Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Expect Further Decline in Poverty Rate
#Jamaica, May 29, 2018 – Kingston – The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is anticipating further reduction in the country’s poverty rate, which declined from 21.1 per cent in 2015 to 17.1 in 2016. The decline, reported in the Statistical Institute of Jamaica’s (STATIN) Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions, represents a 19 per cent drop in the incidence of poverty, the largest annual reduction in 10 years.
Director General, Dr. Wayne Henry, said the projection for even further decline is based on government policies, which have accelerated job creation.
“We have seen where the lead industries are driving the jobs (that) are being created… and we know this augurs well for the overall economy. This is what we want to continue to see happening, where we build a resilient environment for business as well as a climate-resilient environment. So for us, it (prospect of further poverty reduction) is very encouraging,” he added. Dr. Henry was speaking at the PIOJ’s quarterly media briefing at the Institute’s head office in New Kingston on May 22.
STATIN’s Labour Force Survey for January 2018 shows that the number of persons employed increased by 22,600 to 1,206,600. This is despite a decrease in the labour force by 21,200 to 1,335,100 persons.
The industries recording the largest increases in employment were the wholesale and retail trade, up 7,900 persons; construction, up 7,300 persons; hotels and restaurants, up 6,400; and other community, social and personal service activities, up 3,900 persons.
Senior Director for the PIOJ’s Economic Planning, Research and Policy Logistics Division, James Stewart, emphasised that “most of the decline in unemployment has been (occurring) since 2017 into 2018. So going forward, that is when we are expecting to see a sharper decline in the poverty rate”.
Meanwhile, Dr. Henry said that the Institute will be examining the “multidimensional nature” of poverty through the Poverty Reduction Policy, launched earlier this year.
“So, it’s more than just people working; you are looking at conditions that lead to persistent poverty and to empower, in terms of the households, to lift them out of poverty… hence the need for social protection and economic empowerment in a more targeted way,” he explained.
Release: JIS
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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