Jamaica Homes Editorial Guidelines
1. Core Editorial Philosophy
Jamaica Homes exists to connect people, property, and place through journalism that is clear, factual, and grounded in reality.
Our work is intended to be thoughtful, human, and relevant, rooted in Jamaica while remaining globally aware.
We do not chase noise. We interpret signals.
Our reporting prioritises substance over speed.
Every article must answer a simple question:
Why does this matter for life, money, and property in Jamaica right now?
2. Accuracy and Truth
Accuracy is the foundation of all content published by Jamaica Homes.
All material must be fact-checked and supported by credible evidence. Speculation should be avoided unless it is clearly identified as analysis or opinion.
Headlines must reflect the substance of the article and must not exaggerate or mislead.
If an error is identified, it must be corrected promptly and transparently.
If it cannot be confidently defended, it should not be published.
3. Sourcing and Attribution
All factual claims should be supported by reliable sources wherever possible.
Writers are expected to:
Use credible and verifiable sources
Attribute data, reports, and external content clearly
Name other publications when referencing their work
Anonymous sources may be used only where necessary and where they provide genuine value. They must never be used to introduce speculation or unnecessary drama.
4. Editorial Voice
Jamaica Homes maintains a consistent editorial voice defined by clarity, restraint, and authority.
The tone should be:
Direct and grounded
Observational rather than emotional
Intelligent, but accessible
Writing may carry depth and subtle expression, but must remain controlled and purposeful.
The aim is to explain complex issues with professional clarity, while ensuring the message resonates with a broad audience.
5. Structure and Writing Style
Articles should be clearly structured and easy to follow.
Each piece should:
Open with a strong and relevant introduction
Develop context and expand the issue
Connect the subject to Jamaica
Deliver insight, implication, or consequence
Formatting should remain clean and consistent. Avoid unnecessary symbols, visual clutter, or excessive formatting.
Long dashes should be avoided in favour of commas.
All articles must include a clear publication date and, where applicable, an updated timestamp.
6. News, Analysis, and Opinion
Jamaica Homes clearly distinguishes between different types of content:
News — factual reporting
Analysis — informed interpretation
Opinion — personal or editorial perspective
This distinction must always be clear to the reader.
Google News requires this clarity, and it is strictly enforced.
7. Fairness and Right to Reply
Where an article includes criticism of an individual or organisation, a reasonable effort should be made to seek their response prior to publication.
Where a response is received after publication, the article will be updated accordingly.
Jamaica Homes does not engage in ambush journalism.
8. Sensitivity and Human Impact
Stories involving death, tragedy, or personal hardship must be handled with care and respect.
The purpose of reporting is to inform, not to exploit.
Language, tone, and imagery must reflect this responsibility.
9. Language Standards
Content must remain clear, respectful, and professional at all times.
Jamaica Homes does not use:
Sensationalist language
Clickbait headlines
Unnecessary offensive wording
Headlines should be accurate, concise, and carry meaningful weight.
10. Images and Visual Integrity
All visuals must accurately represent reality.
Misleading, manipulated, or exaggerated imagery is not permitted.
Images should support the story without distorting its meaning or impact.
11. Conflicts of Interest
Any personal or financial interest related to a subject must be disclosed.
Content must not be used to promote personal gain or undisclosed interests.
Editorial independence must be maintained at all times.
12. Editorial Independence
Jamaica Homes operates independently. Editorial decisions are made without influence from advertisers, developers, political organisations, or external partners.
13. Social Media Conduct
All content published under Jamaica Homes, including on social media, must reflect the same standards of professionalism and responsibility.
Writers should avoid:
Sharing unverified information
Reacting emotionally to breaking news
All communication should remain measured and credible.
14. Public Interest Principle
Content is published based on its value to public understanding.
This includes:
Economic awareness
Social clarity
Real estate insight
Content is not produced for noise, virality, or superficial attention.
15. Jamaica Homes Perspective
Jamaica Homes approaches every story with a deeper lens.
Beyond reporting events, each article should aim to:
Interpret what is happening beneath the surface
Connect developments to wealth, movement, and stability
Offer insight into broader trends shaping Jamaica
The objective is not just to report the story, but to explain what it means.
16. Editorial Red Lines
Jamaica Homes does not:
Publish unverified claims
Copy or republish content without attribution
Mislead through headlines or framing
Follow trends without substance
17. Corrections Policy
If an error is identified, Jamaica Homes will correct it promptly and transparently.
Where appropriate, a correction note will be added to the article to clearly indicate what has been changed.
18. Editorial Position
Jamaica Homes is an independent news and analysis platform focused on housing, development, and economic change in Jamaica.