The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) is now in the process of preparing a programme to alleviate drought conditions across the island as temperatures are expected to rise in the coming months.

The programme is to be presented to Cabinet shortly.

This was disclosed by Minister without Portfolio in the MEGJC, Hon. Daryl Vaz who was making his contribution to the 2019 Sectoral Debate yesterday (July 16) in the House of Parliament, where he noted that in addition to the extreme heat, there is drought across much of the island.

Minister Vaz who has responsibility for Land, Environment, and Climate Change noted that a sample of data taken from weather stations in all 14 parishes shows that all stations experienced higher extreme temperatures in June this year when compared to June 2018, with more than 50 per cent of these recording increases of 1.5 degrees or more. 

In some cases, he noted, the increase was almost four degrees.

“Given all that is happening, the Climate Change Division (CCD) of my Ministry has been pro-active in ensuring that we take the necessary and concrete steps to make the island climate-resilient.  The CCD has, inter alia developed mechanisms to remove barriers and unlock financing for private sector engagement in climate action”, Vaz told the House.

“A couple of Saturdays ago, Jamaica experienced an unprecedented 102 degrees Fahrenheit.  Researchers say these record breaking temperatures are made five times more likely by the effects of climate change”, he said.

The Minister further noted that in a traditional year, by this time in July “we would have encountered a Dry Season running from December to about April with just a few incidences of rainfall occurring mainly over Portland and sections of St.  Mary, and then gradually impacting Parishes in the west, before the real Rainfall Season begins in May”.

He added that this year has shown a distinct shift in pattern where north-eastern Jamaica, including Portland and parts of St. Mary, have generally been receiving less than half of their normal rainfall, while parishes in the west have, in most cases, been enjoying above-normal activity. 

“This has had dire consequences for the availability of water for the majority of consumers who reside in Kingston and St. Andrew.

“A moderate to severe drought is affecting sections of St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, St. Catherine, Kingston & St. Andrew (KSA), St. Thomas, Portland, St Mary, and St.  Ann, almost 70 per cent of the country”, he said.

The most recent projections from the Meteorological Service’s seasonal climate forecast model for the next few months through to September 2019, indicate that temperatures are likely to remain hotter than normal with near-normal to below-normal rainfall. 

Temperatures in Jamaica are expected to be at their highest during July or August each year, and the next peak in the traditional rainfall profile for the country is not expected until October 2019.

–30–

Jamaica has formally requested support from the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Partnership to undertake a revision process of its current NDCs.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr made the revelation on Sunday (June 30) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the preparatory meeting for the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit to be held September 23, 2019.   

He said the “NDCs are connected to the country’s national development plan and have monitoring indicators to ensure that they are integrated adequately”.

Minister Charles Jr told the gathering that the island is also assessing additional sectors of interest such as transport, waste, forestry and water. “We hope that through this process these new targets will be incorporated as we raise our ambition”.

In preparation for the Climate Action Summit, Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, mandated Prime Minister Andrew Holness and President of France, Emmanuel Macron, later joined by the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheik Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, to  lead a process of climate finance mobilization of the international donor community.

The Minister noted that on June 4, 2019, Jamaica officially joined the Coalition of Finance Minister for Climate Action, which confirms the country’s endorsement to the Helsinki Principles promoting national climate action, especially through fiscal policy and the use of public finance.

The Coalition aims at driving stronger collective action on climate change and its impacts.

Minister Charles Jr and a technical team are representing the country at the meeting, which is being attended by governments, private sector, civil society and other international organisations to develop ambitious solutions in six areas: a global transition to renewable energy; sustainable and resilient infrastructures and cities; sustainable agriculture and management of forests and oceans; resilience and adaptation to climate impacts; and alignment of public and private finance with a net zero economy.

–30–

The forum was aimed at  preparing developing countries for the 37th Session of the United

Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Investor-State Dispute

Settlement (ISDS) Reform, which was held in New York from April 1-5 .

The forum was a follow up from previous meetings to assess the challenges facing developing countries

In ensuring that investment agreements support sustainable development goals.

It also provided an opportunity for developing countries to share common experiences, discuss emerging issues, review recent legal developments, and network with colleagues from other developing countries, experts in the field and members of civil society, in order to prepare for ongoing international discussions on the international system governing Investor State Dispute Settlement.

The conference examined various options and approaches for reforming the international legal arrangements for ISDS, weighing the benefits, costs and risks, while taking into consideration the differences among developing country regions, such as Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.

Developed countries, such as those comprising the European Union, have taken the lead in developing proposals for ISDS reform which serve their interests, such as the establishment of a Multilateral Investment Court.    Developing countries at the Forum were able to examine these latest developments and agree on counter proposals to better serve developing country interests.   

Participants at the Forum were also familiarized with ISDS issues related to third party funding for claimants to undertake arbitration proceedings against host states; the appointment of arbitrators; treatment of investors who engage in corrupt practices; the risks of broad fair and equitable treatment (FET) provisions; survival clauses in treaties; regulatory chill and protection of policy space; and most favoured nation (MFN) clauses, among other issues of importance.

