AGP Executive Report

Climate & Resilience Accountability: Jamaica launched the Jamaica Reconstruction and Resilience Oversight Committee (JAMRROC) to provide real-time, public scrutiny of post-Hurricane Melissa rebuilding via NaRRA, including quarterly reports and an online portal for costs, timelines, and delays. School Heat & Outdoor Learning Debate: Prime Minister Andrew Holness defended “learning closer to nature” after criticism over students studying under trees, while the Jamaica Teachers’ Association pushed back, warning that temporary classrooms may be inadequate as heat worsens with climate change. Food Security & Local Supply Chains: Tourism State Minister Tova Hamilton urged hotels and farmers to treat tourism as agriculture’s key partner—expanding use of ALEX digital linkages, forward procurement contracts, and more Jamaican produce on resort menus. Coral Reef Warning: New research says marine heat waves are shortening the recovery time for coral reefs to just about five or six years, contributing to major declines in living coral cover. Nuclear Science for Exports: UWI’s ICENS says its gamma irradiator work could help Jamaican farmers extend shelf life and meet pest-control needs for overseas markets, while crop mutagenesis research aims to build climate-resilient varieties. Aviation Planning: Jamaica is moving ahead on its first Civil Aviation Master Plan, with environmental protection included in the long-term framework. Community Safety & Wellbeing: CPFSA removed five abandoned babies from Spanish Town Hospital and launched a bully-free poster competition for children.

Hurricane Recovery Accountability: Prime Minister Andrew Holness launched the Jamaica Reconstruction and Resilience Oversight Committee (JAMRROC) to provide “real-time” public scrutiny of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA), including quarterly reports and an online portal showing what’s being built, costs, timelines, and delays. Climate Impacts on Nature: New research warns coral reefs are losing recovery time as marine heat waves intensify—reefs that once had decades now get only about five or six years between major bleaching events. Food Security & Exports: UWI’s ICENS says its gamma irradiator work could help Jamaican farmers extend shelf life and meet pest-control needs for export markets, while crop mutagenesis research aims to build varieties more resilient to disease, drought, and climate stress. Agriculture Funding Push: A lecturer urges Jamaica to pool funding from TEF and NHT, plus support from the CDB and EU, to invest about J$4 billion annually to strengthen agriculture and processing. Tourism Innovation: TEF welcomed the third cohort of its Tourism Innovation Incubator, backing 15 entrepreneurs with a focus on tech, execution, and authentic Jamaican products. School Heat & Temporary Classrooms: The Jamaica Teachers’ Association challenges the government over plans to retrofit hot classrooms and the quality of temporary structures as temperatures worsen. Marine Heat & Resilience: The same heat-driven pressure is highlighted as a broader Caribbean risk to ecosystems and long-term resilience. Community Support: The Jamaica Chinese Federation rushed about $2.5 million in supplies and equipment to Kew Park Primary School in Westmoreland after reports of roof damage and shortages. Reparations Legal Move: Jamaica is pursuing a legal pathway through the Privy Council, seeking Britain’s responsibility for slavery and colonial harms to be examined.

School Heat & Temporary Classrooms: Jamaica Teachers’ Association president LaSonja Harrison is pushing Prime Minister Andrew Holness on the “plan” to cool classrooms and improve the quality of temporary structures after Hurricane Melissa, warning that climate-driven heat makes “learning under trees” a short-term fix, not a strategy. Rebuilding Progress: The Ministry of Education says 57 priority-one Hurricane Melissa schools are fully repaired, with another 95 due by end of September and 34 by December—part of a broader “build back better” push. Disaster Recovery Priorities: Jamaicans for Justice’ Mickel Jackson says NaRRA oversight must prioritize western Jamaica (St Elizabeth and beyond), not just Kingston and St Catherine, and warns against “romanticising” outdoor learning without safety and resources. Water for Farmers Amid Dry Conditions: Desnoes & Geddes Foundation (Red Stripe) donated 300 repurposed water drums via RADA to support 75 Portland farmers, boosting on-farm water storage as drought pressures agriculture. Climate-Resilience Funding (Bahamas): CABRIC grants open for coastal resilience projects, with up to US$5m available per country and special focus on erosion and extreme weather impacts. Tourism Resilience: Jamaica welcomed 2.34 million visitors and about US$2.5b in earnings through Aug. 31, even while operating at roughly 70% of pre-Melissa room capacity. Community Mapping for Recovery: SDC is using asset maps for 775 communities to guide targeted interventions and track what Hurricane Melissa damaged or changed. Hurricane Risk & Power Grids: A new look at “beyond Category 5” extreme storms highlights what this means for electric utilities and long-term grid planning.

