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The Government is being nudged to introduce incentives to prod thousands of Jamaicans currently outside the labour force — because they are caregivers of children or older relatives — back on the job.

The local think tank, Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CAPRI), says of the 411,000 individuals aged 18 to 70 outside the labour force: The greatest potential for additions to the country’s pool of workers would be from those individuals who are currently not working due to care responsibilities.

“Of those who were…

The Caribbean Policy Research Institute, CAPRI, says the state should subsidise the cost of care responsibilities for working and job-seeking parents.

That’s among the recommendations in CAPRI’s latest report on the labour force. The report is titled ‘Outside In: Increasing Participation in the Labour Force’.

CAPRI says it has concluded that approximately 411,000 people between the ages of 18 and 70 are outside the labour force.

Lead Researcher at CAPRI, Dr. Kelly-Ann Dixon Hamil, says of that number, 15,000 want to…

Experts weigh efficiency of ZOSO’s social intervention methods; CAPRI reports calls for review of strategies

The spotlight on social-intervention tactics in crime-ravaged neighbourhoods, controlled by gangs with unchecked violence, is glaring. While some critics and security stakeholders support these methods, others remain critical, citing their prolonged history of failures despite being deemed essential by some.

The issue was among those that took centre stage last week as the Caribbean Policy Research Institute’s (…

Environmentalist Dr Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie said that the health and sustainability of the island’s rivers will continue to hang in the balance if the authorities do not take decisive action in tackling a complex web of challenges ranging from pollution to inadequate enforcement of laws.

Rodriguez-Moodie, who is the CEO of the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), underscored the urgency of addressing these issues by suggesting higher fines for breaches, encouraging greater and more meaningful public engagement, and improving the…

Jamaica currently generates an estimated 7 per cent of annual gross domestic product (GDP) from economic activities associated with the Caribbean Sea, but a new study carried out by the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI) finds that number can be easily doubled with greater inclusiveness, lots of funding, and stricter coastal regulations.

The findings of the study titled “Sea of Opportunities” were released on Wednesday by CaPRI, with key takeaways being economic growth can align seamlessly with…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has given the clearest indication an increase of the $1.5 million income tax threshold is coming, announcing that a version 2.0 is to be implemented by his administration.

"We will deliver the next version of 1.5," Holness told a gathering of Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters in Clarks Town, Trelawny, last night as he sought to ramp up support ahead of the February 26 local government polls.

The promise comes just ahead of the tabling of the national budget on Thursday which…