OPERATORS OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS URGED TO ADHERE TO PROVISIONS OF LICENSE
NIDS ROLLOUT SET FOR Q1 2024
BIG BUSINESSES URGED TO SUPPORT MSME SECTOR
JAMAICANS PUMPED BILLIONS MORE SAVINGS INTO BANKS AND CREDIT UNIONS IN 2023
CREATIVE INDUSTRY’S POTENTIAL TO GROW THE ECONOMY
HOW TO TELL WHETHER YOUR BUSINESS’ MARKETING STRATEGY WORKS!
Welcome to the first edition of The Millennial Marketer for 2024. As we usher in a new year, we must reflect on the rapid changes happening in our business and marketing landscapes and look forward to the present opportunities.
We start this year with the exciting news of the government's $717 million plan to strengthen business reforms. This grand initiative signifies a significant shift towards enabling a more robust, resilient, and innovative business environment. It is a testament to our government's commitment to fostering economic growth and stability.
In line with these reforms, we eagerly anticipate the National Identification System (NIDS) rollout in Q1 2024. This system promises to streamline processes and improve business efficiency, benefiting companies and consumers.
We also highlight the recent call urging big businesses in Jamaica to support the MSME sector. This initiative encourages established corporations to play their part in fostering an inclusive and balanced business ecosystem. This move is about driving economic growth and building a strong business community that supports and uplifts each other.
Lastly, we'd like to draw your attention to our featured article, How To Tell Whether Your Marketing Strategy Works! This piece provides invaluable insights and practical tips that every marketer, seasoned or novice, can use to gauge the effectiveness of their strategies.
We look forward to providing you with the most relevant and up-to-date information, insights, and trends throughout 2024.
Warm Regards, Paul Bauer EDITOR, THE MILLENNIAL MARKETER
J MICCICHE D.C.
DR.ROBERT E X P E R I E N C E P A I N R E L I E F W I T H T H E L A T E S T T E C H N O L O G Y !
Headaches | Neck Pain Shoulder Pain | Mid-back Pain
Bulging, Degenerative & Herniated Discs
Lower Back Pain | Arthritis | Scoliosis
UNIT AU2, WHITTER VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTRE IRONSHORE, MONTEGO BAY
The Public Health Department urges food establishment operators to adhere to their license's provisions, such as ensuring that staff members possess food handlers’ permits, maintaining clean facilities, and having running water and sanitary conveniences in place.
Under the Public Health Act, adequate handwashing facilities must be in place; principal food preparation areas must be equipped with potable running water, including wash basins, liquid soap, hand-drying devices, and noncontact waste bins.
The Act states that members wash hands thoroughly before preparing food and after every interruption, especially if “you have to scratch or have been to the toilet.”
Hands must be washed after preparing raw foods, such as fish, meat, or poultry, and washed again before handling other foods. Nails must be short and trimmed, and no smoking should occur in the food areas.
Raw foods must not be served except for fruits and vegetables as many raw foods, most notably poultry, meats, eggs, and unpasteurized milk, may be contaminated with disease-causing organisms.
Chief Public Health Inspector for St. Catherine, Winifred Meeks, says prior to the opening of the establishments, the operators are provided with licenses once they meet the necessary requirements, and patrons must look out for the permits, which should be displayed at the facilities.
“The first thing any consumer should look for upon entry into a food establishment is a Food Handler’s Establishment Licence, which should be conspicuously posted. Operators are required to do that, and the consumer reserves the right to ask whether or not the premises are licensed,” she tells JIS News in an interview.
Miss Meeks says although a license may exist, it does not mean that the particular establishment is adhering to the rules laid down by the Public Health Department, and the “consumer has a personal responsibility to make certain observations.”
“If toilet facilities are not clean, if the operator advises you that you cannot access the toilet because they do not have water, that is a major red flag. Any establishment that is operating without water, which comes to the attention of the Public Health Department, would be immediately closed,” she explains.
She says that part of the public’s responsibility is to assess the cleanliness of the establishment and the people handling the food.
“The person directly handling the food must wear a head cover, and one should look for that. They should be attired in aprons or coats, and the fingernails should be nail polish-free. Take note if the individuals are speaking excessively while preparing or serving food because that represents the risk of contamination,” she notes.
