AGP Executive Report

Urban Forest Run: Jamaica’s Forestry Department launched its first Urban Forest Run, “Run in the East, RE-LEAF the West!”, with proceeds earmarked for restoring the Black River mangroves and reforesting Silent Hill Forest Reserve after Hurricane Melissa. Disaster-Ready Housing: Government says modular homes are on standby as emergency shelters, with 1,200 units already in-country toward a 2,500-unit plan, while officials explain delays tied to land authority and site readiness. Hurricane Melissa Accountability: Permanent Secretary Rocky Meade defended how Hurricane Melissa cash donations were handled, saying more funds are now being used for foundations and utilities for modular housing, after Auditor General findings raised concerns about low spending. Water & Climate Resilience: Minister Floyd Green broke ground on the $80M Hartlands Irrigation Project in St Catherine to boost water access for farmers and reduce climate-risk from unpredictable rainfall. Food Safety Focus: A look at what Jamaica can learn from the U.S. Farm Bill’s prevention-first approach to food safety—training, safer practices, and hazard control before outbreaks. Tourism & Jobs Linkages: UWI economist Roger Hosein argues cruise tourism can diversify T&T’s economy by strengthening local supply chains and raising visitor spend. Community & Nature: Kingston Harbour Walk Project gets renewed push for ambitious, resilient development—framing the harbour as the city’s “front yard” for tourism and investment.

Climate-smart farming: Minister Floyd Green broke ground for the $80M Hartlands Irrigation Project in St. Catherine, aiming to cut farmers’ risk from unpredictable rainfall and boost water access for 41 farmers now, with expansion to 400+ acres. Coastal restoration push: Jamaica’s Forestry Department launched its Urban Forest Run, with proceeds supporting Black River mangrove restoration and reforestation of Silent Hill Forest Reserve after Hurricane Melissa. Renewables investment call: French firm HDF Energy says it has secured land in Jamaica for a utility-scale solar plus hydrogen and battery storage project (160MW+ solar potential) and is inviting expressions of interest from partners. Energy transition debate: Analysis flags China’s rapidly growing renewable footprint in the Caribbean, raising questions about transparency, long-term dependence, and cybersecurity risks from heavy reliance on imported components. Tourism resilience planning: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association backed “Tourism 3.0,” aiming for a more inclusive, resilient visitor economy that strengthens local supply chains and workforce development. Digital skills for sustainability: CARICOM’s Digitalisation of TVET Delivery Project says four pilot countries integrated solutions to build region-owned capacity for digital training. Community environment action: The Urban Forest Run and other post-Melissa recovery efforts keep showing up as practical, local ways to rebuild ecosystems and resilience.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Resistance: Jamaica-based ocean voices rallied at Jamnesia Surf Camp in Bull Bay, calling for a moratorium as the International Seabed Authority debates rules and activists warn the world may be exploiting poorly understood deep ecosystems too fast. Waste & Fire Safety: NSWMA’s Western Parks and Markets Limited urged residents to dispose of ash safely and not mix it with regular garbage after a landfill fire linked to burnt waste and dry conditions. Storm Watch for the Region: Tropical Storm Bertha strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico, with heavy rain and coastal flooding risks along the northern Gulf Coast and sandbag sites opening. Regional Skills for a Greener Economy: CARICOM closed out a Digitalisation of TVET Delivery project, training instructors and building online learning units across Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago to support workforce readiness. Energy Costs Shield: Petrojam said it has spent about US$18m subsidising fuel to cushion consumers from global oil price swings, using a “smoothing” mechanism to limit volatility. Inclusive Sport & Community: UWS’s Ayr campus hosted the Commonwealth Games King’s Baton Relay as para-athletes and coaches prepared through the GAPS programme.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Faces Backlash: Jamaica’s ocean community is calling for a moratorium on deep-sea mining as delegates meet at the International Seabed Authority in Jamaica, warning the world may be exploiting poorly understood ecosystems before consequences are clear. Hurricane Recovery for Schools: Phoenix Construction and partners donated 30,000 sq ft of commercial roofing panels to help restore schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa, with support including discounted ocean freight to Port of Montego Bay. Storm Watch for Gulf Coast: Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to bring heavy rain and flooding risk along the northern Gulf Coast, with sandbag distribution sites opened in affected areas. Heat Hits Farmers: Jamaica’s agriculture ministry urged farmers to follow drought and extreme-heat advisories, stressing water access for livestock and crops and pointing to a $140-million drought mitigation effort. Waste Fire Warning: NSWMA officials warned residents not to mix barbecue ashes with regular waste, after a landfill fire in St James was linked to fresh garbage and dry, windy conditions. Regional Skills for a Greener Economy: CARICOM closed out a digital TVET delivery project, training instructors across Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago to strengthen workforce readiness for the digital economy. Sustainable Energy Diplomacy: Saint Kitts and Nevis highlighted UN climate and renewable-energy partnerships, including grid modernisation and financing for the green transition.

