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Today is a big one for your wallet, with a whole range of tax changes coming into effect and household bills going up. We'll explain them in Money, our hub for consumer and personal finance news and tips. And it's Tuesday, so we help a reader with a Money Problem.

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• What it costs to live in the happiest country on earth  

By Nick Martin, people and politics correspondent

Chloe Leighton is crammed into the disabled toilet of a busy pub, pleading on the phone with her social worker to find her a place to stay for the night.

She records the conversation because she doesn't trust anyone anymore. What makes her situation even more perilous is that Chloe is disabled and autistic.

Until recently, the 33-year-old's life was happy and stable.

Then last November, her father had a stroke and was unable to care for her, leaving her alone.

"Dad would keep me safe from all these people. He was the barrier," she says.

Due to her vulnerabilities, her local council in Buckinghamshire had a legal duty to find her emergency accommodation and social care support - except she says that hasn't happened.

At first, the council, then friends and family paid for hotel accommodation, but the money ran out and now Chloe has nowhere to go. 

"Nobody knows what to do with me," she explains. "I fall through the gaps."

Read on here...

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My solo living anniversary snuck up on me quietly. I’d done the paperwork to renew the lease months before. I only remembered my move-in date because it happened to coincide with my friend’s birthday; messaging her sparked a recollection of doing the same thing 12 months earlier, surrounded by cardboard boxes and bits of flatpack. So I celebrated it pretty quietly too – by cooking a nice dinner, burning a posh candle I’d been given years ago, and setting up some fairy lights around my shelves. Oh, and by sending a monthly meter reading to my utilities provider (no one else was going to do it).

But I wanted to mark the occasion in some way, for two reasons. The first is that when you’re a single woman in her thirties, who isn’t a homeowner, parent, fiancee or wife, it can feel like you spend your life celebrating other people’s milestones and trying to squeeze yourself into the spaces in between. And the second reason? Living alone happily is, I’ve come to believe, a bit of a skill, and it’s one that I’m proud to have honed a little over the past year.

Of course, it’s also a privilege. I’m only able to (just about) manage it financially because I moved back to Merseyside a few years ago, after sharing London flats with friends, housemates and assorted rodents throughout my twenties; having done the sums, I know I couldn’t afford to rent alone in a similar place in pricier Manchester, the next city along from Liverpool (not that I’d want to, for deep-seated regional rivalry reasons – apols, Andy Burnham).

There’s no getting around the fact that living solo is brutally expensive. It’s not just the fact most one-beds are priced on the assumption that there’s two of you: it’s fixed costs for broadband, the TV licence, the standing charges on your energy bills. It’s the single-person discount on your council tax that knocks only 25 per cent off the payment, rather than halving it. It’s the reality that, for all the zeitgeisty chatter about how being on your own can be empowering, in practical terms, life is very much set up to be navigated as a pair.

And because of that, it is very easy to slip into a mode of thinking that positions living alone as a sort of stop-gap situation or consolation prize, something that happens en route to coupledom rather than being a legitimate end in itself (is it any wonder, when you’re constantly seen as lacking for not being one of two?). From there, it’s even easier to fall into what I’ve come to call “‘only me’-ism”. As in: should I bother making a proper meal if it’s only me that’s going to eat it? Do I really need to put the heating on yet if it’s only me that’s feeling chilly? And should I go to the effort of properly hanging up my prints and pictures when it’s only me that’s really looking at them, and I don’t even know how long I’ll stay here for?

The answer to all of those questions, of course, is yes, and realising this to be the case was probably my first step to enjoying living alone. In my house-sharing years, I’d surreptitiously hoarded screenshots of the interiors I loved –  nothing particularly avant garde, just tall bookshelves draped with plants, gallery walls and posters from Swedish designers – but imposing my own taste on communal rooms didn’t feel right. Plus, aesthetics were a secondary concern when we were spending so much time trying to rid the walls of black mould.

Now, though, I can make my space look exactly how I want it to look. For me, that means lots of plants, lots of patterns and multiple colour-coordinated bookshelves (yes, it’s a bit basic; no, I don’t care). In Arrangements in Blue, a memoir-slash-manifesto about solo life, the writer Amy Key suggests that the “creation of [her] own private domestic space is a kind of romance”, which is, I think, a wonderful way to reimagine the act of making a home your own. She also notes that living alone means she hasn’t “had [her] taste neutralised into an unthreatening benign palette by the need for compromise”, another sentiment I love. Of course, I went a bit over the top at first. High on my own ability to rearrange knick-knacks and plonk dried flowers in vases, I told my friends I was considering training as an interior designer. I’d almost definitely been streaming too much Interior Design Masters at the time – when you live alone, you can watch whatever you wish.

The irony of living alone is that however much effort you pour into making your home feel right, spending time outside of that home is incredibly important too. I launched straight into living solo while working remotely from home, which is a bit like turning up to, say, an advanced dance class with no prior training and expecting that you’ll miraculously be able to manage the moves – an intense way to start things off, and arguably a little bit foolish. I soon learnt that my work-life situation means that I need to be scrupulous about planning my weeks to ensure that I don’t get stir-crazy, or get trapped in my own head.

Living alone has made me more conscious of the fact that my time is my own, to fill with stuff I enjoy

Structure is vital, and so is fostering your own sense of community, whatever that might look like. When I first moved here, I was training for a half-marathon (yes, another thirtysomething cliche) which meant lots of long solo runs; I was spending plenty of time with my own thoughts and the Pet Shop Boys’ greatest hits for company.  Since then, I’ve realised that group classes are a much better fit for me, whether that’s pilates at a welcoming city centre studio or the weights session at the women-only gym down the road, where you can chat in between rounds.

Inga Parkelin New YorkTuesday 11 March

Jamaican singer-songwriter Colvin Scott, better known by his stage name Cocoa Tea, has died at the age of 65.

The reggae singer died Tuesday morning at a Florida hospital following a cardiac arrest, his wife, Malvia Scott, told the Jamaica Gleaner. 

“I got a call early this morning to say that he had been transferred from the facility to the hospital...which is like five minutes away...because he was vomiting,” Malvia said. “He was initially diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019, but for the last six months he was also struggling with pneumonia.”

“He was definitely very brave,” she added. “He was positive throughout it all. About three weeks ago when he was admitted in the hospital he asked if I was worried and I said, ‘I am always worried.’ He told me not to worry because everything was going to be all right. He was always very hopeful.”

Born on September 3, 1959, in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica, Scott broke out into the country’s reggae scene in 1985 before becoming successful worldwide in the Nineties. 

Some of his top hits include “I Lost My Sonia,” “Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea,” “Israel’s King,” “Young Lover,” and “Rikers Island.” The latter went on to become his most popular song. He later turned it into a dancehall version with fellow reggae artist Nardo Ranks, titled “Me No Like Rikers Island.” It was released on Columbia/SME Records’ 1991 dance compilation album, Dancehall Reggaespañol.

He gained further notoriety in 2008 with the release of his song “Barack Obama,” which he wrote in support of the former president.

open image in galleryCocoa Tea enjoyed worldwide success in the 90s, before a resurgence in 2008 after releasing a song in support of then-President Barack Obama. (Wikimedia/Yamaguchi,E)

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has paid tribute to Scott, writing on X: “I extend condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of Calvin George Scott, affectionately known as Cocoa Tea. His smooth vocals and compelling lyrics gave us timeless classics like ‘Rocking Dolly’ and ‘I Lost My Sonia,’ songs that have become anthems in our cultural landscape.

“Beyond his musical genius, Cocoa Tea was a beacon of kindness and generosity, consistently uplifting the less fortunate and embodying the warmth of our nation,” he added.

There are plenty of cheap and even free things to do.