Persons supporting the food establishments should also look around the environment for unpleasant things, such as flies and cockroaches, whether the servers are handling money and food simultaneously, and the frequency of handwashing.
“Those observations are very important,” Miss Meeks points out, adding that persons should also be wary of unusual odors.
She advises that when a consumer buys food at an establishment and it is spoilt, the matter should be reported to the Public Health Department for an investigation to be carried out, as this can result in serious illness and death. The Regulations require that before operating a food establishment, the operator must apply to the Medical Officer of Health in the parish for a license.
Within two weeks of application, an inspection is done by a Public Health Inspector. It will be immediately recommended if the establishment meets the necessary requirements. Otherwise, a work plan is given along with a timeline to address the issues found on inspection. Other enforcement actions may be required, depending on the nature and severity of the findings.
Large Jamaican companies are being implored to do all they can to support local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
In making the call, Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, Senator Hon. Aubyn Hill, said that the MSME sector is a key contributor to the economy and must be protected at all costs.
He noted that the island’s 422,000 MSMEs are the cornerstone of the country’s workforce, employing 60%-70% of workers and accounting for 90% of private-sector employment.
“That’s huge!” he noted. “Thanks to the role of the MSMEs, the Jamaican economy is undeniable. This is why I am making this strong and special appeal to big Jamaican companies to support before looking abroad, a strategy which will certainly strengthen our economy,” he said.
“I am challenging the large companies to ensure that you look at ways to include small companies in the stuff you buy and the services you buy. Don’t look overseas first; look at our small and medium-sized companies. Why? Because when you build them, they employ people who buy the stuff you sell. It’s a symbiotic relationship that makes sense to both sides,” Senator Hill emphasized.
He was speaking at the media launch of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) 20th Biennial Trade Expo 2024 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James, on February 1.
The event will be held at the Convention Centre from March 22-24, under the theme ‘Future Forward: Shaping Tomorrow’s Business Today.’
It allows MSMEs, larger business organizations, and entrepreneurs in Montego Bay and wider Jamaica to network and make business contacts.
“A large part of shaping tomorrow’s business today is the collaboration between larger and small local companies. Expos like Montego Bay Chamber 2024 epitomize the need for partnership between the local MSMEs and big companies,” Senator Hill said. For his part, President of the MBCCI, Oral Heaven, in his remarks, said the trade show is expected to attract more than 100 exhibitors and approximately 5,000 attendees from diverse sectors such as finance, retail, hospitality, technology, and trade.
He urges stakeholders and business interests to turn out in their numbers, noting that the event will have something for everyone and will showcase the many opportunities available in the tourism capital.
“Our regional partners are expected to join us, further enriching the corroborative spirit of this trade expo,” he indicated.
Mr. Heaven said the theme of this year’s event “encapsulates the spirit of innovation and progress that we aim to foster within our business community.”
“At Expo 24, we aim to facilitate connections between businesses of all sizes and to provide a platform for them to showcase their offerings, make sales on the floor, forge new partnerships, and explore avenues for growth. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for collective success when we come together with a shared vision,” he added.
30PAISLEYAVE
MAYPEN,CLARENDON,JAMAICAW.I.
(876)986-4146,(876)986-4419
CELL:(876)774-5584
CHEAPSIDE.,ST.ELIZABETH,JAMAICAW.I (876)965-8284,(876)965-8172
CELL/WHATSAPP:
(876)779-7495,(876)330-5187
"CelebratingLife,OneFamilyataTime"
WITTERANDSONSFH@GMAIL.COM
us online: @witterandsonsfh
FAMILY PRACTITIONER, PEDIATRICS & DENTIST
OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
INTERNAL MEDICINE & CARDIOLOGY
GENERAL & DENTAL SURGERY
CHIROPRACTIC & ORTHOPAEDIC TREATMENTS
PODIATRY, PHYSIOTHERAPY
ACUPUNCTURE
ENT & UROLOGY
PSYCHOLOGY & PSYCHIATRY
DERMATOLOGY & NUTRITIONIST
WE HAVE THE ONLY BOARD CERTIFIED CARDIOLOGIST IN WESTERN JAMAICA
C a r d i a c C a t h e t e r i z a t i o n
A n g i o p l a s t y & S t e n t
P l a c e m e n t
P a c e m a k e r & I C D
I m p l a n t a t i o n
E c h o c a r d i o g r a p h y & D o b u t a m i n e S t r e s s E c h o
OUR HOSPITAL PROVIDES IN-PATIENT CARE IN CASE YOU REQUIRE ADDITIONAL MEDICAL TREATMENT AND NEED TO BE ADMITTED.
