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Author: Andie Spencer

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Author: Andie Spencer

Cabinet Approves the Appointment of Professor Webber as the First Special Envoy for Climate Change, Environment, Ocean, and Blue Economy

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Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, the Hon. Matthew Samuda, MP announced today in Parliament the historic appointment of Professor Dale Finster St. George Webber as Jamaica’s first special envoy for Climate Change, Environment, Ocean, and Blue Economy.

This pioneering role reflects Jamaica’s commitment to addressing the global challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and sustainable development. Professor Webber, an esteemed marine biologist, conservationist, and climate change advocate, will serve as an Ambassador in this capacity, reporting directly to the Most Honourable Prime Minister while working closely with the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

Prime Minister Holness and Minister of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness expressed his commendations to Professor Webber in Parliament.

“I wish to add my commendations to Professor Webber, he has done a great deal of work in the field of climate, and it was a very easy decision for me and the Minister responsible for climate change to make the appointment. We are confident that he will represent Jamaica well in the many climate fora that are conveyed around the world and particularly at this time”, said the Prime Minister.

Minister Samuda emphasised the importance of this appointment, citing the critical need for Jamaica to enhance its representation in international negotiations and agreements. “The challenges of our time—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—demand high-level participation and collaboration on the global stage. This appointment signals Jamaica’s resolve to lead and act decisively in these areas”, he said.

Professor Webber’s expertise in Coastal and Environmental Management and his distinguished career in academia and public service, including his tenure as Principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, make him exceptionally suited for this role.

In his new role, Professor Webber will engage in international dialogues and technical negotiations, ensuring that Jamaica’s interests remain at the forefront of global environmental policy and action. According to his Terms of Reference, his role will include:

  • Clear identification of leads on projects or programmes representing sound prospects for advancing Jamaica’s economic growth, environmental sustainability and job creation agenda; and
  • Provision of specific proposals with supporting documentation, as will permit the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, to assess the feasibility of proposed projects or programmes.

Minister Samuda concluded by urging bipartisan support for this significant appointment, noting its importance for Jamaica’s future resilience and sustainability.

36 residents of St. Paul’s Lane receive the keys to their new homes

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Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, shares a celebratory moment with recipients and officials during the handing-over ceremony for 36 new housing units in St. Paul’s Lane, Tower Hill, West Central St. Andrew.
36 residents of St. Paul’s Lane receive the keys to their new homes

36 residents in St. Paul’s Lane, Tower Hill, West Central St. Andrew, are the proud recipients of new homes, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ), the National Housing Trust (NHT), and the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).

The residents, including several who were displaced by a fire which gutted their dwellings two years ago, received the keys to their houses during a handing-over ceremony in the community on Wednesday (December 11, 2024).

Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness who is also the Member of Parliament for the area, noted that initially 24 homes should have been built.  However, he stated that following discussions with members of the community, the decision was taken to clear the entire one-and-a-half-acre plot to facilitate the construction of 36 units.

“It took some time and convincing and it took some guarantee that we would pay rent for those persons who gave up their structures for new structures that would be built.  In all, we have 36 units…The moment that we broke ground, and we were coming up out of the foundation, the persons who were sceptical, their minds and their outlook immediately changed, and they wanted to be a part of this”, he stated.

The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the St. Paul’s Lane development will spark a ‘demonstration effect’ for other projects where lands are not readily available for greenfield development.

“Once the public sees that this is the policy and it has worked, then we can now move full speed ahead with developing other such communities across Jamaica and in particular, within Kingston and St. Andrew”, he noted.

Dr. Holness added that communities across Jamaica have already been identified to replicate the St. Paul’s Lane development model, adding that the NHT, HAJ and JSIF will be tasked to develop a working model that can easily be deployed to these communities to conduct a proper programme of urban renewal.

“We want to do this for every single inner-city community in Jamaica.   This is my wish, and this is my vision, and we have proven that it can be done without any issues, any complaints, any conflicts, we have done it.  We have identified the communities. In the next budget there will be an allocation for this urban renewal project”, the Prime Minister stated.

Among the facilities in the development are a play area, washing and drying area, parking, sewage, water, electricity and other amenities.

Government Tables Amendments to Strengthen Environmental Legislation

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The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), in collaboration with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), tabled amendments to the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act (NRCA) and the Wildlife Protection Act in Parliament yesterday (December 10).

The proposed amendments aim to increase fines, update related custodial sentences and modernise the legal framework for environmental management in Jamaica. The maximum fine for offences under both the NRCA Act and the Wild Life Protection Act has been significantly increased to J$5 million. Furthermore, the amendments introduce distinctions between offences committed by individuals and body corporates, with the latter now subject to judgments in the Circuit Court. This change allows for the imposition of penalties based on the severity of the environmental crime.