BY SELENA BARRIENTOS, CAMERON JENKINS AND ALESANDRA DUBINUPDATED: MAY 6, 2024SAVE ARTICLEFG TRADE//GETTY IMAGES

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Mother's Day gifts come in all forms. Of course, material presents are nice. But stuff is just stuff after all — and it can even add to mom's stresses around clutter and budget. What's even better — and sometimes also completely free — is celebrating a beloved mom with an activity she can participate in together with family or in a scarce moment of quality alone time. For inspiration, check out our roundup of thoughtful, clever, sentimental, and just plain fun Mother’s Day activities for an experience your favorite mom, aunt, grandmother, wife, sister, or any other maternal figure will cherish.

OZGURCANKAYA//GETTY IMAGES1

Gather family members to perform songs, dances, poems, or skits dedicated to mom. Go as elaborate or homespun as you like: You can create a mini stage, use fun props, and even give her a “Best Mom” award as part of the honors.

ISABEL PAVIA//GETTY IMAGES2

Hide small gifts, sweet notes, or homemade coupons around the house, leading mom to a special surprise at the end. Write fun clues or riddles to guide her. It's creative, interactive — and the surprise aspect gets the adrenaline pumping too.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3

SHOP AT GETTYIMAGES.COM

Beading bracelets together is a fun, creative — and totally on-trend — Mother's Day activity. Choose colorful beads, charms, and strings to design unique bracelets, or keep it easy and buy a ready-made kit. Make matching ones as a special keepsake. It’s a great way to spend quality time and create something special (and sentimental) that the whole family can wear and cherish forever.
SHOP BEAD KITS

THE GOOD BRIGADE//GETTY IMAGES4

Going for a walk with Mom on Mother’s Day is a simple — and totally free — way to spend quality time together. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through a park, nature trail, or even your own neighborhood while catching up on conversation. If you're feeling adventurous, kick up the plans (and the heart rate) by heading out for a hike instead.

Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowTAMMY HANRATTY//GETTY IMAGES5

Create a fancy spa experience for mom right in the comfort of home by drawing her a luxurious bubble bath — with all the accouterments. Fill the tub with plenty of bubbles, add calming essential oils or bath salts in her favorite fragrance, and light candles for a resort-like feel. (Bonus: Toss in some rose petals!) Play soft music, set out a cozy towel, and let her enjoy a peaceful, stress-free soak just for her.

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Working together to make art won't just allow you to leave with a one-of-a-kind piece. You'll be able to bond as you explore a new hobby. Because it's so relaxing, you may find Mom opening up like never before.

Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowGETTY IMAGES7

If your mom has a hefty fragrance collection, sign her up for a make-your-own-perfume class. She'll get to make a one-of-a-kind scent, and every time she wears it, she'll be reminded of the time she spent with you.

SIGN UP FOR A CLASS

GETTY IMAGES8

For the mom who's always seeking adventure, a trip to your nearest amusement park will be a welcome surprise. Not only will you be able to treat her to her fill of funnel cakes and caramel corn, but you'll get to see her face light up when you all sit next to each other on her favorite ride. If you ask us, it's a win, win.

GET TICKETS

Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowGETTY IMAGES9

Sure, backyard barbecues are often associated with Father's Day, but Mom loves her burgers and dogs, too, so why should Dad get all the fun? If the weather cooperates, fire up the grill!

Good Housekeeping's favorite grilling recipes »

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Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches. 

SHOP TEA SAMPLER

IF you intend to reside in Jamaica you may just want to consider these tips and suggestions •3y ago

Local resident here, lived all over the island. I'll try to cover as many areas as I can.

Visiting here and living here are two separate experiences. When visiting, it is paradise and you enjoy some of the best that the island has to offer because you are spending money and they roll out the red carpet. You'll catch a glimpse of the societal lapses: poverty, homelessness, lack of social services, corruption, a high crime rate and though they'll try to hide it in order to keep you happy and spending. Living here means that you will have to cope with those societal lapses.

Starting a Business: Registering a business is easy, everything else after that gets messy especially if you're importing products. You want to start a business the right way? You may have to offer some bribes just to be able to see the red tape you have to wade through and then even more to get through it and that is while dealing with the general ineptness of the persons in those position because they were not necessarily hired based on merit but nepotism, graft or just a general lack of oversight in recruiting. Customs and taxes will fuck you; I am not exaggerating on that. It's a huge source of revenue for government and hated by everyone here. Most businesses are generally unregistered and no one really cares even though the government has been trying to modernize and get people on board. Banks are 50-50 on your business and while happy to give you a loan, be sure to read the fine print. Extortion of businesses is a thing in some places but really shouldn't bother you but just something to keep in mind. But based on your business, people will support you and generally accept it.

Finding a job: Finding a job isn't that hard. Finding a job that pays well and which you may make a career out of is a whole other story. Many of the jobs here are geared towards "lower skilled workers" and the pros and cons vary widely. But I think I should link this to another topic: where are you going to live? Rural or Urban? I feel a lot of foreigners underestimate the experiences and services they will get in these areas; living in an urban area is expensive and if you're receiving a Jamaican salary, you may have to take a long, hard look at your pay. Living in Rural areas is generally cheaper but you lose access to a lot of amenities and you may need to travel to an urban area for work. Our largest industries are Tourism and Business Process Outsourcing. Tourism is going through tough times with COVID-19 while the Business Process Outsourcing sector is booming especially on the Western side of the island.

The People: the people are generally alright. Most are ok with foreigners and you can make friends easily. But as with any country, there are underlying sentiments of xenophobia and racism though it isn't rampant. If you are of Asian descent, there is a growing discontent here due to the large Chinese investments and them receiving large incentives, tax breaks, huge swaths of our best lands and CHEC, China Harbour Engineering Company, is a somewhat dirty word. If you are white, you are a target for beggars and people wanting something from you. Though a firm voice and stance will let people know to leave you alone with time.

And the elephant in the room, Crime: Sigh, it's bad. Once the rural areas were generally thought of as being peaceful and somewhat less crime ridden. Most people are just trying to go about their lives and businesses but the bad elements are growing and due to the money, that was made from lottery scamming, the continuous underdevelopment and lack of opportunities, many turned to it and then the fighting started for these funds when the US placed pressure on the Government to take action. And since our police officers are mostly trigger-happy morons, they just started shooting which added to the chaos of the gangs fighting with each other. Reprisal killings are rampant and the innocent often get caught in it. There are the well-known crime hotspots but as I said, it's spreading and our rates are now the equivalent of Cartel Towns.

COVID-19: The virus in most of its forms is here and our vaccination rates are kinda low at about 20% at last glance. Many Jamaicans are skeptical about the vaccine and there are a lot of conspiracy theories about it, most are not really anti-vaxxers but are just scared. The anti-vaxxers though will happily announce themselves because there is nothing more an idiot loves more than hearing himself talk. We've been under multiple lockdowns and are now on our fourth wave due to the Omicron variant, though the Governments states that they would not be implementing any more lockdowns and we will have to learn to live with the virus. We are however under an island wide curfew of 10pm-5am and all persons are expected to at work or home at these times.

But it isn't all doom and gloom, we are a very relaxed people and generally go with the flow. The weather is generally consistent cept for the hurricane season lol, there are a lot of things to do and the potential is almost limitless, that's why foreign business keep setting up shop here. There's a lot more I could say but this is a broad topic and has so many nuances. The country has potential and it can be great to live here but you to be aware of the cultural differences here resources available or the lack thereof. I'll be happy to answer any questions to the best of my abilities.

My suggestion? Do a trial run of like a year especially if you are coming from a country where things work.

Sex after 50 can be fulfilling, but it may require more planning and thought than in previous years. Some factors that can affect sex life after 50 include: 

• Menopause: Declining estrogen levels can make it harder to get aroused and reduce desire for sex. Other symptoms of menopause that can affect sex include vaginal dryness, night sweats, anxiety, and depression. 
• Aging: Chronic illness, injuries, and changes in body image can all impact sex
• Erections: Men may notice that erections aren't as firm as they used to be. 
• Painful intercourse: Vaginal atrophy or dryness can cause pain during penetrative sex. 