#fairviewmedicalanddental
24 Hour Ambulance Service
Vaccines & Laboratory Services
nds & X-Rays
SUITE#5FAIRVIEWOFFICEPARK
In the rapidly evolving landscape of contemporary business, E-commerce is a formidable force of change and innovation. With the advent of digital technology, E-commerce has reshaped how companies conduct business and interact with customers. No longer confined by geographical boundaries, businesses can transcend limitations and tap into a global market at their fingertips.
E-commerce has transformed the world, but in regions like Jamaica, where traditional business practices have prevailed, understanding the significance of E-commerce is crucial for survival and prosperity in the year 2024 and beyond.
Many countries globally have witnessed a growing interest in E-commerce in recent years. However, its adoption is still in the early stages compared to other more digitally mature economies. While the twin-island nation boasts a high Internet penetration rate and a techsavvy younger generation, local businesses have been relatively slow in fully embracing the E-commerce model.
This hesitancy can be attributed to concerns over cybersecurity, a lack of knowledge of Ecommerce setup, and a lack of trust in buying from local businesses online. However, with global trends leaning heavily towards digital commerce and the ongoing push from the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating digital transformation worldwide, there’s an increasing recognition among the business community of the need to pivot towards online platforms and the vast opportunities they present.
The advent of E-commerce has significantly altered the landscape for traditional brick-andmortar businesses. Gone are the days when customer reach was limited to a business’s geographical location. Today, thanks to E-commerce, businesses can tap into markets worldwide, ensuring they have a global presence and a previously unimaginable reach. Moreover, the constraints of traditional working hours have been shattered. E-commerce platforms offer customers the convenience of shopping around the clock, allowing them to make purchases whenever they please, regardless of standard business hours.
The digital shift hasn’t just expanded the horizons of reach and availability; it’s revolutionized operations and customer interactions. By moving their operations online, businesses have seen a notable reduction in overhead costs, making processes more efficient. But perhaps one of the most groundbreaking advantages of E-commerce is the ability to leverage vast amounts of data. This data-driven approach empowers businesses to make informed decisions, tailor their marketing strategies, and offer personalized experiences to their customers. In a world where personalization is key to customer retention, the insights gathered through E-commerce platforms have become invaluable assets to businesses worldwide.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses that embrace E-commerce undoubtedly gain a significant competitive edge. This online model allows them to tap into a broader, global market and paves the way for a potential surge in market share and revenue. As consumers increasingly prioritize convenience, variety, and personalized shopping experiences, companies that offer seamless online transactions are better positioned to meet these demands and capture a larger portion of the market. Integrating E-commerce is not merely an option but a strategic move that can drive profitability and ensure long-term relevance in an ever-shifting market.
This is also a great way to make your business more resilient. By diversifying their revenue streams through online sales, companies can insulate themselves from localized economic downturns and physical limitations. Moreover, E-commerce provides the agility required to swiftly adapt to changing market conditions, ensuring businesses can pivot their strategies based on real-time consumer behavior and emerging trends. In essence, E-commerce doesn’t just offer an additional sales channel but acts as a safeguard against market uncertainties, fortifying a business’s long-term sustainability.
Commercial banks, with $70 billion, and credit unions, with $14 billion, have seen an increase in deposits over the last year, resulting in increased customer savings.
The figures reflect an 8%-9% annual growth in savings at banks up to last November and more than 11% at credit unions as of October 2023.
Jamaica has 25 credit unions in operation, three times the number of traditional banks but still just a fraction of the size of the commercial banking sector in terms of assets and deposits.
According to the Central Bank, savings at the 8 commercial banks hit a new high of over $875 billion, up from $806 billion in November 2022.
The credit unions grew savings to around $139 billion as of October 2023, up from $124.6 billion the previous year.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, says Jamaica’s creative industry has the potential to grow the economy and create jobs exponentially.
