MORE than 20 agricultural stakeholders from the region are benefiting from a five-day training worshop in Climate Resilience Advanced Crop Modelling, which opened in Kingston, Jamaica, on Monday.

The participants are from Jamaica, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, and include agronomists, agricultural extension officers and agrometeorologists, farmers, and researchers.

Crop and livestock impact modelling, which is relatively new to the Caribbean, uses technology to develop and test multiple climate and weather scenarios, validates them using field data, and then explores expected impacts and possible options for adaptation in farming.

The objective is to better prepare farmers to deal with weather uncertainties associated with climate change.

Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Audley Shaw, who opened the event at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, on Monday, pointed out that the Jamaican Government, over the years, has been working with several partners to build the resilience of the farming sector to climate change.

These, he said, include encouraging farmers to employ more efficient water use and developing and applying climate-smart land husbandry techniques.

The minister pointed to initiatives such as the Adaptation Fund Programme, which focuses on protecting livelihoods and food security in vulnerable communities by improving land and water management, strengthening coastal protection, and building institutional and local capacity for climate change adaptation

“We are also promoting protected agriculture that will help [to] bring on board the technology that will result in high productivity and continuous production in addition to building resilience in the face of climate change,” he noted.

He said, however, that based on the irreversible nature of climate change and the susceptibility of the Caribbean to cycles of drought and floods, more needs to be done in order to safeguard the region’s agriculture sector.

“Much of what agriculturalists, small farmers, extension workers [and] large agricultural conglomerates used to know about climate weather patterns and agriculture do not seem to hold true any longer. Farmers no longer know when to expect rain or to anticipate dry seasons or which crops to plant when because of the changes they are seeing,” Minister Shaw pointed out.

He said further that the sector is dominated by small holdings, whose owners often lack access to financial and other resources that are needed to modernise, while noting an over-reliance on rainfall for crop and livestock production.

He said estimates suggest that more than 90 per cent of domestic production in Jamaica has no supplemental irrigation, and over the last several years the Government has spent more than $1 billion to provide assistance to farmers impacted by drought.

He said that he was pleased with the partnership involving various stakeholders for the staging of the seminar.

“I also welcome the use of modern technology in problem-solving by the application of a computer model to real world problems, in order to assess crop production in different scenarios — water and nutrient management, climatic and economic risk(s), and environmental sustainability,” the minister added.

He said that through the use of the simulations, “we will have a clear picture of what to expect under various scenarios”, thereby being better able to make the necessary plans to improve crop system management.

Among the presenters this week will be pre-eminent scholar from the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems, University of Florida, Professor Gerrit Hoogenboom.

The stakeholder partners include the UWI, Government of Jamaica Adaptation Programme and Financing Mechanism for the Pilot Programme for Climate Change, and Inter-American Development Bank/Climate Investment Funds.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/kingston-hosting-regional-climate-resilience-workshop_139506

Professor Gerrit Hoogen-boom, pre-eminent scholar from the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems, University of Florida, and Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, will be a special lecturer in an advanced crop modelling training which takes place July 23-27 at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona.

Professor Hoogenboom will be in the island as part of UWI’s efforts to support the agricultural sector in the Caribbean to adapt to climate change.

Caribbean lecturers will include Professor Michael Taylor from the Department of Physics and the Climate Studies Group, Mona, and livestock specialist and senior lecturer at UWI, St Augstine, Cicero Lallo.

The advanced training is one of two workshops being organised by UWI’s Department of Physics (Mona) and the Department of Life Sciences (Mona and St Augustine campuses) over the period July 16-27. Both workshops are supported by the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience (PPCR)/Climate Investment Funds through the Inter-American Development Bank.

Extreme Weather

Climate change (with its longer dry seasons and droughts, intense storms and generally more extreme weather events), along with variations in climate, have significantly altered the environment in which crops grow and in which livestock develop.

Crop and livestock impact modelling use technology to develop and test multiple climate and weather scenarios, validate them using field data and then explore expected impacts and possible options for adaptation in farming.