Here are some tips for having a good sex life after 50:

• Communicate: Be open with your partner about sexual needs and changes. 
• Physical therapy: If pain is due to radiation, chemotherapy, or surgical scarring, physical therapy can help. 
• Consider exercise: Sex is a form of physical activity that can burn calories and improve your health. 
• Listen to your body: Prioritize your own needs and listen to what your body is telling you. 

As you age, some conditions or medicines may put a damper on your sex drive and performance. But don’t think that if you’re in the over-50 crowd, you have to settle for a less-than-fulfilling sex life.

You can still enjoy sex -- you just may have to put a little more thought and planning into it than you did when you were younger.

Here are 7 things you can do to keep sex exciting and fulfilling for you and your partner:

You may think of sex as leisurely, but you can work up quite a sweat during lovemaking. Here are a few reasons why getting fit can help you get it on:

It strengthens your muscles. Nothing can kill a mood faster than hurting your back or pulling a muscle. Check into the best strength-training exercises for you.

It improves your mood. Exercise can release chemicals in your brainthat make you feel better and more at ease. When was the last time you felt blue and also interested in sex?

It helps you look better. Regular exercise can keep your body looking its best and that can help your confidence and boost your sex life.

For women, regular physical activity might help with arousal.

Women may also benefit from what’s called Kegel exercises. They can make your pelvic floor muscles stronger. You can identify those muscles the next time you pee by stopping in midstream. You can practice tightening and relaxing those muscles several times a day.

Men who exercise are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction, or ED, than men who are inactive. If you enjoy long-distance bicycling, make sure you have a soft, comfortable seat and a bike that fits you properly. This can help you avoid a potential ED problem.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin any new exercise program.

When you’ve been with the same partner for a long time, you may want to come up with ideas to add a little variety to your sex life.

The answer might be something as simple as changing the time of day you have sex. If you’re too sleepy at night, maybe sex in the morning is right for both of you.

Some other ideas to keep things interesting:

• Try different sexual positions
• Set the stage and create a romantic atmosphere; a little planning can go a long way
• Take it out of the bedroom and find a new place to make love
• Shower or take a bath with your lover
• Indulge in professional massages that will leave you both relaxed

If you or your partner can’t do this anymore, there are other options for you to enjoy closeness and pleasure.

The simple but intimate acts of kissing and touching should not be overlooked. You and your partner may also consider:

• Giving each other sensual massages
• Oral sex
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Posted on February 7, 2025

With the Body Balance Journey now over, you’ve already shown yourself what’s possible when you commit to change. So, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back for all the amazing work you’ve already put in.

You’ve built healthier habits, balanced your body and started feeling even better — but here’s the big question: How do you keep the momentum going?

The answer: transition into the maintenance phase of the Body Balance System… unless you want to keep going at the pace you’re currently on.

In the maintenance phase, you’ll shift your focus to actually listening to your body. Here are four steps to take to shift gears from transformation mode to thriving mode in a way that feels natural, sustainable and freeing.

The Approved Foods List from the Body Balance System is your best friend — like, forever. Your BFF, if you will.

Whole foods — such as lean proteins, fresh veggies, fruits and healthy fats — naturally help you maintain your body goals. They’re nutrient-dense, filling and far less likely to trigger cravings.

Here’s why this works:

• Fewer processed foods, fewer cravings: Whole foods keep your blood sugar steady, which means fewer “I need a snack now!” moments. It’s amazing how quickly you don’t crave unhealthy snacks once you switch to eating whole foods. Whereas, processed snacks are like trying to fill a leaky bucket; no matter how much you eat, you’ll still feel unsatisfied.
• Naturally satisfying: High-fibre veggies, lean proteins and healthy fats are shown to keep you feeling full longer, making it easier to stop when you’re satisfied. What’s also great about whole foods is you can eat MORE of them, not less. Just imagine how many strawberries you could eat that would equal the volume of a cookie.
• Better balance: Whole foods nourish your body, supporting the balance you’ve worked so hard to achieve. With vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, real foods fuel your body and mind, not just your appetite.

You’re probably familiar with the foods and portions you typically eat to hit your nutrition goals. By now, you can likely estimate serving sizes with reasonable accuracy. If you’re ready, start trusting your instincts to portion your meals. Items, such as eggs, often come pre-portioned, making this even simpler.

Remember, if you’re tuning into your hunger and fullness cues, slight variations in portions — whether you have a little more or a little less — won’t make a significant difference. Your body naturally adjusts your appetite and satisfaction to meet your energy needs over time. As a general guide, aiming for a portion about the size of your palm is a great place to start.

Action Step: Keep your kitchen stocked with System-approved staples to make healthy eating your new normal. Also, make sure those tempting processed snacks are out of sight. If your fridge and pantry are a treasure trove of whole food options, you won’t have to “willpower” your way to healthy choices.

Maintenance isn’t just about keeping the scale steady — it’s about living a balanced, healthy lifestyle that feels good every day. Ask yourself:

• How do I feel after meals? Energised or sluggish?
• Am I moving my body in ways that I enjoy?
• Am I giving myself grace on days that aren’t perfect?

Remember, health is wealth.

The habits you’ve built during the Journey don’t have to end. Keep what works for you and adjust as needed. For example:

• Keep up meal prep: A little time upfront to prepare your go-to healthy meals saves a ton of stress later. It’s a game-changer for staying on track.
• Stay active: Whether it’s walking, yoga or hitting the gym, find or continue with activities you love and make them a regular part of your routine.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Keep sipping water throughout the day — your body will thank you.

Perfection isn’t the goal. Consistency is.

There will be days when you eat pizza or skip a workout — and that’s okay. Everything you eat is a choice. Try to make choices that support your health and your goals most of the time but allow yourself the freedom and flexibility to make other choices, 

As you wrap up the Body Balance Journey, take a moment to recognise how far you’ve come.

You’ve done the hard part. You’ve proven you can do this. Now, make it stick. Because the best version of your life is just getting started.

Download ArticleSECTIONS1What is a welfare check?2How to Request a Welfare Check3What justifies a welfare check?+Show 1 more...OTHER SECTIONSTips and WarningsRelated ArticlesReferencesCo-authored by Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: October 20, 2024 Fact Checked

Do you have a friend, loved one, or acquaintance that you just can’t seem to get in touch with? A welfare check (also known as a wellness check or a police welfare check) could be the solution that you’re looking for. Read on to learn exactly what a welfare check is, as well as how (and when) to request one. With a simple phone call, you’ll be one step closer to reaching the person you’re worried about.

• Police officers perform welfare checks on behalf of concerned friends, loved ones, acquaintances, and co-workers.
• Request a welfare check by either calling 911 or a non-emergency police number.
• A consistent lack of contact, mental health crisis, and suspicious activity near someone's home all justify a welfare check.