She noted that the industry is already an alternative to traditional sectors that drive Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“So the creative economy is, therefore, alive and kicking, and we must not only punch but stamp our mark way above our weight class,” Ms. Grange said. She made the remarks while speaking during the third edition of the Jamaica Creative Career Expo on Wednesday, February 21, at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston.
The Expo, organized by the Ministry through its Jamaica Creative Unit, targeted over 1,000 high school and tertiary students interested in pursuing studies or businesses in the creative industry, as well as creative practitioners and entrepreneurs. It also featured a Creative Business Village, showcasing creative businesses, agencies, industry associations, and creative training institutions.
Minister Grange said the Expo aims to have students “feeling confident about the future of the creative industry and to be more knowledgeable about the various career possibilities.”
“Students, there are numerous creative careers out there for you to explore and become a part of the creative economy,” she said.
The Minister noted that in 2022, the sector generated some $2.2 Billion in revenue and accounted for 5.2% of the island’s GDP, as well as 3% of direct and indirect employment. She recounted that when the sector was temporarily reopened between June and August 2020, following the onset of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, figures from the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) showed that Jamaica’s economy grew by an estimated $17 Billion in the previous quarter.
“The only thing that could account for the sharp increase was the temporary reopening of the entertainment sector,” Ms. Grange said.
She urged the students to use the opportunity to learn more about the various creative entities and seek more information regarding their career paths.
“This one-stop approach to creating business and enterprise has been created just for you. Today is the day to be beautiful and bold,” Ms. Grange further told the students.
The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has introduced its new mobile application, JaCustoms Connect, in an effort to ensure further stakeholders have a more seamless, efficient, and easier way of doing business with the Agency. The cutting-edge mobile application, which went live in October 2023, aims to foster greater efficiency and transparency for various stakeholder groups, including Customs Brokers, importers, Freight Forwarders, Consolidators, eCommerce Couriers, and other business interests.
André Williams, Chief Information Officer at the JCA, shared that this new app further advances the JCA, achieving its vision of being a digitally modern Customs administration.
“JaCustoms Connect represents a significant step in enhancing the Customs clearance experience for our stakeholders. With its advanced features, userfriendly interface, and commitment to transparency, we believe this app will become an invaluable tool for businesses and individuals,” he shared.
JaCustoms Connect boasts several key features that will bring significant value to every stakeholder interacting with them.
Some include:
Duty Estimator: allows for seamless and accurate calculation of payable amounts to the Jamaica Customs Agency for personal and commercial shipments.
1 Online payment service: facilitates a secure online payment option for realtime duty payments through the app.
2 Track and Trace: provides information about the current status of cargo once details specific to the declaration are provided.
3. Tariff Search: This allows users to find applicable product tariffs to determine duty rates easily.
5.
4. Multiple Credit Card Registration: allows the flexibility to register one or multiple credit cards for users’ convenience.
Mitzie Gordon Burke-Green, Managing Director and Customs Broker at Jamaica Trading Services Limited, has given the JCA’s new business platform ‘two thumbs up’, having been a user since it was introduced.
Primarily using it for duty payments, Mrs. Burke-Green highlighted that the “process has been swift and seamless 98% of the time.”
She added that as a frequent end user, she has identified and shared possible areas of improvement with the JCA team, and impressively, some of the suggestions have already been implemented.
She further shared an example of just how beneficial this new mobile app has been for her. “I recall an incident during my first week of using the app. I was in a rush, leaving the office around 4:00 PM, when a team member asked me to pay a Customs duty. I was about to take the documents to complete the task at my next location, but then I remembered the app. I took a moment to complete the payment using the JaCustoms Connect app, which took less than a minute!”
The JaCustoms Connect application allows users to register as individuals and associate their accounts with business entities or Customs Brokers.
Businesses can also associate multiple employees with their accounts, allowing for a seamless experience and the collaborative use of the app.
“We invite you to explore JaCustoms Connect and witness first-hand the transformative power it brings, designed to revolutionize our customer experience and optimize the Customs clearance process,” concluded CIO Andre Williams.
For more information, you may email helpdesk@jca.gov.jm or public.relations@jca.gov.jm.
Senator Dana Morris-Dixon, Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, indicates that the National Identification System (NIDS) is expected to be deployed in the first quarter of 2024 as long as the relevant regulations are ready.
Jamaica does not have a central national database with systems to support identity verification and authentication.
