Reports

The Open Budget Survey (OBS) is the world’s only independent, comparative, and objective research instrument for this purpose; this instrument was used for this assessment. Of the 120 countries assessed by the OBS in 2021, the vast majority (94), Jamaica included, failed to reach the minimum threshold for adequate budget transparency, public participation, and oversight. This report assesses how well the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) facilitates public access to budget information, and how many formal opportunities are provided for the public to participate in the national budget process

Jamaica has the second-highest rate of femicide (intentional homicide of females) and one of the world's highest rates of intimate partner violence. While the causes of GBV are complex, cultural attitudes have been found to contribute significantly to the scale and nature of violence against women and girls, and the reactions and responses to it. There is a proven link between media consumption and cultural attitudes, with the news media playing a key role in the development and reinforcement of social beliefs, individual behaviours, and policy development.

Jamaica began its COVID-19 vaccination programme in March 2021, but Jamaica’s vaccination rate is the second lowest in the Caribbean region, and despite an adequate supply of vaccines, demand remains low. Jamaica is almost certain to fail to reach the desired goal of vaccinating 65 percent of the population by March 31, 2022. This report aims to explore why the uptake of vaccines in Jamaica is so low and what we can do to improve this.

Financial inclusion is a key element of poverty reduction and inclusive development. In seeking to improve citizens’ well-being and increase economic growth, financial inclusion enables individuals and businesses to build resilience and capitalize on economic opportunities. Notwithstanding these benefits, there are barriers to expanding access to and usage of the four functionalities that facilitate inclusion: savings, insurance, credit, and payment services. This report sought to identify these hindrances in the context of Jamaica, with a view to remedying them.