Minister without Portfolio in the MEGJC, Hon. Matthew Samuda, stated:

“We are continuing to focus on the full overhaul of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act and the Wildlife Protection Act as well as the repeal and replacement of the Forest Act, which we aim to complete early in the Financial Year 2025/26. These efforts underscore the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening environmental governance and ensuring that offenders face penalties commensurate with the severity of their actions”.

The amendments reflect the Government’s proactive approach to addressing non-compliance with environmental laws. Minister Samuda added:

“The ministry will also be conducting a review of the enforcement capacity of all our environmental management agencies with regulatory authority, including the National Environment and Planning Agency, the Forestry Department, and the Water Resources Authority. This review will ensure a robust enforcement framework to protect our natural resources.”

These updates are part of the Government’s broader strategy to promote sustainable development while fostering a culture of compliance with environmental regulations.

The tabled bill can be found on the Houses of Parliament website at https://japarliament.gov.jm.

Cabinet Approves J$2 billion Emergency Road Repair Programme

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Cabinet has approved J$2 billion to undertake emergency road repairs, announced recently by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness.

This was disclosed today, (Wednesday, December 11, 2024) by Minister with responsibility for Works Hon. Robert Morgan at the weekly Post-Cabinet Press briefing at Jamaica House.

“Cabinet approved that programme on Monday, and we expect contracts to be issued to the contractors before the end of the week, so we can start doing the work since we have seen some signs in some areas that the rains have abated to some extent”, he stated.

Minister Morgan said main roads will be prioritised under the emergency repair programme, adding that he had received numerous calls about roads like Grants Pen, August Town, the Hermitage Road, Papine to Gordon Town and Red Hills, as well as roads in St James, and Hanover, among others.

“The National Works Agency will be using this J$2 billion dollars as efficiently as possible to do quick work in repairing these roads, based on the national emergency”, he noted.

Minister Morgan further explained that the recent rains had not only resulted in more damage to the roads but had delayed the necessary repairs.

“So, the issue is not about finding resources to repair a large portion of the roads that have challenges. The issue was when we did try to repair some of these roads, the rains would have stopped us and we made the decision that we should not try to patch roads in rain, as we will lose the asphalt”.

Turning to the SPARK programme, Minister Morgan elaborated on the breakdown of the expenditure under the programme.

“It is J$20 billion in the first tranche of the J$45 billion allocation, (with) J$40 billion for roads and J$5 billion for water infrastructure. We’re focused on improving connectivity in communities ensuring safe and reliable travel for Jamaicans, which includes not digging up the roads after the roads are fixed to lay water pipes but putting in the pipes while the roads are being fixed. It includes the re-design of roads that have never been designed in the first place.  It includes a comprehensive drainage design for these roads to ensure that they last longer”, he noted.

The programme, he said, also includes a defects liability period where the main contractor is obligated without cost to the Government, to fix any flaw that comes up within a year after the road has been handed over.

The Minister stated that the repairing of roads is about people.

Contracts signed with CHEC for SPARK Programme

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Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), Mrs. Arlene Williams alongside Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Holness signed the contract for the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).
Contracts signed with CHEC for SPARK Programme

Four contracts were signed this morning (December 5, 2024) for the much-anticipated Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme.

The contracts which were signed between the Government of Jamaica and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the successful bidder on the project, paves the way for work to commence on the project.

Addressing the signing ceremony at Jamaica House, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, noted that the contracts cover four packages and are valued at over $36.04 billion dollars for the road work, while an additional $2 billion will be spent on pipes and water mains.

“Package 1 – Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Thomas; Package 2 St. Catherine and Clarendon; Package 3 Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland and Hanover; Package 4 St James, Trelawny, St Ann, St. Mary and Portland and that would total approximately J$38 billion with J$36 billion applicable to road infrastructure” the Prime Minister explained.

He added that the project will be divided into two distinct phases with a local component focusing on community roads, and the other component focusing on main roads.

Construction for the project he said, is scheduled to be completed in two years, with an additional year for defects liability, during which the contractor would carry out any repairs due to defects.

The National Works Agency, the Prime Minister explained, will be responsible for the management and implementation of all works with the support of engineers, consultants and other technical professionals who will give sufficient oversight to the work of the contractors.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the SPARK Programme is not a mere routine road maintenance or patching programme.

“The Spark Programme is a capital investment and the difference between regular maintenance and capital investment is that the capital investment creates entirely new value that adds to your GDP.  Patching the roads is a temporary solution for convenience. It is necessary to do it, but it is not a long-term solution to Jamaica’s aged infrastructure. What we really need to do is to make a substantial improvement, creating new value in our road network”, he emphasised.

