AGP Executive Report

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.

Drought Watch: Water Minister Matthew Samuda warns parts of Kingston and St Andrew could face days without supply if catchment levels keep falling, with Mona Reservoir at 43.1% and Hermitage Dam at 35.4%; he says serious restrictions kick in below 30% or 20% and the government is tightening extraction licences while pushing new pumping projects. Emergency Funding: Cabinet has approved an extra $500 million for the drought response ahead of school reopening—$150m for NWC water trucks to schools, health facilities and detention police stations, $200m via MPs, and $150m to municipalities for areas outside the NWC footprint. School Resilience: The National Education Trust (NET) continues rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa, including roofing and window repairs at Strawberry Primary and Infant and completed roofing works at Catherine Hall Primary and Infant. Fire Risk for Farmers: RADA urges farmers to stop slash-and-burn and avoid outdoor fires during hot, dry, windy conditions, stressing strict rules in watershed areas like Rio Cobre and Yallahs Valley. Climate Justice Grants: Six Caribbean groups, including Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), received small grants to boost grassroots climate justice advocacy and community resilience. Water Infrastructure Disruption: The Munroe Road–Wellington Drive pipeline upgrade shifts to night-time operations, with major corridor closures on Sundays to support up to 24-hour construction.

Drought Response: Jamaica has approved an extra $500 million to tackle worsening drought and extreme heat ahead of school reopening, with $150m for NWC water trucks to schools, health facilities and other critical sites, $200m routed through MPs, and $150m to municipalities—while officials say funds may be paused if rainfall improves. Water Security: Schools in parishes under water prohibition orders, including St Thomas, are preparing with storage and conservation plans as NWC restrictions continue. Bushfire Risk: RADA is urging farmers to stop slash-and-burn land clearing and avoid outdoor fires during dry, windy conditions, warning that burning materials can spread quickly and harm crops, forests and communities. Climate Justice Funding: Six Caribbean groups, including Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), received small grants to push grassroots climate justice work and strengthen community voices in resilience decisions. Nature & Health: Supreme Ventures Foundation donated $2.1m to Chain of Hope Jamaica to support paediatric heart surgery for families who can’t afford treatment.

Drought & Water Security: Jamaica has approved an extra $500m to fight drought impacts as schools reopen, with $150m to the NWC for water trucks and support for schools, health facilities and critical sites, plus $200m routed through MPs and $150m to municipalities—while officials say spending can pause if conditions improve. Bushfire Risk: RADA is urging farmers to use extreme caution as hot, dry weather continues, warning against slash-and-burn, open burning and careless disposal of cigarettes/charcoal, and reminding that watershed-area restrictions apply Feb 1–Oct 31. Coral Conservation: NEPA is starting coral spawning observation dives across four marine ecosystems, citing a shift from “poor” to “critical” reef condition and pushing restoration using resilient coral colonies. Climate Justice Funding: Six Caribbean groups, including Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), received small grants to strengthen grassroots climate justice advocacy and community resilience. Disaster Finance Pressure: Developing-country board members are calling for an urgent loss-and-damage fund meeting after Nepal’s deadly flash floods, arguing the event fits the fund’s climate extreme-weather purpose. Early Warning Systems: Jamaica’s Met Service is calling for a more integrated, multi-agency alerting framework to strengthen public emergency communications.

Drought & Fire Risk: RADA is warning farmers to stop slash-and-burn clearing and avoid outdoor fires as hot, dry conditions worsen, stressing that cigarettes, charcoal and firewood must be fully extinguished and that open burning is banned in key watershed areas (Rio Cobre, Yallahs Valley, Hope River, Rio Minho) from Feb 1–Oct 31. Water Security Under Pressure: With NWC prohibition orders in place, some Corporate Area water-dependent businesses say they’re paying far more by trucking water to meet demand, highlighting how drought is hitting everyday costs. Early-Warning Upgrades: Met Service head Evan Thompson is pushing for Jamaica’s alerting to move into a fully integrated, multi-agency system, building on the Common Alerting Protocol used through SmartAlert and SmartMet. Coral in Crisis: NEPA says Jamaica’s reef condition has dropped from poor to critical, and is starting coral spawning observation dives to target resilient colonies for restoration and reproduction. Desertification Financing Push: Delroy Williams says Jamaica needs stronger funding and faster implementation to tackle drought, land degradation and water insecurity under UNCCD COP17. Beach Access Fight: JHTA backs calls for Jamaicans to have unencumbered access to beaches, aligning with JaBBEM’s push to repeal the Beach Control Act of 1956. Regional Leadership: World Bank names Jamaican national Judith Green as Country Manager for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, with a mandate tied to jobs and sustainable development.

Coral Conservation: NEPA is starting coral spawning observation dives across four marine ecosystems, after its Coral Reef Health Index showed Jamaica’s reefs have slipped from poor to critical—so surviving, more resilient coral colonies are being mapped for restoration and reproduction under national ecosystem restoration plans. Disaster Preparedness: Jamaica’s Met Service is pushing to upgrade public alerting beyond weather-only messaging, expanding its Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) use into a fully integrated, multi-agency early-warning system. Drought & Land Degradation: Delroy Williams says Jamaica needs stronger financing and faster implementation to tackle drought, land degradation, and water security after representing the country at UNCCD COP17. Water & Sanitation: A septic workshop at Lake Paran (Sept. 16) aims to prevent septic failures and protect water quality, using hands-on outreach tied to SepticSmart Week. Beach Access & Rights: JHTA President O’Brian Heron backs calls for Jamaicans to have access to beaches and coastline, aligning with JaBBEM’s push to repeal/replace the Beach Control Act of 1956. Climate Link to Drought: A study by World Weather Attribution finds human-caused climate change reduced early wet-season rainfall, making extreme dry spells more likely in Jamaica. Coastal Flood Lessons: A look at New York’s five-year struggle after Hurricane Ida highlights how communities and stormwater systems must keep improving to handle extreme rain.

Climate & Water Security: A World Weather Attribution study says human-caused climate change has cut early wet-season rainfall by about 6% in Jamaica and 9% in Puerto Rico, making extreme dry spells far more likely. Disaster Preparedness: Jamaica’s Met Service is pushing to expand public alerting into a fully integrated, multi-agency early-warning system using the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP). Drought Impacts on Daily Life: At Middle Quarters Primary and Infant School in St Elizabeth, tents are being rejected as “heat traps,” with ventilated classrooms required for the new term. Coastlines & Rights: The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association backs calls for Jamaicans to have unencumbered beach access, aligning with court action challenging the Beach Control Act. Community Resilience: UNDP reports residents in western Jamaica repurposed Hurricane Melissa debris through a cash-for-clean-up effort, turning waste into items like school furniture and receptacles. Health Research Funding: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness awarded $48 million to health researchers under the Research for Wellness Fund. Road Safety Policy: The demerit point system rollout is delayed, drawing criticism from road safety advocates.