Deep-Sea Mining Push Meets Resistance: Environmental groups at Jamnesia Surf Camp in Bull Bay held a paddle-out as delegates met at the International Seabed Authority, urging Jamaica to back a moratorium or precautionary pause on deep-sea mining. Climate & Heat Adaptation for Farmers: Jamaica’s agriculture minister urged farmers to follow advisories as extreme heat persists, highlighting drought mitigation support like trucked water and plans for water tanks for livestock producers. Water & Sewage Resilience Works: The National Water Commission is renovating sewage infrastructure along Old Hope Road in Liguanea, Matilda’s Corner and Seymour Avenue, with major traffic disruptions expected as work extends from completed sections. Regional Sustainability Diplomacy: Saint Kitts and Nevis used the UN High-Level Political Forum to advance renewable energy technology partnerships and climate-vulnerability planning, including grid modernisation and financing for a green transition. Road Safety Health Focus: A new global study in The Lancet Public Health flags road injuries as a leading preventable cause of death and disability, with the heaviest burden falling on low- and middle-income countries.

Heat & Farming Support: Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister Floyd Green urged farmers to follow official advisories as extreme heat persists, stressing water access for livestock and crops and pointing to a $140-million drought mitigation push including trucked water and plans for water tanks. Water & Sewage Resilience: In St Andrew’s Liguanea area, motorists should brace for summer traffic disruptions as the National Water Commission renovates sewage infrastructure along Old Hope Road, with work extending from Retreat Avenue toward Wellington Drive. Circular Economy Jobs (Regional): GIZ is hiring a Technical Advisor for Circular Economy and BioWaste, supporting waste prevention, resource recovery, organic waste management, and sargassum valorisation across Grenada, St Lucia, and neighbouring islands including Jamaica. Deep-Sea Mining Warning: The US plans to auction water areas around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, drawing criticism as scientists warn of harm to fragile marine life and noise/light impacts, and as the move challenges the Jamaica-based International Seabed Authority’s rules. Road Safety & Health: A new Lancet Public Health study says road injuries remain a leading preventable cause of death and disability worldwide, with the heaviest burden still falling on low- and middle-income countries. Governance & Climate Risk (Finance): The Bank of Jamaica says regulators are on high alert, strengthening risk management, including climate risk management, while also warning about ongoing Hurricane Melissa insurance claim pressures.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The US plans to auction large areas of water around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, a move critics say sidesteps the Jamaica-based International Seabed Authority and could harm fragile marine life. Circular Economy Jobs: GIZ is advertising a Grenada-based role (with travel to St Lucia and support for Jamaica) to help build circular economy and bio-waste partnerships, including organic waste management and sargassum valorisation. Water & Disaster Risk: Tropical Depression Two is being tracked, with warnings that even weak systems can trigger inland flash flooding and dangerous rip currents. Coastal/Marine Conservation: Iberostar is backing marine conservation expansion through the Grange Pen sanctuary, adding momentum for protected areas. Heat & Drought Preparedness: CariCOF reports El Niño intensifying, raising risks of Caribbean heatwaves, drought and flooding—an urgent call for preparedness. Waste-to-Value: Jamaica’s SRC says waste should be treated as a valuable resource for new revenue streams. Local Resilience & Building Back Better: After Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s independent schools are pressing for clearer, fairer post-hurricane funding lists and support. Road Safety After Deadly Crash: TODSS is calling for a thorough investigation into a fatal Trelawny crash and renewed attention to road conditions. Regenerative Tourism: A new tourism approach is gaining traction in the region—shifting from visitor numbers to cultural care and environmental stewardship.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The US plans to auction large areas of water around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, despite calls for a moratorium and warnings that mining could harm fragile marine life—an issue that also challenges the rules of the Jamaica-based UN International Seabed Authority. Extreme Weather Watch: Tropical Depression Two is being tracked as a tropical depression, with heavy rain and inland flash flooding risks; meanwhile, New York and parts of northern New Jersey saw flash flood warnings tied to severe storms and wildfire smoke, with officials urging people to avoid flooded roads. Local Road Safety: Jamaica’s TODSS is calling for a thorough investigation into a deadly Trelawny crash on the North Coast Highway, raising concerns about road conditions after a similar fatal crash last year. Climate-Health Alarm: A Lancet Countdown report says climate change is driving a worsening health crisis in small island states, with heat, food insecurity, air quality and infectious disease risks rising. Sustainable Construction & Heat Resilience: Evolution ICF Group is promoting insulated concrete form building in Jamaica, claiming faster builds and cooler interiors—aimed at reducing heat stress. Skills for Sustainability: HEART College trainees are among Jamaicans selected for a fully funded Global Skills Academy programme in China, building workforce capacity in hospitality, robotics and allied healthcare.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The US plans to auction large areas of water around American Samoa for deep-sea mineral extraction, a move that breaks with the Jamaica-based International Seabed Authority’s approach and draws fresh calls for a moratorium as scientists warn of harm to fragile marine life. Climate-Health Alarm: A Lancet Countdown report says climate change is driving a worsening health crisis in small island states, with hotter temperatures, poorer air, food insecurity, and higher infectious-disease risks. Flood Risk & Drainage: In Jamaica, residents in New Haven, St Andrew West Central are welcoming phase-one cleaning of the Duhaney River and clogged drains aimed at cutting flooding and improving sanitation. Waste-to-Value & Resilience: Jamaica’s push to treat waste as a valuable resource for new revenue streams is gaining attention alongside broader resilience efforts. Skills for Sustainability: HEART/NSTA Trust says four Jamaican trainees won fully funded global skills training in China, boosting future workforce capacity in hospitality, robotics, and allied healthcare.