Hurricane Melissa school recovery: Jamaica’s Ministry of Education says 57 “priority one” schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa are fully repaired, with another 95 expected by end of September and 34 by December—aiming to have about 60% ready by the first term, while officials stress “building back better” and ask for patience as some learners still attend in mixed or outdoor settings. Food security & climate resilience: Local and international experts and farmers met at the 10th International Food Security and Sovereignty Conference to push resilient, sustainable food systems as climate change strains production and increases reliance on imports. Community planning with disaster readiness: The Social Development Commission is using asset mapping across 775 communities to track local resources and facilities, helping target interventions and assess what Hurricane Melissa damaged compared with pre-storm conditions. Waste facility fire investigation: NSWMA says it’s responding to a fire at the Haddon Disposal Facility in St. Ann for about 48 hours, with preliminary signs suggesting it may have been deliberately set; the authority is working with the Fire Brigade and awaiting investigation findings. Water support for drought-hit farmers: The Desnoes and Geddes Foundation, via RADA, donated 300 repurposed water drums to 75 Portland farmers to boost water storage and help manage dry conditions. Climate grants for coastal resilience: Jamaica is among five Caribbean countries eligible for the CABRIC programme, offering grant funding (up to US$500,000) for locally led climate resilience projects, including coastal nature-based solutions and early warning systems. Tourism resilience push: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett was selected to co-chair World Economic Forum Tourism Day, and he’s also advancing Saudi Fund for Development talks focused on tourism training and post-Melissa reconstruction support.

Waste & Fire Safety: NSWMA says a fire at the Haddon Disposal Facility in Moneague, St Ann has been burning for about 48 hours, with teams working alongside the Jamaica Fire Brigade to contain it; preliminary observations show outbreaks at multiple spots and rapid spread, so the authority suspects it may have been deliberately set while investigations continue. Climate Resilience Funding: The CABRIC Programme (backed by the Green Climate Fund) is opening grant applications for locally led climate resilience projects in the Caribbean, with Jamaica among five countries and an estimated US$5 million available, including small (up to US$150k), medium (US$150k–$300k) and large (US$300k–$500k) grants. Coastal Land Rights: A Supreme Court injunction temporarily blocks the environment regulator from evicting at least 40 people from Jacob Taylor Beach lands in Trelawny, preserving the status quo while a judicial review case proceeds. Renewables & Energy: Rubis plans an 8MW solar installation in Jamaica as part of its renewable push, while local infrastructure updates include upgraded electrical works at Prince Avenue Basic School in St Catherine. Water Security: Rural Water Supply Limited commissioned the $91-million Bunkers Hill Water Supply System in Clarendon, adding solar-powered supply and new tanks and pipelines to benefit about 1,000 residents. Disaster Recovery for Schools: Sandals Foundation’s $214-million Hurricane Melissa school restoration includes structural rebuilds, re-roofing, solar power and water security upgrades across western and northern parishes. Education & Heat Adaptation: PM Holness argues that learning outdoors can help when classrooms are unbearably hot, as Jamaica continues rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa.

Coastal Land Rights: Jamaica’s environment regulator action against Jacob Taylor Beach residents in Duncans, Trelawny was temporarily blocked by a Supreme Court injunction, pausing eviction notices served in August and preserving the status quo while a judicial review proceeds. Renewable Energy: Rubis signed on to install an 8MW solar plant in Jamaica, adding to the island’s shift toward cleaner power. Water Security: Rural Water Supply Limited commissioned the $91-million Bunkers Hill Water Supply System in Clarendon, including solar-powered supply and new storage and pipelines expected to benefit about 1,000 residents. Disaster Resilience in Schools: Sandals Foundation’s $214-million Hurricane Melissa school restoration drive is rebuilding and upgrading learning spaces with stronger structures, re-roofing, solar power and water security across affected parishes. Local Climate Adaptation: The Government is using Parottee relocation in St Elizabeth as a test case for moving vulnerable communities out of repeated disaster risk—aiming to protect livelihoods and community ties. Energy + Food Logistics: The Government is seeking investors to lease and rehabilitate the Agricultural Marketing Corporation (AMC) Export Complex, targeting warehouse and cold-storage demand.