Download Article

1Call a local police non-emergency number or 911.Always call 911 if you suspect that the person is in active, immediate danger (like a suicidal friend or loved one). Dial the police non-emergency number for serious but not necessarily life-threatening concerns (like a neighbor you haven’t heard from in a few days).[2]

• Check your police department’s website to find the non-emergency number. If you’re calling on behalf of a distant friend or relative, be sure to call their local precinct.
• 
  

2Explain who you’re requesting the welfare check for and why.Let the operator know the full name of the person you’re worried about, as well as where they live. Then, explain why you’re worried about the person in question and/or why you think they could be in danger.[3]

• “I wanted to request a welfare check for my neighbor Jane Kelly who lives on 300 Apple Road. She hasn’t gotten her mail in several days and I haven’t seen her around the neighborhood at all. She’s 81, so I’m worried that she might have fallen or suffered a medical emergency.”
• “I’d like to request an immediate welfare check on my friend Josh Adams. He lives in apartment 17B in the Meadow Springs apartment complex on 700 Main Street. He just posted a suicide note on social media, and I’m afraid that he might take his own life.”
• 
  

3Wait to hear back from the police officers.If the welfare check goes well, law enforcement officers will likely call you back with an update. If the welfare check doesn’t go well, the officers will focus on the most immediate issue at hand.[4]

• Let’s say you requested a welfare check on your elderly aunt. The police stop by and find that she’s fallen and injured herself. In this case, they’d call for medical assistance before calling you back.
• 
  

Suicide riskWelfare checks are commonly called for people displaying suicidal tendencies—this might be a concerning text, a bizarre post on social media, or a confession over the phone. An urgent welfare check can potentially save someone’s life and help them get the mental health support that they need.[6]

• You can request a welfare check for a friend or loved one who’s experiencing any type of life-threatening mental health crisis. When making the call, ask if a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) is available to help the person in need—CIT officers are best equipped to handle these types of situations.[7]

Suspicious activity near a person’s homeDoes your neighbor’s home look broken into, or do you see suspicious people prowling near their home? Call the police and request a welfare check—this allows law enforcement to quickly assist potential victims

1. 1Police knock on the person’s door and see if they’re home.After knocking or ringing the doorbell, the officers will announce themselves and wait for someone to answer the door. If the person in question is fine, the police will contact the original caller with an update.[9]
   • Ask the police officer if you can go with them during the welfare check, especially if you suspect that the person could be having a crisis. It could be comforting for them to see a familiar face during the check-in.[10]

2Officers investigate around the home if nobody’s around.Police may walk around the person’s home and see if they can get an idea of where the person may be and what’s going on. They may also inspect the garage/parking lot to see if the person’s car is nearby.[11]

• Police officers will also check the person’s mail to see if they have any letters or packages piling up.
• 
  

3Officers collect background information and do a little research.Law enforcement might knock on neighbors’ doors, check the call history at the person’s home, and dig into the person’s medical history. In some cases, officers might check nearby hospitals and jails to see if the person is there.[12]

• Police will ask neighbors if they’ve seen the person recently, or if they know about any spare keys the person might have to their home. They might also contact the person’s family and friends for this type of information.

4Police forcefully enter the home if they feel the situation calls for it.Believe it or not, police are allowed to enter a person’s home without a warrant if they think that person’s life or safety could be in danger. Ultimately, this decision depends on the specific situation.[13]

• Police will often search for an open window or another point of entry before breaking into the home.

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A work-life balance is key for us all. We offer flexible working as well as health, well-being and discount schemes. The annual leave package usually starts at 25 days per year and increases to 30 days with long service. Our pension scheme is one of the best workplace pension schemes in the UK public sector, with an average employer contribution of 27%.

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Posted on June 11, 2024

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Miranda Kerr
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Miranda Kerr is one of the world’s most beautiful people. She’s a professional model, an author, an entrepreneur and a world-wide beauty icon. She also happens to be a huge advocate of noni and Thrive Adaptogenics, and she talks about it whenever she gets an opportunity.

In a recent issue of Life & Style, a European publication with a circulation of over 125,000, Kerr calls Tahitian Noni® Juice (now known as Thrive Adaptogenics) an integral part of her daily diet. She often calls noni her “Beauty Secret”.

on morinda blog

Miranda Kerr called
noni her “beauty secret”

During a recent appearance on Conan, Miranda sat down with Conan O’Brien to discuss a variety of subjects including her love of noni. Miranda called noni her “beauty secret,” and enthusiastically shared its benefits with a nationwide audience.

“[Noni] is a fruit which orginates in Tahiti,” Kerr told O’Brien.
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“I drink it all the time!” Kerr added.

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• moboawards
  The Queen of Dancehall is coming to the #MOBOAwards stage! @spiceofficialis ready to bring the 🔥 and deliver a performance like no other on Feb 18! 🤩✨
  
  Are you ready to feel the energy and experience an unforgettable moment with Spice? 🙌🏾
  
  Don’t miss out—see her live at the 2025 MOBO Awards on February 18 in 

Returning Resident Registration and Application Process

Who is Eligible?
In order to be considered a Returning Resident, and to benefit from the concession afforded to Returning Residents, you must satisfy one of the following conditions:

1. Be a Jamaican national who has attained the age of 18 years, and who 
   • has been residing overseas for the last 3 consecutive years, and
   • is returning to Jamaica to reside permanently.

1. Be a Jamaican student who has attained the age of 18 years and who has studied abroad for more than one year but fewer than 3 consecutive years 
2. Be a Jamaican student who has attained the age of 18 years and who has studied abroad for more than one year but fewer than 3 consecutive years.
3. Be a Non-Jamaican whose spouse is a Jamaican Returning Resident.
4. A Deportee who has been residing overseas for the last 3 consecutive years

Note: A couple - husband and wife- will be counted as one family if returned together, and will only get one concession. Spouses not returning together, but within three years of each other, are treated as one family and will also get only one concession.

Documents Required
Returning Residents must visit the Jamaica Customs Agency Returning Residents Unit and submit the following:

• Valid Jamaican Passport or foreign passport that is endorsed with the unconditional landing stamp
• Validated Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
• Taxpayers Registration Number (TRN)
• Documentary evidence that will substantiate residency outside of Jamaica for 3 or more consecutive years.
• Returning Students should present a transcript, student’s I-20, confirmation letter of attendance from last institution of study and identification card issued by the institution
• Deportees should present their Deportation Order and case file.

Entitlement

• A specified amount of personal and household effects can be imported free of customs duty.
• Returning Residents may import their tools of trade free of customs duty
• Returning Students are entitled to import reasonable quantity of used household effects, musical instruments, and one of each type of electronic equipment (new or used) 
• Deported persons will receive entitlement similar to that of returning residents.

NB: Qualified applicants can benefit only ONCE from this concession

Click here for Entitlement

Former President Donald Trump speaks during an event at his Mar-a-Lago home on November 15 in Palm Beach, Florida.Joe 

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London, 8th January 2024: Today, as Parliament resumes, actor and activist Idris Elba launches the Don’t Stop Your Future campaign, demanding urgent government action to address the pervasive issue of serious youth violence in the UK.

In a symbolic display at Parliament Square, Idris Elba, accompanied by Yemi Hughes, mother of Andre Aderemi, who tragically lost his life to knife crime, showcases an installation of neatly folded outfits representing lives lost to violence. He emphasises the urgent need for politicians to prioritise this crisis and act decisively.

Idris Elba’s campaign aims to shine a spotlight on the human cost of knife crime by displaying these poignant outfits in front of Parliament, honouring the lives lost and urging political leaders to take meaningful action. The actor emphasises the importance of seizing the opportunity of the New Year to drive change, profiling and supporting grassroots organisations that provide alternatives to crime.

Accompanying the installation are billboards across the UK featuring poignant words from Poojah Kanda, mother of Ronan Kanda, who fell victim to mistaken identity in 2022. The campaign seeks to convey the ongoing impact of serious youth violence on victims' families.

As part of the initiative, Idris releases a powerful track titled ‘Knives Down’ to raise awareness and give a voice to those affected by knife crime. The video features a debate in the House of Commons, highlighting the stories of victims and worst-affected communities. The track calls on Parliament to urgently ban zombie knives and machetes, addressing the supply chains that bring them to UK streets.

The actor and activist stresses the need for both immediate action and long-term support. He calls on the government to invest in youth services, citing a 74% cut in funding since 2010/11 and the correlation between youth service cuts and increased youth violence.

To tackle the root causes of serious youth violence, Idris Elba calls for the formation of a Coalition to End Knife Crime, a cross-party, cross-governmental working group that includes relevant government departments, grassroots organisations, sporting bodies, young people, and technology companies. The goal is to improve collaboration and dialogue, addressing the underlying issues contributing to youth violence and ensuring a brighter future for young people across the UK.

Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust said: “Idris’ Don’t Stop Your Future campaign is a vital and much needed intervention to shine a spotlight on serious youth violence, which has been neglected for too long. It's horrifying that hardly a day goes by without the tragic news of someone being hurt, maimed, or even killed with a machete or zombie knife. Four months have passed since we were promised the legislation we so desperately need to ban these weapons, yet the Bill has only just started its agonisingly slow journey through Parliament.

“The Government has demonstrated that when they deem it necessary, Parliamentary time can be found to expedite Bills with urgency. So, why, when we know that these knives are being used to take the lives of our children, are they not prioritising a ban with the same urgency?

Review

Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham’s drama about a teen accused of murder is astounding. Its dazzling performances, and the devastating questions it asks, will linger with you

Lucy ManganThu 13 Mar 2025 05.00 GMTShare

In the late 80s, there was a trilogy of dramas by Malcolm McKay called A Wanted Man. It starred Denis Quilley and Bill Paterson and at the centre had the most phenomenal performance by Michael Fitzgerald as Billy, a man arrested for gross indecency who comes to be suspected of the murder of a child. The first instalment followed his interrogation by a detective (Quilley), the second his trial and the third its aftermath. It was, and remains, the most devastating and immaculately scripted and played series I have ever seen – as close to televisual perfection as you can get.

There have been a few contenders for the crown over the years, but none has come as close as Jack Thorne’s and Stephen Graham’s astonishing four-part series Adolescence, whose technical accomplishments – each episode is done in a single take – are matched by an array of award-worthy performances and a script that manages to be intensely naturalistic and hugely evocative at the same time. Adolescence is a deeply moving, deeply harrowing experience.

It begins with the police bursting into 14-year-old Jamie Miller’s family home and arresting him on suspicion of murdering his classmate Katie the night before. The first two episodes immerse us in the world of the police station, procedural detail and the detectives’ building of the case against Jamie (Owen Cooper), although he denies involvement.

He chooses his dad, Eddie (Stephen Graham), as his appropriate adult. We will watch this man’s disbelief turn over the course of the 13-month period of the story into unfathomable grief. It is no spoiler to say that Jamie killed Katie – the evidence is given to us early and incontrovertibly. The drama’s concern is with why. We are led into a teenage world that is lived primarily online and which adults are, whatever they might think, incapable of properly monitoring or understanding.

DI Luke Bascombe (Ashley Walters, supremely good, especially at capturing the essential bleakness of a job that may or may not bring justice, but will never restore a dead child to her parents) only really begins to understand the possible “why” when his own teenage son translates the emojis used in Katie’s comments under some of Jamie’s Instagram posts. The world of “incel” culture, the message spread between boys and young men about what they are entitled to expect and to take from girls and women, comes alive. Andrew Tate’s name is mentioned by adults as they try to get to grips with what they are learning, but the children don’t bother – it is just the water they swim in.

by Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle

I have more free time these next few weeks so my blog neglect will subside, at least until January 2018. Watching the sun set over the ocean yesterday and some healing solitude has got me reflecting. Part of that reflection entails what it means to be Jamaican since it’s Heroes’ Weekend after all so if not patriotism, at least staycations are in full swing.  I’m sort of doing both. Anyway, here’s my take for today: what being Jamaican means to me and why I’ll likely live here my whole life no matter how far and wide I eventually travel.

1. Our omnipresent mountains. From the north, south, east or west coast, our rugged misty blue giants are always in sight. You can’t ever escape the mountains in Jamaica. I always feel happy looking up at or driving through them.

2. Our beaches are divine. Something about powdery soft smooth sand, waves varying from aquamarine to turquoise to deep dark navy blue and warm welcoming sunshine. Sometimes the sun is too hot, sand sticks in weird places and the salt water burns, but our beaches are always nice.

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3. The pulsating beat of our music. Sometimes dancehall lyrics can be immensely distasteful, misogynistic or downright lewd, but regardless of the lyrics attached, the beat of our music is hypnotizing. Every now and again there’s a dancehall song which passes my lyric standards plus there’s always reggae music.

4. Our rivers. I’m lost for words at the beauty of our rivers and the waterfalls which cascade from some of them.

5. You don’t have to wander far to find trees, not even in the capital city of Kingston. I shared a very calming albeit thought-provoking video from Healing Forest in May on my blog’s Facebook page which has lingered on my mind since. They managed to beautifully capture why feeling at peace in nature is innate and that in order to feel peace in our daily lives, we have to learn to carry a bit of the forest inside us as opposed to the traffic, noise and confusion from our daily hectic city lives. I feel the way in which our people incorporate flowers, trees and hedges into our homes and work spaces makes it easy to carry a bit of that forest within me. You won’t really find Jamaica’s urban children wondering from where did the fruit or vegetable they’re eating come. They can point out the tree from which their mango fell, show you the Jamaican national flower and certainly can point out when an ackee fruit is safe to pick (it’s not that poisonous a fruit honestly! 😅).

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6. Our dance moves and their names. Really, anything can become a catchy dance move in Jamaica. Cowfoot, breadfruit, Tom Cruise, jog, need I say more? The bouts of accompanying laughter when you hear what’s the latest one or see someone trying who doesn’t get it right adds to the fun.

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7. Our interesting street dances. Really, anywhere can become an impromptu party venue once there’s a boombox.

8. Jerk. It doesn’t matter to what the tantalizing blend is applied. Chicken, pork, fish, mutton etc. You know it will be spicy & delicious.

9. Our food. If a Jamaican asks you whether or not your cooked lunch comes with food, they’re really talking about if you serve ground provisions. Why eat bleached rice, flour and pasta every day when you have easy access to yams, potatoes, sweet potatoes, dasheens, cocos, green bananas and plantains?

10. No really, our food this time. Slavery might have been abolished since 1834 but our dishes still ring of the past when only subsistence crops, dried cured meats and odd bits of the animal thrown away in other cultures entered the local family pot. Seriously, just listen to these names. Tripe and beans, brown stew cowfoot, chicken foot soup, stew peas with pig tail, salt mackerel run-down and of course our national dish ackee and saltfish (i.e. dried cured cod-fish which likely has no nutrients left, besides protein). They aren’t always the healthiest meals but my gosh, they are so dang delicious!!!

11. Our Scotch Bonnet pepper. I wish I could boast that Jamaica has the world’s hottest pepper but my Trinidadian friends would quickly set me straight. They have the Scorpion Butch-T pepper, once ranked the world’s hottest, but no other pepper, NONE, will ever compare to my love for scotch pepper.

12. Our desserts & sweet treats. Almost all feature coconut or ginger so if you dislike these spices then you won’t understand the point of this one.

13. Our resourcefulness. Waste not, want not is our informal motto. We know how to turn wi hand make fashion and it shows in our food, musical instruments, houses and even the ways in which we have fun. Take for instance rafting, meant originally as a transportation means to carry bananas from deep inland Portland to the coast for export and now it’s a luxurious tranquil mode of travel for vacationers on the island’s largest rivers. Not convinced? Well, look at this abandoned hydroelectric plant pictured above. It’s now Saint Thomas’ grandest attraction.

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14. Our PATOIS. Like most Jamaicans, I’ve had a bittersweet relationship with this beautiful language. The upper classes in Jamaica tend to look down on our local creole, a blend of English and West African languages, saying it’s bad language and frowning upon those who use it. It’s only spoken locally so of course I believe each and every one of us must also learn and speak fluent English for communication elsewhere. However, we need not be so hard on ourselves. We must respect this oral language for what it means in our history. I now feel at ease code switching between English and patois and will happily school anyone who looks down on the language of my people as being inferior. Furthermore, there are some things you really can’t express in English without losing its meaning. “Mi seh di likkle gyal outaada an’ bright yuh see?” She’s a facetious child you see but Jamaicans, won’t you agree it’s not the same?

