UNLIREC and CARICOMS IMPACS are the co-custodians of the Roadmap. They are supporting its effective implementation in collaboration with other regional and international partners with the support of the donor community. This meeting marks a key milestone for The Bahamas by aligning its national priorities with the overarching vision of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap to create a safer region. By developing a National Action Plan, The Bahamas joins twelve other Caribbean nations in identifying priority actions and tracking progress in combating illicit firearms trafficking.The event brought together 22 Bahamian officials, including nine women, from agencies such as law enforcement, prosecution, justice, defense, customs, immigration, and foreign affairs. Discussions focused on monitoring, evaluation, and national firearms-related challenges, with participants adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing illicit firearms trafficking and fostering a collaborative framework for future progress.Presentations and discussions covered the legal framework for Goal 1 and best practices for Goals 2, 3, and 4. As a result, The Bahamas outlined national priorities and concrete actions they wish to take forward in their National Action Plan and completed a significant portion of its baseline assessment.The vision for the Roadmap is a safer Caribbean. This will be achieved by adopting sustainable solutions to the prevention and combat of illicit proliferation of firearms and ammunition that are consistent with international norms and the Caribbean context. The meeting was aligned with the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particular Goal 16, and was financially supported by the United States Government.For more information on the Caribbean Firearm Roadmap visit: https://unlirec.org/en/publicacion/caribbean-firearms-roadmap/
 

In 1992, the world acknowledged that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges that demand urgent and focused attention. This global commitment was reinforced through the Barbados Programme of Action in 1994, the Mauritius Strategy in 2005, and the SAMOA Pathway in 2014. Yet, despite significant strides, SIDS continue to grapple with the relentless threats of climate change, natural disasters, and economic shocks. Over the past three decades, these nations have not only persevered but have emerged as trailblazers in climate action and ocean stewardship, leading the charge for a sustainable future.In this JEP discussion, panellists discussed whether the key priorities from the ABAS Outcome document truly align with Jamaica's National Development Plan. They explored if anything crucial was overlooked and shared insights on three areas from the ABAS 10-point action plan that Jamaica should prioritize to accelerate sustainable development. The discussion explored potential challenges that may arise as Jamaica strives to achieve these goals.According to Dr. Nadine McCloud, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, University of the West Indies Mona, hurricanes, like Beryl, underscore the severe threat that natural disasters and climate change pose to the sustainable development of SIDS like Jamaica and emphasize the critical role of development partners in efficiently supporting Jamaica's 10-year ABAS action plan to overcome these challenges.“Jamaica and the Caribbean’s most recent encounter with Hurricane Beryl is a staunch reminder of the existential threat of natural disasters and climate change to SIDS' sustainable economic development, given their natural limitations and fiscal restraints. Post-disaster recovery efforts are usually sluggish or non-existent in specific affected SIDS communities, compounding their economic woes, thus making the development goalpost less reachable,” Dr. McCloud said.Jamaica has made notable strides in climate resilience, sustainable economic growth, and social development. However, this progress has not translated into a significant increase in its SDG score since 2015. The 2024 Sustainable Development Report shows that Jamaica's overall score in 2023 is slightly below its score in 2022. Much work lies ahead as Jamaica enters the second half of the SDGs. The 10-year plan will be instrumental in helping Jamaica diversify its economy, secure better access to finance, and confront environmental challenges, all aimed at achieving sustainable prosperity.Responding to the survey results, Mr. Dennis Zulu, United Nations Resident Coordinator, agreed that “Achieving the four key priority areas outlined in the ABAS Outcome document requires sustained collective efforts and strategic partnerships with development partners to effectively design, finance, and implement policies, projects, and programs aimed at securing long-term sustainability.” Overall, the JEP Panellists' discussion concluded that halfway through the SDGs, the ABAS agreement offers SIDS a crucial opportunity to reassess and address their ongoing challenges including climate change, environmental degradation, and economic vulnerabilities. Dr. Stuart Davies, Senior Economist, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office highlighted that “The unrelenting compounding impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, disasters and natural hazards, health and other social-related challenges together with economic vulnerabilities continue to beset SIDS development progress. Economic transformation and resilience building are core elements to the ABAS’s plan and strategic investments to increase productive capacities are an important part to this. While a strong alignment with ABAS provides added comfort to Jamaica, there is still much to do to realise sustainable development in the years ahead.” The Jamaican Economy Panel is part of a partnership between the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) and the Department of Economics at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona. The JEP brings together economic, public-sector experts and development practitioners to address monthly socio-economic questions. These questions help to highlight relevant economic issues and the collective expertise of the panellists.For more information on the Jamaican Economy Panel and the results of this JEP discussion, visit the UN Jamaica website at www. jamaica.un.org.