Heat & school resilience: Jamaica’s Education Ministry says 99.7% of schools opened for the 2026/27 year, but some are still dealing with repairs and delivery delays—while Hurricane Melissa recovery continues. Climate-proof classrooms: NET’s Build Back Better push is rebuilding schools with higher roofs, better ventilation and cooling, upgraded electrical systems, and water harvesting where possible, with solar planned for initial sites. Cooling in the classroom: In St. Elizabeth, Holland Primary students and teachers have been forced to learn under mango trees and bamboo shade as heat and poor ventilation overwhelm tent classrooms, with calls for fans and portable air-conditioning. Water & environment governance: Jamaica and Azerbaijan hosted a joint reception at UNEP’s Nairobi meeting, with Jamaica’s water, environment and climate leadership highlighted as the agenda moves through 2026–2029. Women in science: UNESCO launched WINGS Caribbean, offering two USD 10,000 fellowships for women researchers and innovators tackling climate and environmental resilience, disaster risk reduction, and community impact. Biodiversity note: A report says the world’s mangrove forests are expanding—an encouraging sign for coastal protection and habitat recovery.

Climate-Resilient Schools: Jamaica’s new school year opened smoothly overall (99.7% of schools), but heat and infrastructure gaps are still hitting classrooms—teachers at Holland Primary in St Elizabeth fled a hot tent for mango-tree shade, while NET says Build Back Better is pushing stronger, greener rebuilding standards after Hurricane Melissa. Heat & Health Risk: With El Niño strengthening heat, sports medicine warns schools to limit outdoor activity and protect students from dehydration and heat stroke. Water & Roads: Water Minister Matthew Samuda ordered the NWC to review Kingston and St Andrew work sites after traffic frustration, focusing on faster reinstatement and better signage as drought pressures continue. Inclusive Learning: CDB and JSIF upgraded a special-needs classroom at Mico CARE Centre, adding interactive tools for more individualised support. Research for Mosquito Control: UWI’s new gamma irradiator at ICENS is expanding Jamaica’s ability to tackle Aedes aegypti using Sterile Insect Technique research. Education Governance: The Jamaica Teachers’ Association says some closures and mergers lack consultation, warning “resilience must never become a cover for injustice.” Tourism & Climate Economy: JAMVAC is boosting cruise partnerships to lift visitor spending beyond ports as arrivals lag.

Climate Justice & Governance: Jamaica’s Culture Minister Olivia Grange leads a delegation to the UK to lodge a slavery reparations petition with King Charles III, asking for legal guidance from the Privy Council on whether slavery was lawful, whether it was a crime against humanity, and whether Britain owes restitution—linking the legacy to today’s education, health, and climate-crisis capacity. Science for Resilience: UWI’s ICENS has launched a new gamma irradiator to support research and practical work, including sterile insect technique for Aedes aegypti mosquito control, with radiation safety built in. Education & Inclusion: The Mico CARE Centre received upgraded classrooms and specialised learning tools for students with special educational needs, backed by CDB and JSIF support. School Year Strain: In Westmoreland, students were left stranded after taxi operators withdrew service over a postponed no-movement day, while elsewhere schools reopen amid repairs, mergers, mould and water shortages—prompting the Jamaica Teachers’ Association to call conditions “not a standard.” Water & Environment Infrastructure: Water Minister Matthew Samuda orders NWC to review Kingston and St Andrew work sites after traffic and reinstatement complaints, as drought pressures push efforts to expand water sources. Coastal & Disaster Risk: A new report highlights mangroves’ expanding global reach and their role in biodiversity support, carbon storage, and storm buffering.

