In our contemporary world, there are 245 entities, which include; countries, independent states (both internationally recognized and generally unrecognized), inhabited dependent territories, and areas of special sovereignty. Almost all of these entities have fought some kind of war and battle in their history for various reasons, such as: independence, religion, revolution, liberation, occupation, among others. According to war history, over 365 million people lost their lives in these wars, including ongoing ones. Unfortunately, the final number of war victims will never be known.

Jamaica, through a cooperation between The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), will be spending approximately US$11 million over one year to beautify resort areas in six parishes as part of phase two of the 'Spruce up Jamaica' programme.

The two agencies signed the agreement on November 5 which will ensure the initial cleaning of areas in St. James, Westmoreland, Trelawny, St. Ann, Portland and Kingston.

Jamaica, as a holiday destination, continues to get rave reviews from many who come here for their vacation.  The latest positive endorsement comes from American track star, Allyson Felix, who recently spent her holiday in Jamaica.

In her online diary at the International Association of Athletic Foundation's (IAAF) website, she wrote that she had a tremendous time in Jamaica and is having difficulty keeping the island off her mind.

The Caribbean Child Research Conference has become a milestone event that brings together academics, child-focused agencies, government officials and children to examine the latest research on issues affecting children.

The theme of the 2008 conference, held recently in Jamaica, was ‘Building a Region Fit for Children’.