Retirement Preparedness in Jamaica: Evidence and Policy Implications for Small Island Developing States

In this webinar,  Dr Julian McKoy Davis examines retirement preparedness in Jamaica, focusing on the key determinants, inequalities, and resulting policy implications while situating the discussion within the broader context of population ageing in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It also reflects evolving retirement norms in contexts characterised by limited fiscal space, labour market informality, and heightened vulnerability to economic and environmental shocks.

Drawing on data from a nationally representative sample of older Jamaicans, the webinar analyses how economic, social, and health-related factors interact to shape levels of retirement preparedness. The discussion highlights the influence of structural inequalities and individual choice on differentiated retirement readiness and outcomes.

The role of formal social protection systems and informal support networks in moderating vulnerability to retirement insecurity are also presented. The webinar synthesizes empirical evidence and policy-relevant insights to identify critical gaps in the retirement preparedness landscape. These are particularly salient in small, open economies where traditional family support structures may be under pressure from migration, urbanisation, and economic precarity.

The session concludes by outlining targeted policy directions to strengthen financial resilience, expand coverage of retirement systems, and improve equity in ageing outcomes. It is designed for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners engaged in ageing, social protection, and economic development.