AGP Executive Report

Flood and Landslide Risk: A flash-flood warning remains in effect for flood-prone areas of St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew, with watches for St Ann, St Catherine and Clarendon. Heavy showers, saturated ground and rough seas raise risks through Sunday. Hurricane Recovery: A CAPRI report says only J$26.2 million of J$1.4 billion in donations for Hurricane Melissa had been spent four months after the storm, while gaps in roof-repair records and prolonged school disruption point to weaknesses in disaster response. Biodiversity: At COP17 in Armenia, Jamaica stressed the need for adequate funding to protect nature; fewer than half of assessed national biodiversity targets are on track. Water Security: As the NWC seeks a 51 per cent rate increase, its five-pillar plan includes reducing water losses and overhauling energy use, alongside debt restructuring and service improvements.

Flood and Landslide Risk: Heavy rain has triggered flooding and landslides in Jamaica, with saturated soils raising further risks as showers are forecast to continue into Sunday. Water Security: The NWC’s proposed 51 per cent rate increase faces broad opposition, while ageing pipes need urgent investment to improve reliable supply. Climate-Resilient Recovery: At a Philadelphia conference, State Minister Alando Terrelonge urged Jamaicans overseas to support hurricane recovery, including investment in water systems, renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture. Marine Conservation: A November 7 swim fundraiser will support the White River Fish Sanctuary’s coral restoration and sustainable fishing work. Coral Reefs: A new IUCN assessment warns that 96 per cent of the world’s major warm-water reefs are critically endangered, including the Caribbean’s Mesoamerican reef.

Flood Risk: The Met Service has upgraded its alert to a flash flood warning for low-lying areas of St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew, while a watch remains for St Ann, St Catherine and Clarendon. Heavy rain has triggered landslides, including one that stranded students and teachers at a St Thomas school. Fishers are urged to use caution as sea conditions worsen. Marine Conservation: Swimmers will raise funds for the White River Fish Sanctuary at its November 7 event in Ocho Rios. The sanctuary supports coral restoration and sustainable fishing. Coral Reefs: A new IUCN assessment warns that 96 per cent of the world’s major warm-water reefs are critically endangered, with climate-driven heat stress putting reefs—including the Caribbean’s Mesoamerican system—at risk of collapse. Waste Management: Jamaica is recruiting more than 100 enforcement officers to tackle illegal dumping.

Flood Alert: The Met Service has upgraded its flash-flood warning for low-lying areas of St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew, with a watch remaining for St Ann, St Catherine and Clarendon. Heavy showers may trigger landslides; fishers should also beware worsening sea conditions. Coral at Risk: A new IUCN assessment says 96 per cent of the world’s major warm-water reefs are critically endangered, including the Caribbean’s Mesoamerican reef system, with many facing collapse by 2075. Biodiversity Action: At COP17, Jamaica delivered a regional call for stronger cooperation, more biodiversity financing and faster progress on global nature targets. Illegal Dumping: Jamaica is recruiting more than 100 enforcement officers to tackle illegal dumping.

Weekend Weather: Jamaica is bracing for heavy showers and thunderstorms through Sunday, especially in eastern and central parishes. Fishers are urged to watch for worsening sea conditions. Climate-Smart Farming: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green says a US$50-million Green Climate Fund grant will support weather stations, pilot projects and about US$3 million in aid for farmers recovering from Hurricane Melissa. Biodiversity: At COP17, Jamaica’s Gilliam Guthrie called for stronger global cooperation and more funding to protect nature and meet 2030 targets. The IUCN also warned that 96 per cent of the world’s shallow-water coral reefs face an extremely high risk of collapse by 2075. Recycling: Red Stripe says it recovered 86.8 per cent of bottles sold in the nine months to September and is aiming to speed up returns and reach 94 per cent. Local Seafood: An Iberostar workshop brought tourism, fisheries and conservation groups together to explore ways to connect Jamaican fishers with hotel demand.

