girls affected by period poverty, and from 2021-2022, Always donated 200,000 sanitary pads in Jamaica due to this initiative. Always’ aim for 2023 is to donate more than 410,000 sanitary pads to girls in Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Panama. These donations are delivered to communities experiencing period poverty through non-government organizations in Jamaica, such as HerFlow.

How the HerFlow Foundation is Educating Women

Shelly-Ann Weeks created the HerFlow Foundation in 2016. HerFlow works to end period poverty in by educating women and girls about their reproductive health and rights. The campaign started by assisting three schools in Jamaica but now works with over 300 schools, government homes and 28 health clinics, with more than 6 million period products donated. 

The Outcome

Initiatives and organizations striving to end period poverty in Jamaica are making an immediate impact. Through donations and collaborations with companies such as Always, these initiatives have supported thousands of girls and made significant progress in ending period poverty. 

– Anjini Snape
Photo: Flickr

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Economic Improvements in Jamaica

Economic Improvements in Jamaica
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamaica’s economy grew after its gross domestic product suffered a 10% decrease. It has done so by producing goods, such as food, beverages and tobacco, with the help of the goods and by self-producing industries such as restaurants, fishing, transportation, communication, construction, hotels, mining, agriculture and forestry. As a result of this, the country garnered its eighth consecutive period of economic growth during the March quarter of 2023, advancing 4.2% year-on-year after making it toward 3.8% growth during the previous quarter. Here is some information about the economic improvements in Jamaica.

Current Growth

After the 2022–2023 fiscal year had passed, the Bank of Jamaica Governor, Richard Byles, reported that the country’s economy grew in the range of 4% to 5.5% and that this outturn is up to par with the outcome that was said to come true by the institution itself. In addition to this, Byles has commented that the economic growth could be indicated by the estimated outturn for the period between the months of January and March 2023, which had a faster growth rate that quarter, ranging between 3.5% and 4.5%, than the period that had the previous fastest growth rate between October and December 2022, where 3.8% was recorded instead.

Predictions about Jamaica’s Future Economic State

Byles added that there were indications that the economy would continue to grow for the April to June 2023 period as a result of the advancements in agriculture and manufacturing production that support the resumption of production at the JAMALCO alumina plant. He further stated that as of May 18, 2023, Jamaica’s gross international reserves remained at a decent rate of $4.7 billion and that the Jamaican dollar increased in value against the U.S. dollar by 0.4%, in contrast to a 3.3% loss over the same time last year. He also commented that the Bank of Jamaica has so far sold $398.3 million through its foreign exchange intervention trading, the B-FXITT program, and an additional $10 million to certain state firms, including Petrojam, resulting in a net purchase of $470.3 million when offset by the bank’s purchases that it made.

How Economic Improvements in Jamaica are Occurring

Byles also stated that despite recent volatility in the banking industry abroad, the domestic financial system is strong with appropriate capital and liquidity. He added that the gross reserves will continue to be adequate in the medium term. Furthermore, he noted that deposit-taking institutions have maintained compliance with prudent liquidity standards and that the quality of the system’s loan portfolio has remained stable in itself.

Conclusion

To continue to combat the economic downturn and ensure economic improvements in Jamaica, Jamaica has progressively integrated climate change adaptation into its policy framework and reinforced its social protection system, which has led to an increase in fairness, a decrease in poverty and a better social structure.

– Deon Roberts
Photo: Flickr

USAID programs in Jamaica

USAID programs in JamaicaUSAID has been actively working in Jamaica since 1962 to alleviate poverty and support various initiatives aimed at benefiting communities. The following is a brief look into the significant impact of USAID programs in Jamaica, particularly in the areas of education, COVID-19 response and energy security.

Education

In 2014, USAID collaborated with the Government of Jamaica on a Government-to-Government scheme focused on improving literacy skills and reading comprehension among children. The project targeted 450 of Jamaica’s poorest-performing schools, with a strategic focus on regions facing high poverty and crime rates.

The ongoing ‘Positive Pathways’ project, running until 2025 with a budget of $15 million, plays a crucial role in providing essential opportunities for Jamaican children to make better choices in their early lives. Key components of the program include business training, career guidance and enhanced psychosocial support.

The scheme primarily targets children aged between 10-17, particularly those demonstrating behavioral issues, as they are at a higher risk of gang involvement and criminal activity. To address this, parenting interventions and conflict resolution training are prioritized to reduce children’s exposure to violence.

COVID-19 Response

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, USAID collaborated with the Pan-American Health Organization, Jamaica Aids Support for Life and various other partners to deliver crucial support in Jamaica.

More than $7 million was invested in funding vaccination efforts, ensuring food security and equipping hospitals with essential equipment. USAID provided 1,000 health care workers with protective gear and distributed care packages, including masks and sanitizers, to 1,500 of the most vulnerable individuals. Additionally, hospitals received extra beds to accommodate severe cases.