Road Safety: TODSS is calling for a thorough investigation into a deadly two-vehicle crash on the Salt Marsh main road in Falmouth, Trelawny, after at least six deaths and renewed concerns about northern and western road conditions. Flood Risk & Health: Flash flood warnings hit New York City and parts of northern New Jersey as severe thunderstorms followed wildfire smoke from Canada, with emergency alerts urging people to avoid flooded roads and basements. Climate & Health: A Lancet Countdown report says climate change is driving a worsening health crisis in small island states, with more extreme heat, food insecurity, poorer air quality and higher infectious disease risks. Wastewater & Waterways: In St Andrew, KSAMC phase one of a $23-million cleaning initiative is underway in New Haven, targeting clogged drains and polluted coastlines to cut flooding and sanitation problems. Biodiversity Watch: NEPA has launched an investigation after reports of crocodiles in urban drains in Savanna-la-Mar, following resident sightings and an unverified video. Deep-Sea Mining Warning: New reporting highlights growing opposition to deep-sea mining, warning it could devastate hydrothermal-vent species and fragile marine life. Tourism Resilience: Jamaica’s Tourism 3.0 push is putting community-based tourism at the centre, with a symposium focused on helping operators manage risks and recover from disruptions like Hurricane Melissa.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The US plans to auction huge areas of water around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, drawing fresh criticism as more than 43 countries call for a moratorium and scientists warn of major harm to fragile marine life. Biodiversity at Risk: A new update to the IUCN Red List says deep-sea mining could push more than half of hydrothermal-vent snails and mollusks toward extinction, raising the stakes for ocean protection. Jamaica Tourism Resilience: Jamaica’s Tourism 3.0 drive is putting community-based tourism at the centre, with Minister Edmund Bartlett urging local producers and communities to own the supply side and build resilience after Hurricane Melissa. Local Waste-to-Value: Jamaica’s Scientific Research Council says businesses can turn waste into revenue through resource recovery—like converting organic waste into biogas or fertiliser—cutting environmental risk while improving bottom lines. Agriculture Support: The Ministry of Agriculture is urging dairy farmers to redevelop pastures under support programmes to improve cow nutrition and boost milk yields. Air Quality Watch: World Cup organisers say they’re monitoring dangerously unhealthy wildfire smoke ahead of the final, with a National Weather Service contact in FIFA headquarters.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The US plans to auction huge areas of water around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, a move critics say could harm fragile marine life and sidestep the Jamaica-based UN International Seabed Authority. Livestock & Climate Resilience: Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture is urging dairy farmers to redevelop pastures through support under the Heifer Redistribution Programme, aiming to improve nutrition, “cow comfort,” and milk yields as climate pressures grow. Waste-to-Value: Jamaica’s Scientific Research Council says businesses can treat waste as a resource, using science to turn organic by-products into biogas or fertiliser and create new revenue while cutting environmental risk. Community Tourism Resilience: A National Community-based Tourism Resilience Symposium in St. James trained operators to identify risks and plan recovery after disruptions like Hurricane Melissa, with a push for more local participation in tourism. Regional Disaster Solidarity: St. Vincent and the Grenadines delivered 88 containers of relief to earthquake-hit Venezuela, including food, medicines, debris-removal gear, and water tanks. Biodiversity Warning: Researchers warn deep-sea mining could drive to extinction more than half of hydrothermal-vent mollusks and snails, as nations expand mining plans. Local Environment Watch: NEPA is investigating crocodile sightings reported in urban drains in Savanna-la-Mar, urging residents to stay alert while officers check the claims.