Crop modelling is relatively new to the Caribbean, and UWI and the PPCR are working to get more professionals and institutions involved in this field. The workshops’ target audience includes agronomists, extension officers, farmers, researchers (including graduate students), agro-meteorologists, sectoral impact modellers, and other stakeholders from across the region.

Two PPCR projects – the UWI-implemented PPCR Caribbean’s Regional Track and the GOJ-implemented Adaptation Programme and Financing Mechanisms project in Jamaica – have provided initial support to a representative of the Climate Studies Group, Mona, to pursue training in crop modelling and to train some regional stakeholders, and follow-up support to facilitate the participation of Professor Hoogenbooom, other overseas trainers and select local participants in the workshops.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20180718/global-expert-crop-modelling-uwi-summer-programme

ENVIRONMENTAL education, especially of the hands-on variety, is an essential tool for Jamaica’s sustainability.

When the students are themselves training to be our nation’s educators, it has tremendous added value.

The Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) funded two projects, awarded in 2016 and 2017, at Moneague College in St Ann, under the Special Climate Change Adaptation Fund (SCCAF).

The focus is on food security, water and soil conservation and renewable energy. The projects provide an on-the-spot training ground for students to deepen their understanding of the connections between agriculture, climate change and the environment.

The ongoing Soil Conservation for Safety and Sustainability project valued at J$3.5 million – and now documented in a manual at the college – was initially affected by heavy rains in St Ann.

“This actually proved to be a good test for the gabion baskets, waterways and culverts installed. Rainwater now empties into a gully, avoiding dangerous and destructive flooding on the campus. Special grasses have been planted to conserve soil,” said a press release from the EFJ.

Training Tool

The J$3.9-million greenhouse project also serves as a training tool, while providing nutrition for more than 600 cafeteria users daily.

“Having already reaped sweet peppers and pak choi, the next crop will be purple cabbage,” revealed assistant dean in the School of Natural and Applied Sciences and project manager, Desmond Campbell.

Moreover, a rainwater harvesting arrangement irrigates the greenhouse, reducing runoff and soil erosion. Six solar panels power a submersible water pump, and there are plans to expand this to serve the college itself.

Campbell said the projects are positively impacting learning at the 62-year-old multidisciplinary institution, which caters to 1,338 students annually. The Introduction to Environment and Sustainable Development course has greatly benefited, alongside the recently accredited Environmental Studies Associate Degree and BA programmes.

In 2016 and 2017, the EFJ funded a total of 80 grants valued at J$361.56 million.

“The EFJ has helped Moneague College to create a model of sustainability for Jamaica,” said Campbell.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20180510/earth-today-moneague-college-building-sustainable-future-through-education

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the latest Spanish investment in Jamaica will offer over a thousand job opportunities for Jamaicans.  

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for Ocean Coral Spring Hotel, Prime Minister Holness expressed gratitude to the Spanish investors for considering Jamaica as the destination of choice for investment.  

“In a few months we will have a new resort here of a thousand rooms, but more importantly we will have more than a thousand workers. That means that we would have assisted more than a thousand households in lifting themselves out of poverty and that Is the shared benefit of investment,” stated Prime Minister Holness. 

The Spanish owned Ocean Coral Spring project is the first in Jamaica and the English-speaking Caribbean. 

Prime Minister Holness underscored that with continued investments such as Ocean Coral Spring, Jamaica’s tourism will achieve tremendous growth and benefits for all.  

“That is what we mean when we say, we believe in inclusive growth and prosperity not just the kind of investment that turns over money and increases profit but the kinds of investments that can turn around lives and increase the quality of life that people experience. Tourism is doing that in Jamaica,” said Prime Minister Holness.  

In the meantime, the Prime Minister reiterated the need for greater connectivity in the tourism sector. According to Prime Minister Holness, there must be more inclusivity of the people associated with the industry.  