Weekend Weather: Jamaica’s Met Service expects heavy showers and thunderstorms from Friday through Sunday, especially in eastern and central parishes. Fishers are urged to watch for rough seas and squalls. Water Costs: The NWC’s proposed 51 per cent rate increase faces growing opposition. Business groups cite household and business pressures and call for accountability, including action on major water losses from leaks. Flood Resilience: The Government plans to reclaim gully reserves in four high-risk Kingston communities, with relocation support for residents living too close to vulnerable waterways. Climate Risk: Central Bank Governor Larry Howai warned that climate disasters threaten financial stability, food supplies and infrastructure, underscoring the need to plan for storms rather than pay for damage afterward. Food Security: The Government is exploring irrigation technology and improved water management to strengthen farming and resilience. Biodiversity: At COP17, Jamaica delivered a regional call for stronger conservation action and financing as progress toward global 2030 nature targets remains too slow.

Climate and Food Security: Jamaica is exploring new irrigation and water-management technologies to strengthen farming and food security as drought concerns grow. Climate Risk: Central Bank Governor Larry Howai warned that extreme weather threatens economic stability, pointing to Hurricane Melissa’s estimated US$8.8-billion damage in Jamaica and its impact on food prices. Water Pressure: The proposed 51 per cent NWC rate increase faces opposition from businesses and hoteliers already grappling with shortages and the cost of buying trucked water; the utility says higher revenue is needed to repair ageing infrastructure and maintain supply. Flood Resilience: The Government plans a pilot to reclaim gully buffer zones in Kingston and help relocate residents in high-risk areas, citing the danger of severe weather and failing infrastructure. Biodiversity Action: At COP17, Jamaica delivered a regional call for stronger cooperation and financing, as a new global report warns that progress towards 2030 nature targets is too slow. Climate Projects: MPs questioned why only one of five priority resilience projects has been completed despite $13.4 billion being allocated.

Urban Flood Risk: The Government plans to reclaim Kingston gullies and enforce 20-foot buffer zones, with a pilot to help relocate residents from four high-risk communities. Water Pressures: The NWC’s proposed 51 per cent tariff hike is facing pushback from businesses, including tourism operators, as drought restrictions and water costs strain operations. Climate Readiness: MPs have questioned why only one of five priority climate projects, backed by $13.4 billion, is complete; officials cite staffing, procurement and COVID-related delays. Flood Resilience: Montego Bay will use a US$350,000 grant to develop an early-warning system for flood-prone communities. Nature Targets: A new global biodiversity report warns that progress toward 2030 conservation goals remains too slow, with marine and coastal ecosystems among those lagging.

Climate Costs: Central Bank Governor Larry Howai says climate change threatens financial stability, citing Hurricane Melissa’s estimated US$8.8-billion damage bill in Jamaica and the storm’s impact on food prices. Biodiversity: At COP17, delegates face warnings that global efforts to meet 2030 nature-protection targets are falling behind. Development Checks: Jamaica’s proposed Lionel Densham Aerodrome is undergoing environmental and climate assessments, with the tourism sector urging meaningful consultation with St Elizabeth communities. Pollution and Water: Jamaica is recruiting more than 100 enforcement officers to tackle illegal dumping, while major sewage upgrades are underway in Central Kingston. Coastal Protection: Regulators have asked for a plan to relocate coral ahead of Fiesta’s proposed overwater suites.

South Coast Development: Jamaica is moving ahead with the Lionel Densham Aerodrome in St Elizabeth. Technical studies include environmental and climate assessments, and the JHTA says communities must be meaningfully consulted. Biodiversity: At COP17, Jamaica’s Gilliam Guthrie delivered a regional call for stronger conservation action and financing, warning that Caribbean countries remain vulnerable and global targets are off track. Pollution Enforcement: Jamaica is recruiting more than 100 officers to tackle illegal dumping, a key test of efforts to protect communities and waterways. Wildlife: A new NEPA-Jamaica Observer series is spotlighting bats and their role in controlling insects, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. Coastal Protection: Plans to relocate coral for Fiesta’s proposed overwater suites and concerns that South Haven beach development could restrict public access highlight competing pressures on Jamaica’s shorelines.