Deep-Sea Mining Threat: New IUCN findings warn that deep-sea mining could push more than half of hydrothermal-vent molluscs toward extinction, as nations race to extract minerals used in electronics. Climate Outlook for the Caribbean: CariCOF says El Niño is strengthening, bringing hotter, more humid conditions, longer drought in some areas, and a higher risk of flooding from heavy rain during the 2026 wet season. Heat Stress for Livestock: RADA urges farmers to protect animals from rising temperatures, stressing hydration and cooling measures to prevent health and reproduction losses. Waste as a Resource: Jamaica’s SRC is encouraging businesses to treat waste as a revenue stream through waste valorisation—turning organic waste into biogas or fertiliser to cut environmental risk. Coastal Access Fight: A new documentary, Beach Inna Bondage, spotlights growing barriers to public beach access and the rise of walls, fences, and resort takeovers. Tourism Resilience Beyond Hotels: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica’s US$10B goal can’t rely on hotels alone, calling for community-based tourism that protects livelihoods and destinations. Cybersecurity & AI Risks: Fortinet reports Jamaica saw 5.4 million cyberattack attempts in the first half of 2026, with criminals increasingly using AI and automation.

Climate Risk for the Region: CariCOF warns El Niño is strengthening alongside warmer Caribbean Sea temperatures, bringing hotter, more humid conditions, longer drought in parts of the Lesser Antilles, and a higher risk of flooding from heavy rain later in 2026. Coastal Access Under Pressure: A new documentary, Beach Inna Bondage, spotlights Jamaica’s growing beach-access disputes and fears of coastline privatisation, citing more walls, fences, and resort takeovers blocking public access and views. Heat Stress for Livestock: RADA urges farmers to protect animals from rising temperatures, stressing hydration and practical cooling steps to reduce heat stress impacts on health, reproduction, and meat quality. Renewables + Education Link: JEP Group expands its scholarship programme into St Elizabeth via InterEnergy Jamaica Wind, backing students in communities tied to renewable energy while promoting environmental stewardship. Biodiversity Threats: A new IUCN Red List update highlights how deep-sea mining and other human pressures are pushing even highly adapted species toward extinction. Public Health & Air Quality: A New York update warns Canadian wildfire smoke and heat can make outdoor conditions “very unhealthy,” with expected spikes in asthma-related emergencies.

Climate & Health: Western Europe’s heatwaves have killed thousands and disrupted schools, hospitals, crops and transport, with officials urging faster fossil-fuel transition and stronger adaptation. Global Justice: The International Court of Justice’s climate ruling strengthens the idea that states must prevent and mitigate climate harm, opening the door to climate-related legal claims. Ocean Plastic: Dutch teen Boyan Slat’s Ocean Cleanup story spotlights how plastic removal is scaling up—while the cleanup mission continues. Deep-Sea Mining: IUCN flags deep-sea mining as the biggest threat to a critically endangered deep-sea snail, warning that mining could smother fragile vent life. Jamaica Water & Environment: Minister Matthew Samuda urged urgent global action on SDGs, stressing climate, biodiversity loss and pollution as the foundation for progress. Local Resilience: Savanna-la-Mar market vendors still face flooding and high tides after Hurricane Melissa, with no clear long-term relocation plan. Caribbean Support: CARICOM partners delivered 88 containers of relief to earthquake-hit Venezuela, including water tanks and debris-removal gear. Road Safety & Public Health: Red Stripe and IML expanded a road-safety campaign with year-round messages across major public locations. Transport Policy: TODSS calls for an urgent review of Jamaica’s Road Traffic Act, saying current rules unfairly target public transport operators. Air Quality Spillover: New York’s air turned “unhealthy” from Canadian wildfire smoke, with mask distribution in affected areas.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The IUCN Red List flags deep-sea mining as the biggest threat to a critically endangered deep-sea snail, warning that mining could smother fragile vent life. Ocean Governance: The UN seabed regulator defended its authority in Kingston after mining firms moved to stop an investigation, arguing the deep ocean is shared “common heritage.” Marine Conservation: Iberostar is backing the Grange Pen Fish Sanctuary, aiming to restore fish and coral, boost biodiversity, and support jobs for nearby communities. Water & Climate Resilience: The Government says it will overhaul failing Corporate Area sewerage with a US$200M renovation, while the Water Resources Authority urges farmers to prepare for worsening drought under El Niño. Heat Costing: Water and Climate Minister Matthew Samuda says Jamaica is building data capacity, including a supercomputer, to calculate the economic cost of heat. Agriculture & Livelihoods: PIOJ data shows agricultural employment fell to 197,400 in Oct 2025, even after Hurricane Melissa impacts. Public Funding for Schools: Jamaica’s public schools get an extra $757.5M for 2026/27, with set shares for repairs, learning, TVET/STEAM, and student welfare. Coastal Flooding: Savanna-la-Mar Market vendors still face recurring flooding and high tides with no clear long-term relocation plan. Local Green Incentives: St James Municipal Corporation is considering reduced development fees for projects using environmental solutions.