“What contributes toward growth is when the farmer across the road can get his or her products into the hotel to be sold and growth is good for the farmer, it’s good for the tourists and its good for the investor. Ultimately the product that you are selling, part of it is the beach, sun, sea, the sand, the safety, the security  but ultimately what you are selling is the hospitality and welcoming face of the people of Jamaica who will embrace your guests lovingly and what we want is for every single Jamaican to feel that they are included in the growth and development of this industry which is all about people,” explained Prime Minister Holness.  

The five-star resort located on the beachfront in Falmouth is scheduled to open its doors in 2019 -2020 winter season with an additional adult only establishment opening at the end of 2020. The first building will feature 500 rooms while the second aimed at adults only segment will have 440. The resort will operate in an all-inclusive regime.

Parliament has approved the extension of the Zones of Special Operations in Mount Salem, St. James and Denham Town, Kingston.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday (Tuesday, February 5) sought and received the approval of Parliament for the extension of the two zones for a further sixty (60) days.

Prime Minister Holness told the Parliament that the security measures in both communities have been effective.

“These measures are long term in nature. They are not just designed to have a reduction in crime for sixty days, the intention is that these communities will develop the leadership, they will develop the institutions and the general environment of peace. Infrastructure and other kinds of development will be brought to these communities”, explained Prime Minister Holness.

The Prime Minister also noted a significant reduction in murders in both zones. The communities are now in the build phase where there is a focus on development activities alongside security-based activities.  

Zones of Special Operations have been effective- PM Holness

In the meantime, the Prime Minister told the Parliament that there are additional communities which will benefit from the ZOSO in the coming fiscal year.

“We have budgeted for a few more communities in the coming fiscal year and we believe that these interventions through the Zones of Special Operations will contribute to the reduction of the murder rate, [and] the reduction of crimes generally but, more importantly, to establish peace in our country. Because at the heart of the problem, regardless of how much we spend on policing, which is important, at the heart of the problem if it is the intention of the citizen to resolve conflicts through violence then no amount of policemen can stop that. So, the focus of the Government is also on building the communities… The peacebuilding has to provide the space in which the community can grow and take ownership and that is what the Zones of Special Operations has done”, stated Prime Minister Holness.

The Prime Minister added that “this modality [ZOSO] works and now it is the goal of the government to scale this up as rapidly as possible to ensure that our communities that are at risk that we reach out and reclaim them and make Jamaica the safe place we know it can be”.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has hailed the Accompong Town Maroons in St. Elizabeth, noting that their togetherness is a shining example of peace for the rest of Jamaica.

According to the Prime Minister, the Maroons have preserved the culture of their ancestors, using it as a guide to live in peace and harmony with each other, a standard that the rest of the country should strive to emulate.

Mr. Holness was speaking at the Accompong Maroons’ 281st celebration of the signing of the peace treaty with the British and to commemorate the birthday of their past leader, Cudjoe, on Sunday (January 6), in the Maroon village.

“Within this town, you may have about two to three thousand people, but I looked at the murder statistics and I don’t see one murder in this town or in this area. In fact, the crime rate here is very low and it is not just today or last year or the year before. This has been the case from ever since, and there is a reason for that. You hold on to a heritage [because] you know that your ancestors, your forefathers fought for your freedom,” the Prime Minister said.

The festival marks the victory of the Maroons in their first war against the British in 1738, in which they fought for their freedom, led by Cudjoe.

This year’s staging was held under the theme ‘Advancing to the Future while Standing True to our Culture’.

The Prime Minister underscored that the unique and distinct Maroon culture has kept them apart from what he said is the “chaos and violence that may exist in other parts of the country”.

“Your forefathers fought and earned the respect of their enemies… to the point where your tenacity, your relentless pursuit of your freedom led to the signing of a peace treaty 281 years ago. It means something to each and every one of you who claim the Maroon heritage. So, you are not about to allow that heritage to be disrespected by violence, killing each other. You have used that heritage to live together under a particular system of governance which demonstrates respect for your Chief, respect for your elders and respect for the culture,” Mr. Holness said.