The JEP discussion paper examines the possibility of adopting measures Beyond GDP to gauge sustainable development in Jamaica. It addresses concerns regarding the effectiveness of GDP per capita in measuring development progress, especially in terms of sustainable development.The JEP discussion recognizes the global reliance on GDP per capita as a key measure of economic activity as well as its limitations in capturing multidimensional development indicators as part of assessing sustainable progress. According to Dr. Nadine McCloud, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, University of the West Indies Mona, Beyond-GDP measures designed by the PIOJ and the UNEP have addressed some of the challenges. “There is broad consensus that using GDP per capita as a metric for economic performance and development is tantamount to viewing a country and its citizens through a narrow and severely biased lens fraught with many ills,” Dr. McCloud said. “The most critical input to the production of any useful data-driven measure is data, which are subjected to, for example, institutional and governmental barriers,” Dr. McCloud added.Introducing a new development measurement tool for Jamaica comes with its share of challenges. The JEP panel emphasized several hurdles, including inadequate data on non-economic aspects and challenges in quantifying intangible assets. Additionally, resistance from entrenched institutions and policymakers accustomed to GDP-focused methods, along with limited awareness among policymakers, stakeholders and the public regarding the limitations of GDP and the advantages of alternative measures.Responding to the survey results, Mr. Dennis Zulu, United Nations Resident Coordinator, agreed that “Moving beyond GDP will require committed collective efforts among various partners and stakeholders to research, design, finance and educate on new measurement tools in the years to come.” He added that “The United Nations is committed to working with the government to implement more nuanced development measurement tools like Beyond-GDP for a more adequate measure of Jamaica’s sustainable development progress as well as for more effective development planning.”Overall, the JEP Panellists agreed that the advancements in wealth accounting provide a deeper comprehension of both the quantity and quality of growth and development. As highlighted by Dr. Stuart Davies, Senior Economist, UN Resident Coordinators Office.“Recent advances in wealth accounting, which go beyond GDP, can enable a better understanding of not only the quantity but also the quality of growth and development. Development planners, decision-makers, and practitioners can now better understand the interlinkages and trade-offs between national assets, and reflect these in their policies, projects and programmes to achieve sustainable development more effectively. For small island developing countries, like Jamaica, these new wealth accounting tools enable more nuanced approaches to development that enhance not just future prosperity but also resilience in all its forms,” Dr. Davies said. The Jamaican Economy Panel is part of a partnership between the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) and the Department of Economics at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona. The JEP brings together economic, public-sector experts and development practitioners to address monthly socio-economic questions. These questions help to highlight relevant economic issues and the collective expertise of the panellists.For more information on the Jamaican Economy Panel and for the results of this JEP discussion, visit here.