During the initial outbreak, immediate relief was provided to the most impoverished in Jamaica. More than 1,000 food and sanitation vouchers were distributed, alongside educational supplies such as book vouchers and laptops to facilitate online study.

In the second phase of assistance, which commenced in September 2021, USAID focused on strengthening Jamaica’s health care infrastructure. The efforts included enhancing logistics and digital information systems to ensure a more efficient vaccine rollout and a stronger response to future health crises.

Energy Security

In 2021, USAID partnered with the Cadmus Group to launch a $4 million alliance dedicated to boosting Jamaica’s energy sector. The initiative aimed to enhance the reliability of energy systems and reduce the risks of major energy loss during natural disasters.

Under the scheme, hundreds of local businesses will be provided with solar photovoltaic electricity systems, a method of energy generation that is renewable and can adapt easily to meet energy demands due to its modular structure.

As stated by USAID, “Damage to the energy system can lead to sudden increases in the price of fuel and reduce access to affordable electricity, including the country’s most vulnerable.”

About 96% of Jamaica’s population is at risk of multiple natural hazards including earthquakes and hurricanes. The alliance, with potential investment reaching $50 million from investors, aims to reduce the nation’s dependence on imported fuels, enhance solar energy generation and increase tourism. As Jamaica’s largest economic sector, improved energy security in the hospitality industry could foster sustained economic growth, create new job opportunities and provide hope to millions of vulnerable and impoverished individuals.

USAID’s unwavering commitment to Jamaica has significantly impacted the lives of the 12.6% of people below the poverty line, offering them a chance to achieve financial stability while safeguarding human rights. The organization’s efforts and achievements have instilled hope and contributed to building a better country for more than 300,000 Jamaicans.

– Oliver Rayner
Photo: Unsplash

Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty in Jamaica

Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty in JamaicaThe COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated poverty rates in countries all over the world, including Jamaica, one of North America’s poorest countries. An island country with a shrinking economy and high poverty rates, the impact of COVID-19 impact on poverty in Jamaica is still alive three years after the declaration of the first public health emergencies. On the other hand, the nation also showed signs of substantial progress in its recovery efforts.

COVID’s Impact on Poverty in Jamaica

Historically, Jamaica has always grappled with high poverty rates, with rates declining in recent years. However, poverty rates have increased since the start of the pandemic, completely unraveling years’ worth of work and successful efforts to combat this crisis. According to the World Bank, Jamaica’s poverty rate increased from 19% to roughly 23% in 2020. Some residents who were beginning to make ends meet in the years preceding the initial outbreaks fell below the poverty line as a result of the pandemic. Many residents are still lacking access to resources such as reliable housing and clean drinking water. Around 150,000 Jamaicans lost their jobs during the pandemic, with re-creation and rebound well underway.

COVID’s Impact on the Jamaican Economy

While enduring aftereffects less severe than some of its neighboring islands, Jamaicans are still reeling from the pandemic’s impact on the economy. The Jamaican economy has experienced its greatest contraction in history as a result of the pandemic. It has struggled to rebound since the post-pandemic era and since the distribution of vaccines and other treatment resources, undoing years’ worth of efforts to promote economic stability and fiscal responsibility.

To remain prosperous and stable, the economy relies heavily on the tourism industry, including hotels and resorts, restaurants and entertainment venues. Overall, the industry accounts for roughly 70% of the country’s GDP. However, travel restrictions from other nations adversely affected the country’s economic climate, with the economy shrinking by 5% and GDP declining by roughly 10% in 2020. As Jamaican air and sea borders prohibited the entry of international travelers, the industry began to destabilize, along with the nation’s economy. Workers in the tourism industry were forced out of their jobs as countries restricted travel and demand for their services declined. According to the Ministry of Tourism, at least 50,000 employees within the industry subsequently got laid off.

Aid and Assistance

The Jamaican government has initiated several programs and efforts to aid residents reeling from COVID’s impact on poverty in Jamaica. One of these is the COVID-19 Allocation of Resources for Employees Program, an initiative that provides cash transfers to members of the population who are the most vulnerable. About 500,000 received aid from this program, including those who lost their jobs due to the pandemic. The program provides an automatic grant of $18,000 to all who received the most recent SET Cash Grant and are unemployed as of Sept. 30, 2021.

Similarly, the Supporting Employees with Transfer of Cash program provides cash transfers to Jamaicans, after verification, who have lost their jobs on or after March 10, 2020. In 2021, the World Bank provided Jamaica with $150 million to contribute to its recovery and rebound from the pandemic. Ozan Sevimli, World Bank representative for Jamaica and Guyana, states, “The operation supports the expansion of the country’s social protection programs to benefit women and men disproportionately affected by the crisis and introduces a social pension for the elderly. It also supports measures for the recovery of affected businesses.”