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I could say a lot more but let’s end it here at:

Samuel ‘Daddy‘ Sharpe

Our heroes. They are the leaders who fought long and hard for the freedom I enjoy today and fought to allow me to lounge in bed lazily on a Sunday afternoon at 1pm typing this article. I hope they’re proud of where we have taken their vision for this island. We have failed in quite a few areas but we do what we can in this third-world land and as tiny a dot as we are on the map, our voices are LOUD. Continue to swell my heart with pride even if it weeps for you sometimes, Jamaica. I salute all the heroes but special big ups to Daddy Sharpe. You are the straw which broke the plantation system’s back in 1831/32! #KnowYourHistory #NeverForget. This is all which came to mind during the writing of this blog post but if you’re Jamaican or have visited and can think of more things to add, kindly drop a comment

BY  BROOKE LEFFERTSUpdated 1:47 PM GMT, March 14, 2025Share

NEW YORK (AP) — The affection between Sting and Shaggy is palpable from the moment they sit down together. When the two prolific recording artists are asked where the chemistry comes from, Shaggy simply says they make each other laugh.

The pals have worked together on several projects, including their Grammy-winning reggae album “44/876” in 2018 and on Shaggy’s 2022 album “Com Fly Wid Mi,” where Sting encouraged Shaggy to depart from his trademark “toasting” on reggae/dancehall hits to sing Frank Sinatra songs.

Their latest collaboration is “Til A Mawnin” — an upbeat reggae track showcasing some of the pair’s playfulness released Feb. 27. Sting, 73, and Shaggy, 56, spoke to The Associated Press recently about the new song and finding friendship and musical inspiration in each other. Answers have been edited for clarity and brevity.

STING: You know, you meet people sometimes and you recognize them immediately. I don’t know, chemistry maybe, but I recognized him as a kindred spirit. And yeah, we’re both students. We’re both curious about music. We’re both dads.

SHAGGY: Husbands!

STING: Good citizens!

STING: The first time I heard it, I started to smile. There’s a lot of joy in this song, and I feel it’s kind of necessary at this time in the world. ... The world is fractured and so we need music to be a medicine. We need something that makes us smile.

SHAGGY: It’s a feel-good track. But it’s a little deeper for me. There’s a cultural undertone here with this song. The original riddim track was from an old Yellowman song, “I’m Getting Married,” produced by a legendary producer by the name of (Henry) “Junjo” Lawes. He’s arguably the guy that was responsible for a whole genre, which is dancehall, because he did reggae music, but he voiced “toasters” on these reggae beats. And what he did was sound system music, which is these huge speakers they used to block the streets, and that sound system music was part of a deep part of the ghetto sound. Culturally, it’s the soundtrack to almost every inner-city person’s life in Jamaica.

SHAGGY: The reggae community and the Jamaican communities have embraced this track solid and they’re very, very proud of it. I like the fact that it’s going beyond just the range. There’s a lot of international eyes on it and ears on it. You know, people are really sending their comments in and you could feel it. There’s an energy with this record that we haven’t felt in a long time, and it’s just sunshine and joy.

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What we really are – at heart – is ordinary people, just like you; offering a relaxed, comfortable, and judgement-free space built to empower you to be yourself. So, come as you are. You’re welcome here. 

To remove the stigma around Men's Mental Health by providing safe spaces for men to show up as their authentic selves without judgement or expectation.

By expressing ourselves in a safe space we create deeper connections

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We are stronger together.

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To consistently do what is morally right for the community.
Lock, Stock and Barrel: Jamaica takes on illicit arms and weapons 

19 March 2024
In Jamaica, a concerted effort is underway to tackle a challenge that has long hindered progress and prosperity – the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. As the third-largest island in the Caribbean, with a population of 2.73 million, Jamaica faces the stark reality of high crime rates. Firearms, arriving through official and unofficial channels, play a pivotal role in fuelling organized crime, contributing to homicides and violence concentrated in urban and rural areas. Indeed, on average nearly 80 per cent of all homicides in the country have involved the use of a firearm.

Vision 2030 Jamaica, the National Development Plan, underscores the profound impact of crime and violence on the country’s development and its impact on citizen safety and security. Recognizing the complexity of this issue, spearheaded by the United Nations, the Joint Programme on reducing small arms & light weapons in Jamaica, under the umbrella of the Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) Fund, stands as a shining example of coordinated action and support for the island nation pooling in various actors and expertise to address both the supply and demand sides of the problem.

Under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, the programme leverages the strengths and expertise of four key UN entities: the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA), the Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC), and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Working to deliver as one, the UN Country Team has synchronized efforts to channel investments towards addressing the scourge of illicit small arms and the SDGs and national priorities, more broadly.

Through the Programme’s targeted capacity-building sessions, law enforcement officials at the nation’s maritime and seaports, airport authorities and customs agents now boast of improved detection capabilities. The Programme is also providing legal advice and legislative support in the development of a new Firearms Bill, a  legislative framework governing small arms reduction.

Further, it has also facilitated meaningful research by launching the first Violence Audit conducted in Jamaica. The Audit is the first time a clear baseline has been established on the use of small arms and light weapons in volatile communities. Moreover, the inter-agency technical working group, an innovative component of the programme, has fostered increased collaboration and information sharing, ensuring a comprehensive and people-centered approach to tackling violence.

The Programme has also worked closely with educators and youth to foster firearm free and peaceful school communities. Engaging closely with the Ministry of Education and Youth, the Programme has led to the establishment of clear guidelines on reducing the presence of firearms in schools, opening channels of communications to various breaches and recording incidents of use. For vulnerable youth, the Programme has been instrumental in setting up “Youth For Peace Clubs” that are helping inculcate peaceful conflict mediation skills, manage their social and emotional behaviours and tackle gender stereotypes to bring about change.

One teacher, participating in the training, commented, "I really appreciated all that was shared about peace. My main take away is that peace is more than just a word but an active tool to effect positive change in all our lives and improve the quality of our lives. What I will do now is to promote peace in all my classes and guide my students to peaceful resolutions for their conflicts.”

Reflecting on how interpersonal conflicts would earlier escalate into fights and the change since the Programme’s intervention, two youth participants to the training said, “I learned the difference between conflict and violence. I want to use my learnings to change the school. I want to be a change maker. I want to create a Youth For Peace Club at my school.”

“It is time for the Government to take action and ban machetes, and zombie knives with immediate effect.”

Friday, March 14, 2025

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• No To Guns! Yes To Life - International Awareness Campaign against Gun Violence

By Karl Pearson on Sunday, November 21, 2010 - 2 comments

Gun and knives crime appears to be an increasing problem the world over with more than Three Million (3,000,000) lives taken by it each year and it is probably fair to say that Jamaica has more than its share. A campaign is now underway there to try and unify people into saying enough really is enough.   

The “No To Guns! Yes To Life International Awareness Campaign Against Gun, Knife & Gang Violence” is being spear headed by Black Music Promotions from Portmore. They believe that fighting crime is not just the sole responsibility of the Police, but of all citizens as well, and only through collaborated, committed effort can this be achieved.

"Joshua grieved, and wanted to do a song, that would be used as a learning tool, for others. This is how he got the inspiration, to write this song", told us Randolph Fisher, Chief Executive Officer of Black Music Promotion.

"GUN OR LIFE was recorded in 2006, as Joshua had a friend who was involved in illegal gun activities. Joshua on numerous occasions, ask him to quit and change from his way of living. At one point in time, Joshua ask him to come to the studio with him, to see if he could get the man involved in music recording, but he refused as usual. That same day Joshua invited him to the studio, he died the evening, he was killed by police after robing & shot some one."

"Joshua grieved, and wanted to do a song, that would be used as a learning tool, for others. This is how he got the inspiration, to write this song."

It hopes that by getting its citizens and police to work together and unite as one they will dim
Plan to cut thousands of civil service jobs in radical government shake-up

Exclusive: Proposals also include crackdown on quangos and restructuring NHS England

• What are quangos and what do they do?

A radical blueprint for reforming the state is being drawn up by government officials, including a crackdown on quangos and thousands more civil service job cuts, the Guardian understands.

