Shawn Smith

1 week ago | jamaicaobserver.com | Shawn Smith

Jamaica’s youth are increasingly trapped in an economic paradox, high educational attainment in some sectors coexisting with persistent unemployment, underemployment, and an overwhelming reliance on the informal economy. The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) reported in 2023 that youth unemployment stood at 17.2 per cent, more than double the national average, with female youth particularly disadvantaged.

1 month ago | ohsonline.com | Shawn Smith

Well-trained workers are three times more likely to stay with their employer, so how do you ensure your safety training is up to the task? Safety and compliance training can mean the difference between a thriving workplace and a dangerous one. But in a recent survey, only 24 percent of frontline workers1 strongly agreed they receive the training they need to succeed. The top three reasons for this shortfall: time constraints, limited practice opportunities, and inaccessible resources.

1 month ago | jamaicaobserver.com | Shawn Smith

Jamaica is at a crossroads. It is facing an overwhelming surge in social and mental health issues, from the persistent rise in crime and violence to domestic abuse, child neglect, substance use, homelessness, and an alarming increase in mental health disorders. The demand for professional intervention has never been greater; however, despite their crucial role in addressing these crises, social workers in Jamaica remain unregulated, with no mandatory licensure system in place. This must change.

Jan 20, 2025 | jamaicaobserver.com | Shawn Smith

The redundancy payment provision in Jamaica’s Employment (Termination and Redundancy Payments) Act has long been a critical safety net for employees who lose their jobs due to restructuring or downsizing. Designed to provide financial support during periods of transition, these payments help displaced workers meet basic needs such as rent, utilities, and school fees while seeking new opportunities.

Aug 14, 2024 | jamstockex.com | Shawn Smith

The Palace Amusement Company (1921) Limited (PAL) Unaudited Financial Statements for the Fourth Quarter Ended June 30, 2024