In the meantime, the Prime Minister gave a commitment to the Maroons that the Government will improve the infrastructure of Accompong Town to make it easier for visitors to travel to the historic village to experience the rich culture of the people.

People travel when it is easier and seamless, so if you fix the road, more people will come, and if we support you with a little museum, so that the artefacts that you have can be properly displayed, more people will come,” Mr. Holness said.

He further informed that plans are afoot to improve the water supply system in the community.

The day’s festivities included performances by Maroon cultural and folk groups and the Beeston Spring Mento Band.

Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Michael Holness, O.N., M.P.

This is the New Year that the Lord has given us and we who have been spared to see it, rejoice and are glad in it for we stand on the threshold of new possibilities and opportunities.

As a country, we were able to accomplish much in 2018:

– Our economy continued recovery and entered the growth phase

– We have established a flexible exchange rate and recorded low inflation

– Business and consumer confidence remained high

– Record high levels of employment including youth employment

– Reduction in absolute poverty

– Rapid expansion in industries such as business process outsourcing, mining, tourism and logistics

– Record number of infrastructure projects including the Mandela Highway Improvement Project, Constant Spring Road, Three Miles, Ferris to Mackfield and many more

– Record number of housing starts and developments through the National Housing Trust and the Housing Agency of Jamaica

– Major gains in improving safety and security in the country which resulted in a 22% reduction in murders for 2018.

All these accomplishments were the result of the skillful implementation of a strategic plan to transform Jamaica into a modern, peaceful, and prosperous society.

We cannot and will not slow our pace, much remains to be done.

Peace and public safety continue to be an area of priority focus for the government.   Last year, we implemented two Zones of Special Operations which made significant strides in crime reduction in the targeted communities. By design; we placed emphasis on community development including infrastructure development and making government services available to the communities.   This year we will increase the number of communities benefiting under the zones of special operations.

We invoked emergency powers in some areas of Jamaica where crime was over and above the capacity of normal policing to address. These measures have yielded appreciable results.

For the first time, in Jamaica’s history, the Government has deployed force without violence.

Citizens have embraced the security forces and seeds of a new trust relationship between both have been planted.

More than that, however, also, for the first time, the whole of government has been mobilized in a strategic framework to address issues of crime and violence.

Today, the statistics tell us that murders are down 22% but ordinary Jamaicans tell me that the measures have saved the lives of their brothers and sisters and their children; more than 350 persons are alive today by virtue of these measures.

The Government will continue with the strategic implementation of Plan Secure Jamaica using all resources, ways, and means, which are firmly within the boundaries of the law to continue reducing the crime rate.

Our objective is to see a massive sustained decrease in murders bringing us below the global homicide rate of 6 per 100,000.

For most Jamaicans, having experienced murder rates as high as 10 times the global average for such a long time, this may seem incredulous.

Jamaica has the capacity to do it. We have proven what works. What we have learned from this last decade of crime fighting is that political unity around the proven measures and a financial commitment by the government are critical for successful and sustained outcomes.

The Government this year will intensify its outreach to the opposition to build political unity around the crime plan.  We will also continue to make significant investments in the retooling, training and capacity building of our security forces.

As we progress in our crime fighting and peacebuilding strategy, it is clear that greater attention needs to be paid to the socio-emotional considerations.

Violence as a means of resolving conflicts has become far too accepted as the norm.  A significant percentage of our murders are as a result of random acts of violence and domestic and intimate partner disputes.

This month, I will name the National Commission on Violence which will be tasked with examining our culture of violence and making far-reaching recommendations to stimulate behaviour change.

Violence is the cancer that has destroyed families and communities.  Let’s get to the heart of the matter.

On the economic front, in the upcoming fiscal year, Jamaica is projected to have a debt to GDP ratio of just below 100%; a significant reduction having been as high as over 140%.

This will create the fiscal space for Government to undertake greater expenditure on human and social services.