Water & Climate Resilience: Water Minister Matthew Samuda ordered the NWC to review active work sites across Kingston and St Andrew, after complaints about traffic disruptions and slow road reinstatement—especially as drought pressures push the utility to bring in more water sources. Heat & El Niño Preparedness: With El Niño driving unusually high temperatures, sports medicine specialists are urging extreme caution for school athletes, warning about dehydration and heat stroke as outdoor activity risks rise. Coastal & Fisheries Impacts: Fishermen in Portland Cottage, Clarendon say strong winds and rough seas are damaging fishing pots and keeping boats from open waters, threatening livelihoods and back-to-school needs. Mangroves & Storm Buffering: A new report highlights that mangrove forests are expanding faster than they’re declining, boosting biodiversity, storing carbon, and helping protect coasts from storms. Tourism & Local Economy: In Montego Bay, plans to rehabilitate the Old Fort Craft Market aim to turn the waterfront into a stronger craft-and-business destination for visitors and vendors. Education & School Conditions: The Jamaica Teachers’ Association says some schools reopening for 2026–2027 still face mould, poor lighting, unfinished repairs, tented classrooms and water shortages, and is also demanding a seat at the table on closures and mergers. Cruise Demand Beyond Ports: JAMVAC is pushing cruise passengers to explore more of Jamaica, partnering with international cruise sellers as arrivals lag behind recent years. Reparations & Climate Link: Jamaica’s delegation in the UK is set to petition King Charles III for legal guidance on slavery reparations, with officials linking inherited disadvantages to today’s ability to respond to climate emergencies.

Climate Finance & Loss and Damage: Nepal is asking a UN Loss and Damage fund for immediate help after catastrophic floods, arguing climate promises must move from “paper” to action—while the fund is still new, underfunded, and untested. Jamaica & Climate Diplomacy: Water, Environment and Climate Change Minister Matthew Samuda will lead Jamaica’s UNEP-related delegation in Nairobi, pushing work on climate change, biodiversity and pollution. Coastal Nature Gains: A global report says mangrove forests are expanding faster than they’re being lost, highlighting their role in biodiversity, carbon storage, and storm buffering. Drought Response: St James Municipal leaders say water trucking will be activated for drought-hit communities, alongside a wider $500m drought relief plan. Food & Livelihood Pressure: Fishermen in Portland Cottage, Clarendon report months of strong winds and rough seas damaging gear and cutting access to open waters. Education After Hurricanes: Edwin Allen High School in Clarendon is reopening with new roofs and repairs after Hurricane Melissa, framed as a chance to upgrade long-neglected infrastructure. Reparations Push: Jamaica’s delegation arrives in the UK to present a slavery reparations petition to King Charles, seeking legal guidance on responsibility and restitution. Journalist Welfare: A Jamaican minister calls for action-oriented systems to protect independent journalists’ welfare and strengthen democracy.

Mangrove momentum: A new global satellite analysis finds mangrove forests are expanding faster than they’re being cleared, boosting biodiversity, storing extra carbon, and helping buffer storms—an important reminder for Jamaica’s coastal protection plans. Reparations push: Jamaican delegates in the UK are set to hand King Charles a slavery reparations petition seeking legal guidance on whether forced transport was lawful and whether restitution is owed. Climate loss-and-damage pressure: Nepal is asking for flood recovery support through a UN loss-and-damage mechanism, testing whether the system can deliver real payouts after disaster. Hurricane Melissa recovery lessons: In Clarendon, Edwin Allen High School’s storm-damaged roofs and classrooms have been rebuilt—turning damage into overdue upgrades. Drought and water stress: With rainfall below normal, St James is preparing emergency water trucking for drought-hit communities, while Jamaica weighs a $500m drought relief package. Beach access fight: Jamaica’s campaign to secure access to beaches continues, with calls for practical, managed public routes—not just slogans. Special education upgrades: Digicel Foundation and partners are renovating inclusive learning spaces at Mico CARE and expanding services like the Port Maria Special Education Unit. Jamaica’s climate diplomacy: Water, Environment and Climate Change Minister Matthew Samuda leads Jamaica’s UNEP-related delegation in Nairobi, aligning work on climate, biodiversity and pollution. Local resilience at sea: Fishermen in Clarendon’s Portland Cottage say strong winds are destroying gear and cutting income, threatening back-to-school needs.

Water & Climate Resilience: Jamaica’s drought response is moving fast: St James Municipal Corporation says it will soon activate emergency funding to truck water to drought-hit communities, while the wider government plan includes $500m for drought relief and possible more water restrictions if catchment levels keep falling. Biodiversity & Coasts: Jamaica’s Tourism Ministry lists 60 public bathing beaches as open to locals, as campaigners push to replace the colonial-era Beach Control Act. Environment Governance: Water, Environment and Climate Change Minister Matthew Samuda heads Jamaica’s delegation to UNEP talks in Kenya, focusing on climate change, biodiversity and pollution. Food Security: New UN-linked figures highlighted that 55% of Jamaicans face food insecurity, with 28% in severe conditions—an issue tied to prices, incomes, and climate pressures. Agriculture Fire Risk: JACRA warns farmers to avoid fires and burning waste as dry conditions worsen, pointing to damaging bush fires in coffee areas. Local Water Infrastructure: Munroe Road–Wellington Drive pipeline upgrades shift to night-time operations to reduce traffic disruption while strengthening the water network. Tourism Innovation: The Tourism Enhancement Fund selects 15 entrepreneurs for its Tourism Innovation Incubator, including AI-powered prototype development to grow locally made tourism products. Education & Inclusion: Digicel Foundation and partners expand special education spaces, including renovations at Port Maria and new inclusive learning rooms at Mico CARE.