Jamaica also received aid in receiving and distributing vaccinations to its citizens through COVAX, a worldwide initiative that comprises multiple health agencies working toward equitable distribution of vaccines to the population.

Recovery and Rebound

Despite being slower than most of its neighboring nations, Jamaica has made substantial progress in its post-pandemic recovery efforts. Data from the Planning Institute of Jamaica shows Jamaica surpassed pre-COVID-19 levels of economic growth and recorded its highest level of employment, with 1,269,300 citizens holding a job. In July 2022, Jamaica recorded its unemployment rate at 6.6%, lower than pre-pandemic levels. In addition, the nation’s tourism industry has almost completely rebounded. According to Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the industry has recovered by 90%. He also looked to 2022 as a “true year of recovery.” At a celebration of the country’s 60th anniversary of independence, he proclaimed, “We expect to close 2022 having welcomed a total of 3.2 million visitors contributing more than $3 billion to our economy.” Considering the post-pandemic trends. Jamaica looks to be on its way to a more prosperous future.

– Nicholas DeLuca
Photo: Flickr

The State of Renewable Energy in Jamaica

Renewable Energy in JamaicaJamaica, known for its vibrant culture and picturesque beaches, faces a pressing energy challenge that affects both its economy and its people. The island nation heavily relies on fossil fuels, particularly oil, for its energy needs, leaving it vulnerable to soaring prices and environmental repercussions. With energy insecurity and exorbitant waste costs, Jamaicans struggle to afford the high expenses of powering their homes and businesses. However, amidst these challenges, signs of progress are emerging as renewable energy initiatives gain momentum. And the state of renewable energy in Jamaica appears to be having an impact on poverty in the country.

The State of Energy Reliance in Jamaica

Jamaica primarily relies on fossil fuels, particularly oil, for energy production. Around 89% of all energy comes from such sources, with renewables making up 11% combined — solar accounts for only 1%. Since Jamaica imports a majority of its oil from other countries, it is subject to high prices. The cost of imported oil surpassed the profit from exported goods by almost 118% in 2010. As such, the continued use of fossil fuels is not sustainable for the country’s economy or environment.

Its energy insecurity is exacerbated by incredibly and consistently high amounts of wasted energy. For example, Jamaica Public Service Co., the country’s primary distributor, lost nearly 27% of the power it generated in 2017. This loss amounted to more than $301 million. Still, it primarily relies on fossil fuels despite the problems of inefficient infrastructure and high import costs.

How Energy Affects Poverty in Jamaica

Many Jamaicans pay high amounts of money to power their homes and businesses to compensate for import and waste costs. Oil can fluctuate in price, so relying on it puts people in a poor position financially. Out of 82 low-to-middle-income countries experiencing high rates of energy poverty, Jamaica has the highest energy poverty status because it lacks proper energy infrastructure.

Is Jamaica Making Progress?

Even though most of Jamaica’s energy comes from fossil fuels, current trends suggest that this may not continue to be the case. Multiple organizations have already taken steps to implement more renewable power sources. For example, the Jamaica Energy Security and Efficiency Enhancement Project decreased oil dependency by 24% in only seven years. It also developed sources of replenishable energy that Jamaicans can rely on.

The country is also receiving international assistance. The Global Environment Facility gave it a $1.25 million grant to switch hospitals to renewable energy mixes. Based on projections, this can result in saving $3.5 million while reducing energy consumption by 22% yearly. This change directly impacts poverty because it lessens the cost of power in critical sectors, translating to savings for Jamaican citizens.

The Impact of Renewable Energy on Jamaica

Many organizations are working to increase renewable energy to lessen poverty. For example, the founders of Radiant Energy Ltd. believe more clean power could strengthen Jamaica’s economy. Since high costs prevent growth and contribute to poverty, the organization provides clean electricity at a lower price than fossil fuels.

As a result of combined efforts, oil usage took only one year to drop from 104,408 terajoules to 58,276 terajoules in 2020. The reliance on fossil fuels still impacts poverty, but Jamaicans are steadily improving their renewable energy use.

Looking Ahead

Jamaica is working to make energy more accessible and affordable. For example, it exempts solar panels and wind turbines from certain taxes. The country continues to make notable progress in its transition towards renewable energy sources, signaling a promising future for the country’s economy and environment. Initiatives such as implementing domestic ethanol blends and exploring innovative solutions like floating solar panels demonstrate Jamaica’s commitment to sustainable energy alternatives. And as renewable energy becomes more accessible, there is hope that Jamaica can alleviate poverty by reducing power costs, fostering economic growth and creating a more resilient and environmentally conscious society.

– Jane Marsh
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