KENNIESHA BURRELL

🌿 Mental Health in Jamaica: Breaking the Silence, Embracing Healing In the heart of the Caribbean, Jamaica is known for its vibrant music, rich culture, and resilient people. Yet, quietly and often unnoticed, many Jamaicans struggle with mental health challenges. In a society where the stigma surrounding emotional wellness still lingers, many suffer in silence. This article is written exclusively for you, as a call to awareness, compassion, and healing—because healing matters , and the process is both powerful and necessary. 🇯🇲 Understanding the Mental Health Landscape in Jamaica Mental health issues in Jamaica are far more widespread than most people realize. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) , Jamaica has one of the highest rates of mental illness in the Caribbean. Studies estimate that roughly 1 in 5 Jamaicans experience some form of mental disorder during their lifetime. A 2023 article published by the Jamaica...

 TEACHING OUR CHILDREN FINANCIAL LITERACY IN JAMAICA 📚💰 TEACHING OUR CHILDREN FINANCIAL LITERACY IN JAMAICA 🇯🇲 “If we don’t teach them now, the world will teach them the hard way.” Too many times, we wait until our children are adults to talk about money—but by then, the habits are already set. As parents and guardians, it is our duty to teach our children about money from early —not just how to spend , but how to earn, save, invest, and give . 💡 Why is Financial Literacy Important for Children? Builds discipline – They learn to wait, save, and prioritize. Prepares them for adulthood – No more trial and error when they leave home. Reduces dependency – Our children grow up to stand strong on their own. Breaks generational poverty – Smart money habits now = wealth later. 🏦 Where to Start: Banks & Entities That Help Many Jamaican banks have accounts designed just for children and teens: JN Bank – Offers the JN School Savers Account , great for students. ...

  Just Listen: The Power of Being Heard Without Judgment by Kenniesha Burrell Introduction In a fast-paced world filled with constant noise, interruptions, and opinions, there is one simple human need that often goes unmet: the need to be heard— truly heard —without judgment. The Weight We Carry Sometimes, we carry heavy emotions that we can’t immediately understand or explain. These feelings sit quietly inside us, waiting for a moment of release. It’s not always solutions we seek. It’s not advice or criticism. Often, we just want to say: "I’m overwhelmed. Please listen." The Value of Listening Listening is one of the most powerful, healing gifts we can offer each other. It's not about agreeing or taking sides—it's about acknowledging someone's reality , sitting with their truth, and honoring their voice. People don’t always need answers. Sometimes they need space. A space where they feel safe expressing their emotions without fear of shame or being dismi...

 🗳️ 2025 and Beyond: What Jamaicans Really Want from the Next Government As the People’s National Party (PNP) and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) prepare to face off in the 2025 General Election, Jamaicans across all generations are watching closely—not just listening to speeches, but looking for real change. Our people are tired of empty promises. What we want are policies that improve our quality of life, especially around jobs, housing, cost of living, and national safety. --- 🇯🇲 What Jamaicans Are Tired Of Let’s be honest. The average Jamaican—whether uptown, downtown, or rural—has had enough of: Unbearable utility bills from monopoly companies like JPS and NWC High cost of living that outpaces stagnant wages Lack of employment opportunities and sustainable income for youth Limited support for small business growth Poor road conditions and public infrastructure Increased crime and fear in communities Minimal access to affordable healthcare and housing No real system for repairing...

  🛡️ Protecting Jamaica’s Youth: A Call to Action Amid Rising Tragedies By Kenniesha Burrell As a concerned Jamaican citizen, I feel deeply compelled to address the alarming rise in child disappearances and deaths in our country. This crisis is no longer just a headline it is a haunting reality that touches families, communities, and the conscience of our nation. 📉 A Disturbing Trend Recent reports indicate that each year, approximately 100 children go missing in Jamaica without a trace , leaving families in anguish and communities in fear. According to a May 2025 feature in the Jamaica Observer , this trend continues to worsen, with many of these children never found. 🔗 Source: Jamaica Observer – Without a Trace In one heartbreaking case, eight-year-old Navardo Blackburn , an autistic child from Gregory Park, St. Catherine , went missing on May 25, 2025 . Despite a high alert issued by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, as of May 27, he is still missing . 🔗 Source: Ja...

  URGENT: Concern Grows for Missing 8-Year-Old Navardo Blackburn in Portmore A community is on edge as the search intensifies for 8-year-old Navardo Blackburn, who has been missing since Saturday, May 24. The young boy, who lives on Queens Avenue in Gregory Park, Portmore, St. Catherine, was last seen around 4:30 p.m. at a local community playfield. Navardo, who is autistic, has a dark complexion and slim build. His attire at the time of his disappearance remains unknown, and he has not been seen or heard from since. Authorities have issued a High Alert , urging anyone with information to step forward immediately. The police at the Caymanas Station are leading the investigation and can be reached at (876) 988-1719 or through the emergency police line at 119 . As the hours tick by, concern continues to grow. If you have any leads—no matter how small—please help bring Navardo home safely. Let’s stand together as a community.