The Government notes that currently, the various systems issue different numbers based on diverse standards and are not necessarily able to connect and share information due to logistical or legal barriers. Therefore, individuals can assume multiple identities.
It is expected that the new system will improve the management and delivery of government services to the public to include programme benefits such as the National Insurance Scheme, the National Health Fund, Welfare, and E-government - with the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) - creating the linkages between entities for new produce and service development.
Morris-Dixon says implementation will be aided by the new Data Protection Act (DPA), which took effect on December 1, 2023.
Government officials say the development was critical to the rollout of NIDS, which is expected to enable the storage of personal identity information for persons resident in Jamaica and is slated to become the primary source for identity verification.
The data-protection framework Mrs. Morris-Dixon outlined ensures people are notified of requests to access their NIDS information. The DPA often grants the right to provide or withhold access to their information.
She indicated: “We are finalizing the regulations, and we expect them to be tabled before the end of this quarter. The DPA, security protection, and leading technologies are foundational elements of the National Identification System.”
The NIDS project was funded by a technical cooperation grant from the Inter-American Development Bank through the Korean Poverty Reduction Fund for US$670,000, with GOJ counterpart funding of US$120,000.
Under the companion DPA project, public authorities, financial and educational institutions, and health and security service providers are affected as they are processors of sensitive personal data.
Entities defined as Data Controllers must be registered with the Office of the Information Commissioner, effective December 1, and pay an annual fee.
They are also obligated to appoint a responsible individual, such as a Data Protection Officer, to oversee the controller’s compliance with the act.
Morris-Dixon told the Financial Gleaner, “We await the revised NIDS regulations. Once they are completed, these regulations will be brought to the Parliament for its consideration.
“The National Identification Registration Authority board will be named in addition to the regulations. The regulations and responsible body will pave the way for Jamaica’s Digital ID rollout. With that said, we are working hard to begin rollout,” she said.
Morris-Dixon stated about the timeframe for individual enrollment: “Please be reminded that enrollment in NIDS is voluntary, consent-based. While we encourage all Jamaicans to take advantage of the new digital ID, enrolment is voluntary.”
NIDS is being sold as “a unique, reliable, and secure way of verifying an individual’s identity that will establish a reliable database of all Jamaican citizens and involve issuing a unique, lifelong national identification number to every person.
“The NIN may be used alongside a multipurpose card or uploaded to smartphones. The use of biometric (fingerprint or retina) scans is also being explored,” it was outlined on the OPM website.
Project highlights include the development of a legal framework, designing IT and communication architecture, developing a behavior-change strategy, cost-benefit analyses, and audits.
Facilitating government entities are Fiscal Services Limited, the Registrar General’s Department, the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, the Electoral Office of Jamaica, and the National Insurance Scheme.
The OPM says NIDS is also expected to impact the Government’s ability to secure compliance with tax collection, among other things, and strengthen immigration, border control management, public safety, and national security. The GOJ is currently advertising for administrative, deployment, vetting, and other staff, all with information technology backgrounds.
Last year, it also advertised for the Manager of Card-Production Services, a Project Director, a Manager of Public Key Infrastructure, a Public Key Infrastructure Administrator, a Security Officer, and a Master User and Enrollment Coordinator.
The Government will spend $717 million on initiatives to strengthen the business environment and enhance private-sector investment.
The funding is earmarked under the Jamaica Business Environment Reforms Project, which is being implemented by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ).
As contained in the 2024/25 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives, the funds will go towards the completion of precursory activities and development of the Export Max market penetration plan, commencement and completion of the Jamaica Legal Information Portal, and commencement and completion of the upgrading of the online filing portal for the Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ).
The Government also plans to prepare a proposal in support of drafting instructions for the repeal and replacement of the Trade Act, complete Phase II of the Jamaica Development Application portal, and upgrade the Application Management and Data Automation (AMANDA) system from AMANDA v.6 to AMANDA v.7.
The funds will also be used to complete the digitization of land-titling records and design develop and implement Phase 3B of the National Business Portal (NBP) intervention.
The Jamaica Business Environment Reforms Project is jointly funded by the Government of Jamaica and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
The project, which commenced in October 2021, is slated to conclude in March 2025 after one extension period.
works!
