Jamaican women insistent on ‘no baby’ stance

As Jamaica grapples with declining birth rates and growing hesitation among women to have children, scepticism remains high about potential solutions.

Jamaica's Caribbean neighbour Barbados has announced plans to introduce the Barbados Republic Child Wealth Fund that will provide every eligible child with a BBD$5,000 (approximately J$384,500) investment at birth. The measure, unveiled in the country's 2026-27 budget, will apply to children born on or after November 30, 2021, as part of efforts to reduce inequality and build long-term financial security. In presenting the policy, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley described it as a long-term empowerment tool aimed at ensuring every Barbadian child starts life with a financial asset.

But Jamaican women who previously indicated they will not be having children, said that even incentives similar to this would not be enough to change their stance.

"No, no it's a good programme but no that would not convince me," a 24-year-old told THE STAR without hesitation. She questioned the immediate need.

"It means the money wouldn't be for right now but the child's future. If I can't afford a child right now, I couldn't wait that long," she said.

Under the Barbadian programme, funds will be held in trust and invested across diversified assets, including bonds, equities, and real estate, with access granted later in life for major expenses such as education or housing.

Mikaya*, a 27-year-old teacher who previously told THE STAR "No babies for me", also maintained her stance.

"Not even half a million Jamaican dollars, hell no!" she said, adding that while the initiative is positive, it does not address immediate needs. "It is a great initiative, but what about now? Mothers need help now. It is good for the long term, but what about the short term?"

Another young Jamaican professional cited financial pressure as a key concern.

"I am a young professional working above minimum wage and provide for myself...how can I provide for a child with the same salary?" she said. But she praised the Barbadian initiative.

"It's great because now first time parents have savings to look forward to for their kids. Now we maybe don't have to worry about university for them. It's no longer a case of 'I can't afford it'. It gives children options."

She added that similar measures in Jamaica could help address some of the hesitation.

"Once they can add something for housing too, then it's a good deal, like lower housing costs for first time parents."

Still, not all concerns are financial. Another woman told THE STAR that monetary incentives would not influence her decision.

"Having a child is more than financial responsibility. It's mental stability and so on," she said.

The Barbadian programme is expected to cost between BBD$10 million and BBD$12 million (approximately J$769 million and J$922.8 million) annually based on current birth rates. In addition to the fund, the government has also announced a multiple births cash grant to support families with twins or higher order births.