  "Weh Wi Come From – A Jamaican Chant" By Kenniesha Burrell Mi born in di belly of rhythm an’ sun, Where struggle meet dance, and war done wid fun. From Emancipation to di bold “Independence,” Wi bun chains an’ claim wi own existence. A likkle island, but wi voice loud fi true, Out of many, one people—every hue. Skin like chocolate, caramel, deep gold an’ jet, Every shade of blessing—Jamaica set! Wi history deep like Blue Mountain trail, From sugarcane blood to freedom hail. Dem buss wi back, yuh hear? But wi never drop— Wi rise, wi fight, wi tek di top! Yuh ever tek bus pon di Half-Way ride? Smaddy squeezing up tight, dem nah slide. Di conductor bawl, “Shift yuh likkle self!” While di driver seh, “Mi soon reach, mi haffi help.” Jamaican man—sweet talk and raw, Him coulda mek yuh vex, den love yuh wid law. Rude but charming, prideful like king, One minute him gone, next minute—ring! Food? Mi cyan even explain di taste, Ackee, saltfish, curry goat, nu...

  Title: 'Soon Come' – The Real Jamaican Time Machine By Kenniesha Burrell Growing up in the hills of St. Mary, I, Kenniesha Burrell, knew that when someone told you, "Mi soon come," you shouldn’t bother putting on your shoes just yet. You could go pick two breadfruits, pass through Miss Zilla yard, and come back to find the person still not there. But that wasn’t disrespect — that was Jamaican time . This isn’t laziness. It isn’t slackness. It’s a way of life rooted in culture, geography, and old-school community values. Let me take you on a little journey through the meaning behind one of Jamaica’s most misunderstood phrases. S - Situation: What Does “Soon Come” Really Mean? The phrase "soon come" is as Jamaican as jerk chicken and beach sunsets. While it literally means, "I’ll be there shortly," in practice, it can mean anything from five minutes to next week. It’s not a lie — it’s a soft promise . It means you matter, just not right this m...

  Addressing Teacher Shortages and Enhancing Professional Development in Jamaica: An Urgent Priority By Kenniesha Burrell Introduction: A Crisis That Deserves Immediate Attention In recent years, Jamaica has grappled with a growing teacher shortage, a challenge that threatens the core of our education system. As a passionate educator and literacy advocate, I,  Kenniesha Burrell , believe it is time we have a transparent, forward-thinking conversation about how to not only retain teachers but also empower them through meaningful professional development. Why the Teacher Shortage Is a National Concern According to the Ministry of Education and Youth, Jamaica saw over  1,200 teachers resign  in 2023 alone, many seeking better opportunities overseas. This exodus impacts classroom consistency, student outcomes, and the morale of those who remain. In my opinion,  as Kenniesha Burrell , this issue goes beyond staffing—it strikes at the heart of national development. Te...

About Me – Kenniesha Burrell Kenniesha Burrell is a woman of strength, vision, and undeniable purpose. Every chapter of Kenniesha Burrell’s life reflects growth, grace, and perseverance. Known for her resilience and her ability to rise with dignity, Kenniesha Burrell has dedicated her life to becoming a positive force in the world. Kenniesha Burrell believes in rising beyond limitations. Born with an innate drive for excellence, Kenniesha Burrell has continuously pushed forward, building a life rooted in purpose and impact. Whether through her work, her writing, or her interactions with others, Kenniesha Burrell represents what it means to be focused, intelligent, and inspired. With a passion for leadership and service, Kenniesha Burrell uses her gifts to empower others. Her intelligence and natural ability to lead have shaped her into a voice of clarity and strength. Through community engagement, storytelling, and her unwavering commitment to growth, Kenniesha Burrell continues ...

👭 In the vibrant streets of Kingston, Jamaica, a young woman named Rima found her life shattered by one wrong turn. She wasn’t a criminal. She wasn’t living recklessly. But like many of our youth trying to navigate challenges, she made one decision that changed everything. Rima was arrested. Her name appeared across social media and news platforms without context or care. She was judged before her voice could be heard. Her family, caught off guard, spiraled into emotional pain. Her mother broke down in tears. Her younger siblings couldn’t understand why their sister was now behind bars. The silence that followed was filled with shame and unanswered questions. But inside her cell, Rima was filled with something more — realization . She began to see the power of choices. She began to understand how easily one mistake could derail a life. But she also discovered strength. When she was finally released, Rima didn’t hide. She stood up. She began to speak to other young women, warning them...