Additionally, the Government will be packaging and bringing to market several public sector assets for sale on the Jamaica Stock Exchange.  The first of which will be Wigton Windfarm Limited.

This is in keeping with government’s policy of creating an ownership economy, giving average Jamaicans the opportunity to own shares in some of Jamaica’s profitable enterprises.

Another element of the ownership economy is assisting Jamaicans to acquire decent and affordable housing recognizing that the most important asset for any Jamaican is their own home.

In addition to the work of the National Housing Trust, Housing Agency of Jamaica and private developers, this year the Government will begin implementation of the social housing component of the HOPE programme.

Through this modality, the Government will seek to improve and regularize the housing stock and living conditions of the most vulnerable Jamaicans, assisting them to realize the value in real estate.

As Jamaica recovers and grows; within the context of climate change and a globalized world; resilience building strategies must be mainstreamed in all Government endeavours so that we are better able to recover from crises, shocks and natural disasters.
This is particularly the case considering that in November this year, Jamaica will graduate from its IMF programme.

In this post-IMF era, the government will be required to undertake greater forward planning, deeper analysis of policies and targets, greater assessment of risks and a greater commitment to discipline in the implementation of our programmes.

Citizens of Jamaica can be assured that your Government will act responsibly and wisely to build on the gains made through years of sacrifice.

Government is strengthening our central bank, establishing a Fiscal Council; and reducing the number of public sector entities to minimize exposure to fiscal risks.

Equally, through creative financial mechanisms such as catastrophe bonds, we are ensuring a speedy recovery from natural disasters.

More so, we are seeking to build resilience in our civil infrastructure in the capital works that are being undertaken throughout the country.

As we place greater emphasis on environmental preservation; I believe in the old saying cleanliness is next to Godliness. This year, a key focus of the Government is to make Jamaica clean again.

We have committed to increasing the number of compactor trucks for garbage collection.

Importantly, aspects of the ban on plastics, which affects straws, single-use shopping bags as well as expanded polystyrene containers, start today.

Later this year we will introduce the deposit refund scheme to tackle plastic bottles and unveil a plan to remove all old tyres from landfills across Jamaica. These are crucial steps to preserve our environment.

Keeping Jamaica clean is not just the responsibility of the Government; it is the responsibility of every citizen, every household and every business.

My Jamaican family great things are happening. There is a real sense of buoyancy, hope, and optimism; Jamaica is pressing ahead in the right direction.

It is often said that the New Year is a time for introspection, reflection, and change. Let us seize the newness of this year to plant the seeds of peace and love, so that they may flourish as the year progresses.

Let us turn away from aggression in our speech and actions.

Let us be guided by the principles of care and compassion for one another.

A new Jamaica is emerging. Let us build this new Jamaica that we can all be proud of. Together we can do it!

I wish for all my brothers and sisters, a happy, peaceful and prosperous 2019.

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MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Audley Shaw has come out in robust defence of Chinese investments in Jamaica, telling business leaders here that criticism of such major projects as highway and road development is “irresponsible”.

Pointing to road improvements now taking place across Kingston, last year’s completion of the North-South link of Highway 2000 and other planned highway projects, Shaw said that, “when people come and criticise the Chinese investments that are taking place it is irresponsible. These investments not coming from anybody else; the Americans aren’t doing it …”

Shaw was speaking on Saturday at a quarterly parish chambers’ meeting hosted by the Manchester Chamber of Commerce at the Mandeville Hotel.

Last year, former Cabinet minister and current Opposition spokesman on Industry and Commerce Peter Bunting joined those criticising aspects of Chinese investments in Jamaica.

In a statement issued then, which sought to clarify initial comments on social media, Bunting said that locals were at a disadvantage, especially in the construction industry, since Chinese investors are “State-owned enterprises against which local Jamaican contractors cannot be expected to compete effectively…”

There has also been strong criticism from worker representatives and from sections of the trade union movement that Chinese employers are often in breach of Jamaica’s labour laws and conventions.