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THURSDAY JULY 16, 2026
THAT’S IT? Jamaica’s population grows by just 600 people as birth rates decline Jamaica’s population was estimated at 2,764,200 at the end of 2025, compared with 2,763,600 in 2024. This represents a net population increase of just 600 people and a growth rate of 0.0 per cent, according to the 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica, a publication of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).
According to the survey, Jamaica recorded 28,900 births and an estimated 21,300 deaths in 2025, resulting in a natural increase of 7,600 people. However, migration accounted for a loss of 7,000 individuals, compared with 8,800 in the previous year. In explaining the low population growth, the PIOJ said Jamaica is undergoing demographic changes consistent with the final stages of the demographic transition model, “which is characterised by low fertility and low mortality rates; this contributes to low or negative population growth.” “At the same time, demographic shifts are
The population changes come amid growing concern over Jamaica’s declining fertility rate, with the country now recording fertility levels below the rate needed to replace its population.
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Tougher domestic violence laws enacted, stronger penalties Several new Florida laws aimed at strengthening protections for domestic violence and dating violence survivors took effect Wednesday, July 1, introducing tougher penalties for repeat offenders, expanding victim services and creating new monitoring and safety initiatives. The changes come as law enforcement agencies across the state continue responding to domestic violence incidents, including a recent fatal shooting in Jacksonville that police said stemmed from a domestic dispute.
One of the most significant changes is House Bill 277, which increases penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders by allowing courts to reclassify offenses to more serious charges if a defendant has a prior domestic violence conviction. The legislation also increases penalties for repeat violations of protective injunctions. HB 277 establishes two electronic monitoring pilot programs for offenders convicted of certain domestic violence crimes or violations of protective injunctions when a no-contact order is a condition of probation. The misdemeanor-level pilot program will operate in Pinellas County, while the felonylevel program will run in Florida's Sixth
Under the law: A second-degree misdemeanor may be elevated to a rst-degree misdemeanor. A rst-degree misdemeanor may be elevated to a third-degree felony. A third-degree felony may be elevated to a second-degree felony. A second-degree felony may be elevated to a rst-degree felony. A rst-degree felony may be elevated to a life felony.
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W H AT ’ S I N S I D E
NEWSMAKER Former Jamaican Cabinet Minister Dean Peart dies at 77 a3
CARIBBEAN Jamaican MP Desmond McKenzie pepper-sprayed by police a5
strictly legal Supreme Court rejects bid to end birthright citizenship A8
ENTERTAINMENT Reggae singer Fantan Mojah dies at 49 after heart-related complications B5