FOR ANY SMALL BUSINESS, CONTINUALLY EVALUATING AND ASSESSING WHETHER ITS MARKETING STRATEGY IS EFFECTIVE IS CRUCIAL. GIVEN THE PIVOTAL ROLE OF MARKETING IN BUSINESS GROWTH AND CUSTOMER ACQUISITION, UNDERSTANDING THE EFFICACY OF YOUR STRATEGIC EFFORTS IS CRITICAL. THIS EDITION’S FEATURE ARTICLE OUTLINES SOME KEY METRICS AND METHODS A SMALL BUSINESS CAN USE TO DETERMINE THE SUCCESS OF ITS MARKETING EFFORTS.
Sales: Sales are a direct indication that your marketing strategy works. If you notice a steady increase or a sudden spike in sales following a marketing campaign, it likely means that your marketing efforts are paying off. It's important to track sales over time and correlate them with your marketing activities to understand their impact truly.
2.
1. Customer Engagement: The level of engagement your customers have with your brand can be a telling sign of the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. Engagement metrics can include actions like clicks, likes, shares, comments on your social media posts, or even time spent on your website. These metrics give you a sense of how effectively your marketing materials resonate with your target audience. High engagement often leads to a deeper connection with your audience and increased brand loyalty.
3.
Conversion Rate: The conversion rate is another key metric to gauge the success of your marketing strategy. It is the percentage of users who take a desired action, like making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or filling out a contact form on your website. A high conversion rate indicates that your marketing strategy effectively convinces your audience to act.
Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): This metric tells you how much you spend to acquire each new customer. It is calculated by dividing the total cost of your marketing efforts by the number of new customers acquired during a given period. If your CAC is low, it's a good sign that your marketing strategy is cost-effective and working well.
5
4. Customer Retention Rate: The customer retention rate measures the percentage of customers who continue to do business with you over a certain period. A high customer retention rate indicates that your marketing strategy effectively builds customer loyalty and satisfaction. It reflects how well you meet your customers' needs and expectations through your products, services, and marketing communications.
In conclusion, it's important to remember that marketing strategies should be dynamic and flexible. Businesses should continually monitor these indicators and adjust their marketing strategies based on the results. It's not just about setting and forgetting a plan; it's about continuous improvement and adaptation to ensure ongoing success.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a critical component of the healthcare industry, relevant to all aspects of care, from diagnosis to monitoring. AI has become a transformative force that has assisted healthcare managers and governments define how they can positively transform healthcare, especially concerning population planning and disease forecasting.
As societies grapple with complex health challenges, from the rise of chronic diseases to various global pandemics, leveraging the capabilities of AI can be a gamechanger in creating more effective and responsive strategies for the well-being of entire communities.
One of the primary strengths of AI in population health planning lies in its ability to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that might go unnoticed by traditional methods.
Predictive analytics, a branch of AI, allows healthcare professionals to forecast health trends and risks within specific populations. By examining historical health data, socioeconomic factors, and environmental influences, AI algorithms can generate insights that help anticipate health needs. For instance, AI can predict the potential outbreak of diseases, enabling healthcare systems to allocate resources efficiently and implement preventive measures. By identifying at-risk populations based on various factors, healthcare managers can tailor interventions to specific demographics, thus optimizing the impact of healthcare initiatives.
In a 2019 study that appeared in the Sage Journal and titled ‘A Population Health Perspective on AI,’ the authors, Levigne et al., concluded that applications of AI have the potential to assist clinicians, health system managers, public health practitioners, and policy-makers in making more precise, and potentially more effective decisions.
The study also highlighted the fact that several facets of AI can contribute positively to healthcare development in a holistic way. AI’s capability to process and analyze individual health data, for example, can contribute to developing personalized interventions within the broader framework of population health planning.
By considering elements such as genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, and other personalized factors, AI can assist in tailoring healthcare strategies to meet the unique needs of individuals within a population.
This personalized approach enhances the effectiveness of health interventions and promotes a more patient-centric model of care. For example, AI-powered algorithms can assist healthcare providers in recommending personalized lifestyle changes, treatment plans, and preventive measures, fostering a proactive approach to healthcare beyond generic recommendations. Scarce resources in the healthcare beyond generic recommendations.