Introduction In Jamaica, building generational wealth is more than a financial goal — it's a moral responsibility. It’s the intentional act of creating long-term security for our children, grandchildren, and beyond. From owning property to passing on financial literacy, Jamaicans must recognize the power of planning, investing, and protecting assets through proper legal and financial structures. What Is Generational Wealth? Generational wealth includes any financial assets that are passed down from one generation to the next. These may include: Property and land ownership Investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) Life insurance Savings and retirement accounts Family-owned businesses But more than assets, it’s about passing down knowledge — how to manage, protect, and grow what’s been given. Why It’s Important for Jamaican Families Generational wealth breaks the cycle of poverty. Many Jamaican families live paycheck to paycheck, and without planning, children inherit ...

  The Pain We Carry Being a woman in Jamaica often means surviving violence in many forms: physical, emotional, mental, and sexual. It means hiding bruises, swallowing pain, and enduring in silence. It means walking around with wounds that never fully heal—wounds that no one sees, because we're taught to pretend we are strong. I know this pain intimately. I too have been sexually and physically abused. And while I may smile on the outside, inside I carry the weight of everything I’ve endured. Every day, women are murdered—many by people they once trusted. They are not just statistics; they are mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends. They are real. They are loved. And they are gone. According to The Gleaner , 619 women were murdered in Jamaica between 2019 and 2023—an average of 124 women per year. "Females Nuh Safe In Jamaica Again" , Jamaica Gleaner, Nov. 2024. Our Children Are Disappearing Our children are going missing at an alarming rate. The numbers are stag...

  By: Kenniesha Burrell “A Grieving Daughter” I’m writing this not just with grief in my heart, but with the hope that by sharing my father’s story, someone else will be inspired to speak out—and that one day, things will change. My father was a kind, quiet man. He was the backbone of our family. He wasn’t rich. He didn’t have power or influence. But he had love. He had purpose. And he had people who adored him. He was a renal patient , and we knew that came with complications. But nothing could prepare us for the nightmare we faced at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) . A Dangerous Oversight After undergoing surgery, things quickly went downhill. He kept losing blood—again and again. It was visible and alarming. Yet still, no one seemed concerned. He was sent home without proper instructions on how to care for him post-surgery, and without the crucial guidelines needed to manage a renal patient’s recovery. We weren’t told what to avoid, what to monitor, or what signs to look...

By Kenniesha Burrell Introduction My name is Kenniesha Burrell , and I’m a mother of two amazing boys who are on the autism spectrum. I live in St. Mary, Jamaica , and I’m surrounded by a strong circle of support—my mother, the boys’ father, and their sister. Every day is a journey filled with love, learning, and challenges, but also purpose. Living with Autism: Our Reality My sons have mild autism , which means they are quite functional. Academically, they are brilliant. But socially, they face serious struggles. They often have meltdowns , cry without reason, or become withdrawn. Sometimes they speak, but not in full sentences, and while I can often understand their needs, it’s difficult. One of my sons walks on his toes and presses his chin against hard surfaces when overwhelmed. He’ll also hit his chin with the palm of his hand or sit and cry, leaving us unsure how to help. The Emotional and Mental Load There are days when the meltdowns are so intense, I feel lost. Somet...

Introduction As a Jamaican woman, a mother of two boys, and someone deeply connected to my community, I've witnessed firsthand the silent struggles many women endure daily. Depression, often misunderstood and stigmatized, is a reality for many, yet it remains unspoken in our society. This article aims to shed light on the signs of depression, especially in women, and provide resources available in Jamaica for support and healing. Recognizing the Unseen: Signs of Depression in Women Depression is more than just feeling sad; it's a complex mental health condition that affects every aspect of one's life. For women, symptoms can manifest differently and may include: Persistent sadness or low mood Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed Changes in appetite or weight Sleep disturbances Fatigue or loss of energy Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt Difficulty concentrating Thoughts of death or suicide It’s crucial to understand that experiencing these symptom...

Title: When Ashes Bloom: The Story of Amara Leigh By Kenniesha Burrell About the Author My name is Kenniesha Burrell , and I am a proud mother of two beautiful boys who are my world. I was born and raised in the parish of St. Mary , Jamaica, and my heart beats for people, purpose, and passion . I’ve always believed in helping others, in the power of second chances, and in the strength that can come from even the deepest pain. I love music, drama, and writing , and I’m learning now more than ever to use these passions to heal, to build, and to inspire. I have a genuine heart and a deep love for community. I've done a lot of community work , and even in moments when life has broken me, I’ve felt that God still has a purpose for me . I’m passionate about growth, creativity, and learning , and through my writing, I want to reach people who are hurting, people who feel forgotten, people who are rising again. This is just the beginning for me—and I pray that through these storie...