News
JAM | Jul 25, 2023

Gov’t provides back-to-school, Emancipendence stimulus

/ Our Today

administrator
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Binders are displayed at Stationery and Toy World in New York City, U.S., ahead of back-to-school season, July 21, 2021. REUTERS/Joyce Philippe

The Government is providing J$3 million per constituency to support back-to-school initiatives.

The funds will be made available through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

“That J$3 million for back-to-school initiatives, per constituency, can only be used for book vouchers and for tuition support,” said Minister of Finance and the Public Service Dr Nigel Clarke. He was speaking during the sitting of the House of Representatives on July 19.

The finance minister also announced that through the CDF, the Government will be making available J$1 million per constituency for events in celebration of Jamaica’s Emancipation and Independence (Emancipendence), as well as efforts to clean up local communities, and to host events at the community level.

A section of the large gathering in attendance at the Independence Day Grand Gala, held on August 6, at the National Stadium, in St. Andrew. (Photo: JIS)

“So, it is hoped that members of parliament can be efficient in the use of those proceeds, so that the Emancipendence holidays will be one that every Jamaican has reason to celebrate and enjoy,” Clarke said.

He pointed out that last year, funds were provided to ensure that across the length and breadth of Jamaica, Jamaicans had the opportunity to participate in the Emancipendence celebrations at the local level in their communities.

“That went down very well. Not everybody can make it to the National Stadium for the wonderful event put on by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport,” Clarke noted.

Comments

What To Read Next

News JAM Apr 1, 2026

Reading Time: 2 minutesYoung Jamaica, the youth arm of the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), has called for the resignation of East Central St Andrew Member of Parliament Dennis Gordon following revelations made during a recent session of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

“Young Jamaica, take note of confirmation during yesterday’s Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that JACDEN Limited is among the multi-million dollar beneficiaries of what a recent report from the Auditor General revealed to be the unlawful and inappropriate use of the tax exemption status of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI),” the youth arm said in a statement.

News JAM Apr 1, 2026

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), recently concluded a two-day After-Action Review (AAR) workshop held from March 24–25. The workshop aimed to strengthen Jamaica’s preparedness and response systems following the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

After-Action Reviews are a standard tool in emergency management, used to assess response efforts, capture lessons learned, and improve coordination, planning, and operational systems for future events. Importantly, aligning the AAR process with the International Health Regulations (IHR) ensures that the evaluation of public health emergencies meets globally recognised standards, strengthening Jamaica’s ability to detect, assess, report, and respond to health threats in a timely and effective manner.

News USA Apr 1, 2026

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a series of strengthened screening and vetting measures aimed at enhancing national security and public safety, particularly for applicants from high-risk countries.

In a statement released Tuesday (March), USCIS said its review of pending workloads and benefit applications revealed that prior screening measures were “wholly inadequate.” According to the agency, many applicants for naturalisation and lawful permanent residence were not sufficiently vetted, creating risks to national security and public safety while undermining the integrity of the immigration system.