For instance, predictive modeling can help forecast the demand for healthcare services in specific regions, allowing authorities to allocate resources such as healthcare professionals, medical supplies, and facilities accordingly. This not only enhances the overall efficiency of healthcare systems but also contributes to cost savings by preventing the misallocation of resources.
AI can also help to collect data so that Health Managers can continually update strategies and reallocate resources where they matter most. AI-powered monitoring systems, for example, can enable real-time tracking of health metrics on individual and population levels.
Wearable devices and smart sensors can continuously collect data, providing valuable insights into changes in health status. This kind of monitoring allows for early detection of potential health issues, facilitating timely interventions.
For instance, AI can analyze wearable device data to detect irregular heart rates, sleep patterns, or activity levels. By identifying deviations from standard patterns, healthcare providers can intervene early, preventing the progression of specific conditions and reducing the overall burden on the healthcare system.
Integrating AI into population health planning represents a significant leap forward in our ability to create more effective, personalized, and efficient healthcare strategies. Suppose we harness the power of AI to analyze data, predict health trends, and optimize resource allocation. In that case, we can move closer to a future where healthcare is more responsive to the needs of communities and more capable of preventing and managing health challenges on a population-wide scale.
Further expansion of the Jamaica Business Gateway continues with the addition of 29 processes targeted for the end of June 2024.
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, disclosed while delivering the Throne Speech during the 2024/25 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament at Gordon House on Thursday, February 15.
The Jamaica Business Gateway, the premier Business-to-Government (B2G) transaction platform, was launched in May 2023 with 14 government processes, thereby increasing the ease of doing business and productivity. Regarding productivity, the Governor-General said more than US$100 million was invested through the special economic zone regime in developing seven special economic zones, facilitating employment for over 3,000 persons.
“The German Ship Repair Jamaica Limited, a designated Special Economic Zone (SEZ), deserves special mention as it welcomed its inaugural floating dock (JAM-DOCK 1) into the Kingston Harbour in August 2023. This monumental milestone marked the dawn of a new era in Jamaica’s maritime industry, where local and international vessels will have access to worldclass repair facilities on our shores,” he noted.
The Governor General said the Government continues prioritizing increasing productivity through various processes and legislative reforms to enable economic growth and foster a more peaceful, productive, and prosperous society.
During the Financial Year 2023/2024, the Government continued the implementation of the Global Digital Services Strategy, geared towards supporting Jamaica’s shift to high-value knowledge process outsourcing. In 2023, the project graduated 590 apprentices trained in supervisory management and leadership skills.
1,194 apprentices are expected to graduate in 2024 to significantly enhance the sector, which currently employs approximately 62,000 persons.
Shop#12,StockhousePlaza, 2ChurchLane,MontegoBay,St.James. (AtthecornerofHarborStreet&ChurchLane) (876)952-6765or(876)508-7599.
PROGRESSIVE FOODS: FAIRVIEW, WHITTER VILLAGE, OCHO RIOS & SOVEREIGN VILLAGE
THE BUTCHER BLOCK GOURMET STORE: UPPER MANOR PARK PLAZA
SHOPPERS FAIR: SUPER SHOPPERS FAIR - BOULEVARD, WESTGATE
FONTANA PHARMACY: BARBICAN SQUARE, WATERLOO SQUARE
S FOODS JAMAICA SUPERMARKET: WORTHINGTON AVE., KINGSTON
GENERAL FOODS: OCHO RIOS, LIGUANEA PLAZA
LFA COUNTRY STORE SUPERMARKET: RICHMOND, ST. ANN
MANOR PARK PHARMACY: CONSTANT SPRING RD., KINGSTON
BOOT GAS STATION: BOOT GREENWICH PARK, DRAX HALL
SOVEREIGN SUPERMARKET: HOPE ROAD, KINGSTON
BROOKLYN SUPERMARKET: HALFWAY TREE, KINGSTON
SUPER VALU FRESH FOODS: CONSTANT SPRING RD., KINGSTON
LOSHUSAN SUPERMARKET, KINGS HOUSE RD, KINGSTON
JOHN R. WONG: TOBAGO AVE, NEW KINGSTON
LEE’S FOOD FAIR: RED HILLS RD., KINGSTON
HI-LO FOOD STORES, BARBICAN RD.
FAMILY PRIDE: HAVENDALE
THE COLLECTIVE 876: MAIN STREET, ROSE HALL