Drought Response: St James Mayor Richard Vernon says the St James Municipal Corporation will soon activate emergency funding to truck water to drought-hit communities, with Jamaica already seeing about three months of below-average rainfall and a $500m drought relief package earmarked for schools, health centres and vulnerable areas. School Recovery After Storms: Petersfield High School principal Roan Green praised teachers’ resilience after Hurricane Melissa, noting more than half of staff had home damage while students were supported to return to learning. Water & Climate Resilience Infrastructure: The Munroe Road–Wellington Drive pipeline upgrade is shifting to night-time operations to reduce congestion, part of a $1.2b push to strengthen potable water and sewerage systems amid climate pressures. Food Security Pressure: UN data highlighted at a food security conference says 55% of Jamaicans face food insecurity and 28% are severely affected. Beach Access Rights: Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism lists 60 public bathing beaches as open to locals, as campaigners push to replace the colonial-era Beach Control Act. Craft & Tourism Integrity: The National Craft Council warns that imported imitations sold as Jamaican are hurting local artisans, even as the Old Fort Craft Market in Montego Bay gets a $53.5m rehabilitation for 156 vendors. Bushfire Risk: JACRA urges extreme caution with fires and burning waste as dry conditions increase bushfire danger, citing losses from a major Blue Mountains blaze.

Drought & Water Security: Minister Matthew Samuda warned parts of the Corporate Area could face days without water if Mona Reservoir (43.1%) and Hermitage Dam (35.4%) keep dropping, with possible tighter restrictions below critical levels. Infrastructure for Resilience: The Munroe Road–Wellington Drive pipeline upgrade is shifting to night-time operations to reduce congestion, while the government also approved $500m for drought response, including $150m for water trucking to schools and health centres. Climate Risk for Farmers: JACRA urged extreme caution with fires and burning waste as dry conditions increase bushfire risk, pointing to damage in the Blue Mountains coffee belt. Food Security Pressure: UN data highlighted that 55% of Jamaicans face food insecurity and 28% are severely food insecure, as climate and prices strain household access to nutritious food. Coastal Access & Justice: Jamaica listed 60 public bathing beaches as locals push to replace the colonial-era Beach Control Act. Biodiversity/Marine Monitoring: NEPA began coral spawning observation dives, supporting reef protection efforts. Local Craft & Tourism Integrity: The National Craft Council called for stronger protection against imported imitations sold as Jamaican, alongside a $53.5m rehabilitation of the Old Fort Craft Market in Montego Bay. Education After Disasters: NET continues Hurricane Melissa school repairs, including Strawberry and Catherine Hall Primary and Infant schools.

Drought & Water Security: Jamaica’s drought pressure is still high, with Mona Reservoir at 43.1% and Hermitage Dam at 35.4%. Water Minister Matthew Samuda warned parts of the Corporate Area could face days without supply if levels keep falling, and Cabinet approved an extra $500M for drought response, including water trucks for schools and health facilities. Infrastructure for Resilience: The Munroe Road–Wellington Drive pipeline upgrade is moving to night-time operations to cut daytime congestion, with Sunday closures easing for up to 24-hour construction. Food Insecurity: New UN-linked figures show 55% of Jamaicans face food insecurity and 28% are severely food insecure, with climate and rising costs adding strain. Coastal Access Rights: Jamaica has listed 60 public beaches as open for free access, as campaigners push to replace the colonial-era Beach Control Act. Authentic Craft & Local Livelihoods: The National Craft Council is calling for stronger protection against imported imitations of Jamaican designs, while a $53.5M rehabilitation of the Old Fort Craft Market in Montego Bay aims to boost vendors’ stake in tourism. Climate Signals: A study says El Niños are strengthening due to human-caused climate change, raising the odds of more extreme weather.