Proposals to restructure NHS England, with entire teams axed to save money and avoid duplication, could be replicated across a range of arm’s length bodies that spend about £353bn of public money.

Separately, No 10 and the Treasury are understood to be taking a close interest in proposals drawn up by Labour Together, a thinktank with close links to the government, to reshape the state under plans dubbed “project chainsaw”.

The project’s nickname is a reference to Elon Musk’s stunt wielding a chainsaw to symbolise controversial government cuts for Donald Trump’s administration.

Keir Starmer told his cabinet at their weekly meeting on Tuesday that they should stop “outsourcing” decisions to regulators and quangos and take more responsibility for their own departments.

The prime minister said they “must go further and faster to reform the state” and reverse what he described as a “trend” under previous government of decisions being made by other bodies.

In a speech on Thursday he will set out plans expected to result in the cutting of thousands more Whitehall jobs than expected, as well as a reorganisation of more than 300 quangos, including NHS England, which together employ almost 300,000 people.

29 mins agoHEALTHBy Molly CourtTrending News Reporter@mxllycourtShare0 CommentsThe campaign will be targeted at children aged three to five (Image: Getty)

A country-wide supervised toothbrushing campaign has been launched in a bid to “revive” the country’s oral health across England.

The programme, in which children are encouraged to brush their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, will take place in early years settings, including nurseries and schools for children aged of three to five.

While many welcomed the scheme, education leaders said that schools cannot be expected to “fix all of society’s ills” and that steps must be taken to prevent a shift of “what is ultimately a parental responsibility on to the shoulders of schools”.

School and nursery staff in the most deprived areas of England will be asked to supervise young children while they brush their teeth, under a national toothbrushing programme launched by the government.

Should teachers teach children how to brush their teeth?
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) March 7, 2025

The scheme which was launched on Friday (March 7) will see funding made available from April and the initiative will be targeted at the most deprived areas of the country.

Official data shows as many as six in 10 children in some areas have rotting teeth by the age of five, with clear differences between poorer regions of England and the more affluent.

It is hoped that the initiative could save the NHS millions by reducing the number of children who need hospital care for rotten teeth.

Supervised toothbrushing is already available to 143,000 children across the country, according to figures published in the British Dental Journal.

The Department of Health and Social Care said it expects up to 600,000 children to take part in the supervised brushing.

0:00 / 0:47How much water should you drinkdaily?

The initiative, from DHSC and the Department for Education, will be backed by £11 million. Schools are able to voluntarily sign up to the scheme.

Health minister Stephen Kinnock said: “It is shocking that a third of five-year-olds in the most deprived areas have experience of tooth decay, something we know can have a lifelong impact on their health.

“It’s why we’re delivering supervised toothbrushing to young children and families who are most in need of support as part of our wider plans to revive the oral health of the nation.

“This includes providing 23 million free toothbrushes and toothpastes through our partnership with Colgate-Palmolive to reach up to 600,000 children each year.”

Early education minister Stephen Morgan, added: “This Government is working hard to break the unfair link between background and opportunity, to ensure tens of thousands more children are school ready every year.”

Do you agree with the rollout of this campaign across England? (Image: DEAN HINDMARCH/Getty)Eddie Crouch, chairman of the British Dental Association commented: “It’s rare to find something to smile about in dentistry these days.

“But supervised tooth-brushing is tried and tested policy that will save children from pain and our NHS a fortune.”

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, explained: “There is no doubt that there is a crisis in childhood dental health in this country and the Government are right to make it a priority.

“However, we cannot keep loading increasing expectations on schools.

Recommended reading:

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• How to appeal a school place if your child doesn't get their first choice 

“Nor can we keep looking to schools to fix all of society’s ills. Most people would see tooth-brushing as a basic part of parenting, and we must be careful not to shift what is ultimately a parental responsibility on to the shoulders of schools.

“The new expectations around breakfast clubs are already placing increasing demands in schools, there is only so much we can expect teachers and school staff to do.

“We would urge the Government to think further about how parents can be supported to look after their children’s oral health and to focus on rebuilding NHS dentistry.”

HEALTHShare0 Comments

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“If people take anything from my music, it should be motivation to know that anything is possible as long as you keep working at it and don’t back down.” ~ Eminem

Lately, I am sure we all have heard of the two great legends, LL Cool J and Eminem go in on their newest hit, Murdergram Deux!

Being a sequel to LL’s original Murdergram coming off of the classic “Mama Said Knock You Out” album in 1990, Murdergram Deux came from a place of passion and pure lyricism, with Cool J finding the beat and saying, “Eminem would snap on this!” and contacted Marshall and sent the beat.

Next thing you know, they were eventually in Dre’s studio recording the song and eventually getting the music video, which is now up and on YouTube currently, even with Marshall giving nods to Big Daddy Kane!

This piece is just a little rant and rave about why I love this collaboration and how it is so special, especially to the rap game! This is easily my favorite song of 2024, and I appreciate the detail and love that went this project.

Off the first listen, the beat is genuinely what makes people instantly stomp their feet or even bump their head, this heavy, fast paced arp with a club-ish beat over it, is the perfect mix for a banger, especially between two lyrical geniuses with the punchlines and clever bars. The halftime switches of the beat are so great!!

Also, on top of the fact we have never gotten an LL Cool J and Eminem collab, so it was something neat to see, considering that Cool J is Em’s favorite rapper!

Next, the flow and lyricism coming off of both Em and Cool J, just ASTOUNDING. The multi-syllable rhyme schemes are so perfect and smooth and once you hear the song a few times, the lyrics are practically memorable.

5 Comments / Music / By Enki's Records

Discover some of Jamaica’s top child stars, from classic reggae singers to dancehall DJs. Many proceeded to have successful careers as adults.

Billy Boyo was a teenage star of pre-digital dancehall. He was born in 1969 in Kingston, Jamaica. His real name was Billy Theophilus Rowe.

Legendary producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes discovered Billy Boyo when he was just 12 years old. In the early 1980s, Billy Boyo recorded some amazing hits with the powerful Roots Radics Band and the innovative young engineer Scientist. ‘One spliff a day’ is one notable example. Always under Junjo, Billy Boyo recorded the album “DJ Clash Volume 2” with fellow young deejay, Little Harry.

In 1983, Billy Boyo (together with Ranking Toyan and yet another child star, Little John) went to London to work with producer Silver Kamel. Due to various reasons, it took almost twenty years before Billy Boyo’s album, “Zim Zim”, was released.

Billy Boyo wasn’t a prolific recording artist, he was more of a live deejay rather than a recording artist. He died in 2000, according to most sources of a brain tumor.

Dennis Emmanuel Brown was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1957. He started his career as a nine-year-old singer, performing with Byron Lee and the Dragonaires in the mid-60s.

Dennis Brown cut his first hit single, No Man Is An Island for Clement “Sir Coxsone’ Dodd at the age of 10. Over the next 30 years, he would become one of the most prolific artists the world has ever seen, releasing around 80 studio albums, seven live productions and countless singles.

Bob Marley dubbed him “The Crown Prince of Reggae“, and Brown would prove influential on future generations of reggae singers. Dennis Brown died of cardiac arrest in 1999 at the age of 42.

very young Dennis Brown [source: pinterest]

Freddie McGregor was born in 1956 in Clarendon, Jamaica. His music career began when he was seven years old. At that time, in 1963, “Little Freddie” formed his band “The Clarendonians” with Peter Austin and Ernest Wilson, and recorded his first song for the Studio One label.

Ever since Freddie McGregor has had an incredibly steady career. He’s spanned nearly every stylistic shift in Jamaican music, from ska to Rastafarian roots reggae to lovers rock, and even experimented in dancehall.

John McMorris, or Little John, was born in 1970. This Jamaican dancehall musician is best known for his 1980s recordings when he was one of the reggae DJ child stars along with Billy Boyo and Little Harry.

He began performing and recording at the age of nine and was famous for his ability to create lyrics over any backing track. He recorded for many producers in the 1980s, notably for ‘Junjo’ Lawes, Joseph Hoo Kim, Jah Thomas, and King Jammy.