Belize, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are the latest countries in the Americas to receive certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating the mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis (EMTCT). The milestone was marked today at a commemorative event organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Kingston, Jamaica, with support from UNICEF and UNAIDS and with the participation of health ministers from the three countries.“This achievement is a testament to years of dedication, hard work, and collaboration among governments, health professionals, and communities”, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said at the event. Dr. Barbosa also acknowledged the “remarkable resilience” displayed by the three countries, ensuring the adaptation and continuation of essential services despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “I trust that the celebration today will inspire other countries to reinvigorate their commitments” towards a generation free of HIV and congenital syphilis.In 2010, countries of the Americas committed to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis and endorsed the regional strategy, which was updated in 2016 under the PAHO Plan of Action for the Prevention and Control of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections.To meet elimination targets, countries focused on strengthening prevention and treatment services within primary health care and in maternal and child health, updating guidelines, ensuring the effective screening of pregnant women, monitoring cases and following-up with HIV and syphilis exposed infants. In a video message, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, praised Belize for integrating primary disease prevention and treatment into maternal and child health services. He also commended Jamaica for its civil society organizations' commitment to human rights and lauded St. Vincent and the Grenadines for investing in robust national laboratory structures. "While validation is a tremendous accomplishment, maintaining it requires sustained efforts to prevent new infections," he said. "WHO and partners will continue to support all countries in the Americas to strengthen health systems, provide comprehensive services, and ensure the involvement of women in planning and service delivery."Globally, 19 countries and territories have now been certified for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis, with 11 of them located in the Americas. In 2015, Cuba made history by becoming the first country in the world to achieve the dual elimination of HIV and syphilis. This was followed by Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Montserrat and St. Kitts and Nevis in 2017, and Dominica in 2020.“The end of AIDS is an opportunity for a uniquely powerful legacy for today’s leaders. We are again celebrating a great public health milestone today as Caribbean countries show global leadership in the elimination agenda to achieve an HIV free generation,” Luisa Cabal, UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, said.New HIV infections among children in the Caribbean decreased by 25% between 2010 and 2022. During that period, annual notified cases declined from 2,000 to 1,500. Reported cases of congenital syphilis in the English-speaking Caribbean now stand at 36 cases per 100,000 newborns, below the goal of no more than 50 cases per 100,000 newborns."UNICEF welcomes the commitment of Belize, Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for achieving the double elimination of vertical transmission for HIV and Syphilis", Garry Conille, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, said. “We are confident that this milestone will be a catalyst for other countries in the region to pursue the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission Agenda toward the 2030 target: No children left behind in the progress to end AIDS,” Conille added. WHO awards this certification to countries which have brought the mother-to-child HIV transmission rate to under 5%; provided antenatal care and antiretroviral treatment to more than 90% of pregnant women; reported fewer than 50 new cases of congenital syphilis per 100,000 newborns, and achieved an HIV case rate of fewer than 500 per 100,000 live births.Elimination InitiativeThe PAHO Elimination Initiative seeks to put an end to more than 30 communicable diseases, including the mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, in Latin America and the Caribbean by 2030. The initiative was relaunched during the Organization’s 60th Directing Council and seeks to harness the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as from previous elimination experiences to accelerate disease elimination in the Region.  Quotes from Ministers of HealthKevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness of Belize: “Eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV and syphilis is an extremely significant accomplishment for the people and the country of Belize. The activities leading up to this momentous goal were not always easy, however with the commitment and motivation of our health care workers, in all areas of health, this has become a reality. We continue to work towards achieving public health goals for a healthier and more productive Belize.”Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness of Jamaica: “The elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis is a win that underscores protecting the health of all. It is also exemplary of the extraordinary progress being made in our maternal health care. What’s more, it is vitally important that we consolidate the gains made from this achievement, especially through continued community engagement and partnership in the public health interest of all.” St. Clair Jimmy Prince, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment of St Vincent and the Grenadines: “I commend the dedication and commitment of healthcare workers on achieving certification by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the dual elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis. This achievement signals to the world that ending paediatric HIV and congenital syphilis through the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis is achievable. The Ministry will continue to work towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”  ### About PAHOThe Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It serves as the Regional Office of WHO for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system. About UNAIDSThe Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. About UNICEFUNICEF works in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. And we never give up.For more information about UNICEF and its work in LAC visit: www.unicef.org/lac LINKSElimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, Perinatal Hepatitis B, and Congenital Chagas Disease https://www.paho.org/en/topics/elimination-mother-child-transmission-hiv-syphilis-perinatal-hepatitis-b-and-congenitalPAHO Elimination Initiativehttps://www.paho.org/en/elimination-initiative CONTACTSPAHOLuciana Viegas: + 1 202 981-8455 | Sebastian Oliel: +1 202 316-5679 | Ashley Baldwin: +1 202 340-4025 | mediateam@paho.org | www.paho.org  UNAIDSDaniel de Castro | UNAIDS Regional Communications & Global Advocacy Adviser | Latin America and the Caribbean | cel: +507 6998 3175 | @unaidslac |decastrod@unaids.org  UNICEFSendai Zea | Communication Specialist UNICEF LACRO | sczea@unicef.org | +507 68210843