The signing ceremony also saw the launch of a new website, sparkjamaica.gov.jm, which will provide the public with information about the Programme.

In making the announcement, Minister with responsibility for Works Hon. Robert Morgan, noted that one important aspect of the new website is a document centre.

“It will give the public access to all publicly available documents related to the SPARK Programme.  The contract that we are signing is a public document, so it can go on the website. The roads that will be repaired can go on the website. We will also (eventually) put on the website, all the roads that we have assessed under SPARK, as well as the length of roads in the parishes and several other documents, so that the public will have a very easy access to the information”.

Minister Morgan further noted that the website would also contain the governance framework for the SPARK programme, which was approved by the Cabinet and will govern the execution of works and the accountability of stakeholders under the Programme.

MEGJC’s Geography Awareness Month 2024 aims to highlight AI-driven technologies

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L-R Garfield Young, Professor of Geomatics Education at the University of Technology; Dasmine Kennedy, Assistant Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Education and Youth ;Authrine Scarlett, Chief Technical Director (actg) MEGJC; and Mr. Leonard Francis, Chairman of the Land Information Council of Jamaica (LICH) at the Geography Awareness Month Launch 2024 hosted by the MEGJC under the theme, “AI-Driven Geospatial Insights: Transforming Data into Action”.

MEGJC’s Geography Awareness Month 2024 aims to highlight AI-driven technologies

The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) launched Geography Awareness Month (GAM) yesterday (October 30, 2024) in collaboration with the Land Information Council of Jamaica, highlighting AI-driven technologies under the theme AI-Driven Geospatial Insights: Transforming Data into Action.

Acting Chief Technical Director in the Ministry, Mrs. Authrine Scarlett, who represented Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Arlene Williams at the launch, emphasised the importance of AI-driven technologies and highlighted the timeliness of the theme.

“This is a timely and relevant theme, as we recognise how cutting-edge technologies have evolved into advancements such as Artificial Intelligence that reshape how we interact with geospatial data”, she said.

Mrs. Scarlett added that “GAM provides a platform for promoting the use of geospatial technologies in problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making at various levels – from local to global”.

In his keynote address, Professor of Geomatics Education, Garfield Young, highlighted the importance of AI technologies in geography information systems.

“The technology is also being used to build a database of natural disaster vulnerability in our public schools in Jamaica and other public buildings in our country and the Eastern Caribbean. Currently, geospatial technologies are employed in the assessment of flood-prone coastal areas as a critical tool in disaster risk reduction. By coupling AI with GIS, a new frontier in data analysis has been breached, offering unprecedented opportunities for mapping, 3D modeling, and spatial data interpretation”, said Professor Young.

Geography Awareness Month 2024 activities will be held from October 30 – November 20, 2024, and will also include the GIS in Schools Education Programme (GISSEP) Forest Field Trip at the Bogue 2 Forest Reserve in St. Ann; GIS Innovate – Spatial Solutions Summit; and the 22nd National GIS Day Exposition at the UWI Assembly Hall.

Prime Minister Tours Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project, Highlights Progress and Long-Term Benefits

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Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Horace Chang, Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, Homer Davis, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Mrs. Arlene Williams, Managing Director, Mr. Stephen Edwards, NROCC among other critical participants toured the Montego Bay Perimeter Road to see the progress.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, yesterday (October 16, 2024), toured the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project to assess the progress of one of the country’s most significant infrastructure developments. The project, valued at US$274 million, is being implemented through a Design-Build Construction Contract between the Government of Jamaica (GOJ), and the China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC). The National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited (NROCC), an Agency of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), is responsible for the project’s execution.

During the tour, Prime Minister Holness noted the importance of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project in transforming the transportation landscape of western Jamaica. “This is not just a road project; it’s a vision for a better future. Montego Bay is the hub of tourism and business in the western region, and its infrastructure needs to reflect that growth. By providing an alternative route around the central business district, this road will alleviate traffic congestion, improve mobility, and open up new areas for development,” the Prime Minister stated.

The scope of the project includes the construction of the Montego Bay Bypass, rehabilitation and expansion works on Barnett Street and West Green Avenue, the construction of the Long Hill Bypass, and a comprehensive drainage study for the Montego Bay area. Once completed, the Montego Bay Perimeter Road will significantly reduce the hours spent in traffic, improving the quality of life for residents and commuters.

Prime Minister Holness also highlighted that the project is part of a long-term plan for sustainable development in Montego Bay. “For decades, we have built roads without adequately planning for future growth. Today, we are seeing cities emerge, and this project is critical to addressing the challenges that come with such growth. This road will last us for another 100 years, providing not just immediate relief, but long-term solutions for the people of Montego Bay and St. James.”

The Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project will improve the flow of traffic and enhance the overall road network, while also supporting economic growth by facilitating easier access to commercial areas. “This road is designed to take excess traffic away from the heart of Montego Bay, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and commuters to spend less time on the road. Ultimately, this project will increase Jamaica’s productivity,” Prime Minister Holness added.

He further underscored the government’s commitment to using Jamaican resources for national development. “This project is fully funded by Jamaican taxpayers. Unlike in the past when we depended on international grants, we are now able to use our own resources to build critical infrastructure. This is a sign of the progress we have made in strengthening our economy,” Holness remarked.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the work done so far and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget. Prime Minister Holness was joined on the tour by Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Horace Chang, Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, Homer Davis, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Mrs. Arlene Williams, Managing Director, Mr. Stephen Edwards, NROCC among other critical participants.

The Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project is scheduled for completion in 2026 and is expected to dramatically enhance the region’s transportation infrastructure, support tourism, and stimulate economic opportunities for local communities.

Gov’t developing a $5 billion programme to improve communities under an Infrastructure Works Project

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Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, along with key stakeholders, breaks ground at the Spicy Grove Infrastructure Works Project in Oracabessa, St. Mary.

Gov’t developing a $5 billion programme to improve communities under an Infrastructure Works Project

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said that the Government is developing a five billion dollar programme to improve communities under an Infrastructure Works Project.

Speaking at the Contract Signing and Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Spicy Grove Infrastructure Works Project in Oracabessa, St. Mary on September 25, the Prime Minister said, “The Government is developing a programme where we will allocate $5 billion for the next three years, to improve communities, just like Spicy Grove”.

He explained that “where the communities need roads, water, and other infrastructure, and some restructuring to get titles, we will be doing this sort of intervention”.

In 2019, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation declared the Spicy Grove community a Special Improvements (Infrastructure) area under the Local Improvements (Community Amenities) Act (LICA). This declaration was due to the informal land occupation by approximately 65 households and inadequate roadways and water supply.

“People had already made their investment in the land. So, we took the view that it would be better to support the community, to regularise the community. On your behalf, the Government of Jamaica will be investing in road development. One of the reasons I’m very happy to be here is that I’m not just signing the contract, because as I entered the community, I saw the land surveyors with their equipment already doing the work”, Prime Minister Holness said.

The Prime Minister noted that while the improvement works are ongoing, the residents will be consulted.

“This is not just a promise. This is a reality…we will also put in the water supply, which is very important for any community, and all the other amenities will follow once your road and your water are in place”, he said.

Prime Minister Holness also added that 70 lots will be surveyed and titled.

“The public would be happy to know that there will be 70 lots surveyed and titled so, in addition to the road and the water and what we paid for the land on your behalf, you will also get your title. In effect, if there ever was an example of a community that will be transformed, regularised, Spicy Grove would be that community”, he ended.

The Spicy Grove development is a MEGJC-led initiative and will take up to six months. Southland Construction Limited is contracted to carry out the works at a projected cost of $56.9 million. The project is aimed at the regularisation of the informal settlement and will improve living conditions, enhance infrastructure, and formalise the settlement for sustainable development.

Prime Minister Holness Announces Massive $3B REACH Road Rehabilitation Programme

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“The REACH Road Rehab Programme is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that the people of Jamaica have safe and reliable road infrastructure. By investing in our roadways, we are investing in the future of our country.”

Prime Minister Holness.

Minister of Works, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, on Saturday (August 31, 2024) announced the launch of the REACH Road Rehab Programme, a comprehensive national road rehabilitation initiative valued at $3 billion. This programme is designed to address critical road infrastructure needs across the island, with a specific focus on damage caused by recent weather events, including Hurricane Beryl, as well as the execution of routine road maintenance.

Under the REACH Road Rehab Programme, each of the 63 constituencies will see funds allocated to conduct essential road repairs and maintenance, ensuring that all regions of the country benefit equitably. This initiative is part of the Government’s commitment to improving national infrastructure and enhancing the safety and convenience of our roadways for all Jamaicans.

The programme will be executed in two phases:

– Phase One: September to November 2024
– Phase Two: January to March 2025

During these periods, contractors will be mobilized to repair the most critically damaged roads and conduct necessary maintenance to prevent further deterioration. The National Works Agency will oversee the implementation, ensuring that the highest standards are met and that the work is completed efficiently and within the allocated timeframe.

Prime Minister Holness expressed confidence in the REACH Road Rehab Programme’s potential to significantly improve road conditions across Jamaica and called on all stakeholders, including local government representatives and community members, to cooperate fully with the execution teams to ensure the programme’s success.

“The REACH Road Rehab Programme is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that the people of Jamaica have safe and reliable road infrastructure. By investing in our roadways, we are investing in the future of our country,” Prime Minister Holness stated.

Credited to The OPM