Little John, Billy Boyo and ranking Toyan [image from Deejay Toasters on facebook]

Little Harry was born in 1965. According to Discogs, his real name is Claude Alexander Campbell. Little Harry’s music career started when he was about 13 years old, and he became famous throughout the 1980s for his live performances with sound systems including Volcano and King Sturmars Hi-Fi.

Little Harry was an early collaborator with Yellowman and recorded the 1983 LP “DJ Clash Volume 2” with fellow child deejay Billy Boyo.

Born James Chambers in 1944, Jimmy Cliff began his illustrious career while in high school by entering many local talent contests.

By the time he was 14, Cliff had released several hit singles, including Hurricane Hattie. At 16 years old, he represented Jamaica at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. Shortly after his career took off when he was signed by Island Records. Jimmy Cliff has released more than 30 albums.

This British-Jamaican reggae band was formed in England in 1979 when the ages of its members ranged between 8 and 12 years. Musical Youth is best remembered for the successful 1982 single “Pass the Dutchie”, which became a No. 1 hit around the world.

Delroy Wilson was born in 1948 in Kingston. He began recording when he was only 13, while still attending Boys’ Town Primary. By 1962, he had recorded his first set of songs under the guidance of Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd.

Delroy Wilson was one of Jamaica’s most soulful vocalists, and over a 40-year career he unleashed a flood of hits and masterpieces. He died at the age of 46 in 1995 following health complications.

Anthony Moses Davis – better known as Beenie Man – was born in 1973 in Kingston. This Jamaican dancehall deejay started toasting at 5 years of age. He won the Tastee Talent contest in 1981. His initial stage name was spelled Beany Man. He would eventually work with Henry Junjo Lawes, Bunny Lee and Sly and Robbie – among others – achieving international stardom in the 1990s.

Nadine Sutherland burst onto the scene when she was 11 years old, in 1979, when she beat Yellowman in the first Tastee Talent Contest. Recording a song was part of her prize for winning the competition, and her hit single, Starvation on the Land, was produced by Bob Marley. She went on to become a successful dancehall artist in the 1990s.

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It originated on a small Carribean island and grew to become a global phenomenon recognised as a cultural institution by UNESCO, the story of reggae's success is closely entwined with the history of Jamaica.

Reggae's roots, springing from the social upheaval in post-war Jamaica, are a fusion of different musical eras and styles, coupled with a message of unity and hope.

How did this musical genre, with a uniquely Jamaican twist, become a worldwide brand influencing artists like Rihanna and Sean Paul?

Mento is the name given to Jamaican folk music that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s.

Similar to Calypso, which originated in Trinidad, the sound of Mento can be traced back to the convergent society of Jamaica.

Jamaica was colonised by Spain, mainly in the 1500s, and then Britain in 1655.

Enslaved people were transported from Africa to work on the country’s sugar plantations.

The resulting mix of cultures contributed to the growth of an identifiable Jamaican sound.

Characterised by the fusion of European and African traits, with origins in enslaved work songs – created with guitar, rumba box, bongo and banjo, Mento mixed this with satirical lyrics of everyday life and verse repetition, creating a foundation from which reggae would blossom.

In the 1960s the popularity of Mento began to decline as people were influenced by R&B music from the USA, played on radio stations.

Across Jamaica musicians and singers began to cover these songs and imitate their styles.

At the same time electricity was becoming widely accessible and sound systems – mobile discos on the streets – became the new craze.

Dances were a big part of the Jamaican working class community and became a place of business with people selling food and drinks, spreading money to the wider community.

Competition was rife with sound men competing to put on the best set, even sometimes resorting to violence.

It was all about the exclusivity, getting songs from overseas no one had heard of. Music became a national obsession particularly among the young.

One school in particular, Alpha Boys School, run by nuns, encouraged music playing and helped develop some of Jamaica’s greatest musicians including Yellowman, Edward Thornton and Dizzy Reece.

Meanwhile Jamaica’s professional recording industry was also starting to take shape.

Recording studios, which had concentrated on American influenced R&B, began hiring out their facilities to local musicians who recorded original songs which were picked up by sound systems, still looking for that exclusivity.

Jamaica became independent in 1962 and Ska’s upbeat rhythm reflected the mood in the newly autonomous country.

Adopting America R&B style but adding Mento elements, the new music kept a 4/4 timing with guitar or piano used to increase emphasis on the off-beat and along with a dynamic brass section and a creeping bass line, a distinct new Jamaican sound, of local singers, was created.

Ska was also growing in popularity overseas, Millie Smalls had a top five hit in the UK chart with My Boy Lollipop in 1964.

This seeping of Jamaican music in to popular culture would continue with cult 1972 film The Harder They Come, the title track of which was performed by Jimmy Cliff, with other contributors including Desmond Dekker.

Ska was a fast paced chaotic musical genre but from the mid 1960’s the climate in Jamaica that had spawned it was beginning to change.

Streets in downtown Kingston become lawless with ‘Rude Boys’ gangsters terrorising locals.

Music mirrored this and Rocksteady, a slower paced sound, grew in popularity.

Musicians would turn to old-fashioned love songs, and singers replaced instrumentals.

Rhythms became more relaxed and songs easier to dance to.

This also gave the bass line more of an emphasis as the slower pace allowed it to be more defined.

Artists such as Alton Ellis and The Techniques thrived in this era. Some artists such as Hopeton Lewis found Ska too fast to follow and so adapted to a gentler pace.

Rocksteady, however, would prove to be a brief affair, lasting around two years.

In 1966 Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia visited Jamaica – an important moment for the religious movement Rastafari which saw him as the messiah - 100,000 Jamaicans turned out to see him.

This link with Rastafarian culture would become a vital strand of reggae.

During the late 1960’s, Jamaica was on the brink of civil war, with political unrest, poverty and volatile streets.

Reggae with the bass taking charge, and drums as part of the melody, reflected this new Jamaica.

Lyrics became more conscious and words of protest and revolution changed the vibe and identity of the sound.

Roots reggae concerned itself with the everyday life and hopes of Africans, led by the Rastafarian belief and it was this genre that Bob Marley and the Wailers took global.

Marley sang of the past oppressions of slavery and the future hopes of unity.

Sub genres such as dub also formed, consisting of recycled and remixed rocksteady and ska tunes, incorporating a toaster, essentially an MC, who spoke over the song with Rastafarian messages.

The dancehall genre also emerged using digital reggae influenced rhythms.

By 1978 a failing economy and political unease was at its peak and political issues along with the musical tradition all came together in reggae to form strong lyrics with an uplifting sound to empower.

Reggae’s presence can still be felt today, influencing genres such as punk, hip hop and rock through artists such as Eric Clapton, Sean Paul, Rihanna, Protoje and Chronixx.

Through time, Jamaicans have constantly mirrored their environment through music, creating an authentic reflection of the nation.

The power of reggae, built on a foundation of history with the spirit of the Jamaican people and messages of a better future, became a notion with universal appreciation.

Bogle had become a friend of a wealthy landowner and fellow Baptist George William Gordon, a bi-racial man who served in the Assembly as one of two representatives from St. Thomas-in-the-East parish. Gordon was instrumental in Bogle being appointed deacon of Stony Gut Baptist Church in 1864. Conditions were hard for black peasants, due to social discrimination, flooding and crop failure, and epidemics. The required payment of poll taxesprevented most of them from voting. In August 1865, Gordon criticised the governor of Jamaica, Edward John Eyre, for sanctioning "everything done by the higher class to the oppression of the negroes".[4]

"Artistic Impression of Paul Bogle" in Morant Bay, Jamaica[1]

Born1822Died24 October 1865 (aged 42–43)Cause of deathHangedNationalityJamaicanKnown forLeader of the protesters in the Morant Bay rebellionWebsitehttps://paulboglefoundation.org/

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