Illegal Dumping: Jamaica is recruiting more than 100 enforcement officers to tackle illegal dumping, a growing challenge for communities and the environment. Wastewater: Major sewage works are underway in Central Kingston, with upgrades aimed at improving infrastructure and sanitation. Wildlife: A new NEPA series is spotlighting Jamaica’s bats and their role in controlling insects, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. Coastal Access: Surfer Icah Wilmot warns that beach improvements must not come at the cost of public access, raising concerns about development at South Haven in St Thomas. Climate Resilience: Jamaica’s delegation is taking drought concerns to an international irrigation congress, while UNDP-backed green recovery projects are supporting post-hurricane rebuilding. Food Security: Seed Library Jamaica has launched to help strengthen access to seeds and support local food production.

Wildlife: NEPA and the Jamaica Observer have launched a 12-week series on Jamaica’s ecosystems, opening with bats and their roles in controlling insects, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. Beach access: Surfer Icah Wilmot warns that development at South Haven, St Thomas, must not shut the public out of a valued surf spot. Waste: Jamaica is recruiting more than 100 enforcement officers to tackle illegal dumping. Urban environment: Major sewage infrastructure upgrades are underway in Central Kingston. Coastal protection: Jamaica’s regulator has requested a coral relocation plan for a proposed overwater resort project. Climate recovery: UNDP is supporting green recovery projects as Jamaica rebuilds after Hurricane Melissa. Water security: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green led Jamaica’s delegation to an international irrigation congress amid drought concerns.

Beach Access: Surfer Icah Wilmot warns that development at South Haven beach in St Thomas must not come at the cost of public access: “If you can’t get to the beaches, then it doesn’t matter if it’s clean or not.” Illegal Dumping: Jamaica is recruiting more than 100 enforcement officers to tackle illegal dumping. Kingston Sewage: Major works are underway to upgrade sewage infrastructure in Central Kingston, says MP Williams. Drought and Farming: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green is leading a Jamaican delegation to an international irrigation congress amid drought concerns, while a new Seed Library Jamaica initiative aims to boost food security. Coastal Protection: Jamaica’s regulator has asked for a plan to relocate coral ahead of Fiesta’s proposed overwater suites. Green Recovery: UNDP-backed projects are supporting post-hurricane rebuilding with a focus on resilience.

Waste Enforcement: Jamaica is recruiting more than 100 enforcement officers to tackle illegal dumping. Urban Water: Major sewer-line replacement works are underway in Central Kingston to address persistent spills, leaks and overflows. Food and Farming: The Senate approved irrigation-area resolutions for Pedro Plains and Braco, aiming to expand farmers’ access to reliable water amid drought concerns. Coastal Protection: Jamaica’s regulator has requested a plan to relocate coral for a proposed overwater resort development. Climate Resilience: Floodwater and waves are damaging a key coastal road, underscoring the risks facing Jamaica’s shoreline.

Ocean Stewardship: A new column calls for stronger global coordination to protect the ocean, noting Jamaica’s Blue Economy Working Group and the need to bring marine goals into climate plans. Sewage Upgrade: Major sewer-line replacements are underway in Central Kingston to tackle persistent spills, leaks and overflows. Water for Farms: The Senate approved irrigation-area resolutions for Pedro Plains and Braco, aiming to improve farmers’ access to water amid drought concerns. Coastal Protection: Floodwater and waves are damaging a key Jamaican coastal road, while regulators have asked for a plan to relocate coral ahead of a resort development. Forest Monitoring: New equipment is boosting the Forestry Department’s ability to monitor Jamaica’s forests.

Sewage Upgrades: Major sewer-line replacement work is underway in Central Kingston to tackle long-running spills, leaks and overflows. Irrigation and Food Security: The Senate approved resolutions to expand irrigation access in Pedro Plains and Braco, as Jamaica faces drought concerns and seeks more reliable water for farmers. Seeds for Resilience: Seed Library Jamaica will make local seeds available through public libraries, helping communities grow food and protect agricultural biodiversity. Coasts Under Pressure: Jamaica’s regulator has asked for a plan to relocate coral for Fiesta’s proposed overwater suites, while flooding and waves continue to damage a key coastal road. Recovery and Readiness: UNDP-backed green recovery projects are supporting post-hurricane rebuilding, and Caribbean countries are working to make weather warnings more useful and actionable.