Consultations will be held with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the relevant agencies, about developing the recommended positions which are in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals in the investment related chapters of trade agreements and investment treaties

The conference material and discussions will feed in to the consultation process for the National Investment Policy which is at the Green Paper stage, and will inform a country policy position which will be put to Cabinet on the way forward, and guide future negotiations at the local and regional level.

Kingston, June 25, 2019

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says the monitoring capabilities of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica will be vastly improved by the supply of a new S-Band Doppler Weather Radar.

The Minister said it was critically important to replace the 20-year-old almost obsolete system that once stood tall as the first Doppler radar to be installed in the English-speaking Caribbean, citing the increasing failure of the aged system.  The new system, he said, signals a resolve to meet the global challenges of weather and climate that face this and future generations head on.

Minister Vaz, was speaking at the contract signing for the design, supply and installation of the US$2,449,203 S-band Doppler Weather Radar to be situated at Cooper’s Hill in St.  Andrew. The signing of the contract took place at The Pavilion, Terra Nova Hotel and Suites on June 25, 2019.

The Minister said that the installation of this Weather Radar will greatly enhance the country’s ability to achieve its Vision 2030 milestones, based on its capacity to pinpoint the location and movement of rainfall cells anywhere over the country and as far away as the Cayman Islands, south-eastern Cuba and Western Haiti.

“Jamaica will also be able to better serve the Caribbean Community as we integrate our observations into the mosaic of stations under operation in the region, and also contribute to the surveillance of the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, under their Tropical Cyclone Programme,” the Minister noted.

“We have a very clear vision moving into the next decade,” the Minister said, adding that Jamaica is focused on achieving Outcome 14 under the fourth National Development Goal of “Hazard Risk Reduction and Adaptation to Climate Change”.   “We firmly believe that adequate monitoring of natural hazards is pivotal to implementing that strategy”, he noted.

Minister Vaz added that the country has  also adopted Target G of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction to “Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments to the people by 2030”. 

Meanwhile, the Minister noted that it is particularly encouraging that Enterprise Electronics Corporation (EEC), which is charged with delivering and installing the radar system, has made a commitment to provide critical after-sales service by facilitating capacity building for a team of engineers and operators of the equipment.

“It is also my understanding that the contract includes a lifetime guarantee of maintenance support and availability of spare parts, which we consider critical for the system’s sustainable operations,” the Minister added, while generously thanking them.

The minister also commended the World Bank for their invaluable support in accessing the Climate Investment Funds that are being utilized to make this important Project a reality. 

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr. says there is no better time to participate in the Jamaican economy.

Minister Charles Jr. indicated that with the support given to Small to Medium Enterprises (SME’s) and the investments being made in infrastructure the country is poised for growth.

“There is no better time to participate in the Jamaican economy and there is no better time to forge partnerships with the Jamaican government. We are ready to facilitate investments in innovation in all areas of our economy and we are ready to implement the critical infrastructure and to expand our SME’s and to boost entrepreneurship”, declared Minister Charles Jr.

Minister Charles Jr. was addressing the audience at the Development Bank of Jamaica’s Private Equity, Infrastructure, SMEs, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Conference at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, yesterday (June 10).

The Minister told the gathering that investing in infrastructure and facilitating the expansion of SMEs are important and impactful drivers of economic growth.

“Infrastructure investment is a very important part of what will be our economic success. The expansion, the modernization of our infrastructure will allow the government to fulfil its obligation to provide an environment where business can thrive”, stated the minister.

Minister Charles Jr. concluded that the Government is now focusing on catalysing growth of the country’s micro sector through increased financing options.

–30–

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr says the Government is committed to finding sustainable solutions to addressing the water challenges.

Minister Charles Jr. said while the challenges are many there are no quick fixes for some of the issues.

“The goal for us as leaders must be to anticipate the problems that are going to come and implement solutions to mitigate those challenges”, he declared.

The Minister was speaking during a meeting at the Clarendon Municipal Corporation yesterday (June 5).

Minister Charles Jr. and a team from the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, the National Water Commission, Water Resources Authority and the Rural Water Supply Limited met with stakeholders, in Clarendon, to continue the dialogue in identifying effective solutions for communities currently being affected by the drought.

“Many of our citizens are of the view that there are quick fixes that we are just not carrying out; but, when you speak to the agencies we recognize that what we define as a quick fix is not something that can work”, he explained.

The Minister reiterated the need to have constant engagement with citizens to highlight the work being done and address the viability of projects and determine the best solutions for each community.

In the Meantime, Minister Charles Jr. told the meeting that he welcomes all recommendations and concerns.

“I have directed my team at the ministry to design a reporting mechanism that will capture all the data coming in from the MP’s and Councillors as it relates to water distribution in the affected areas. Once the information is received it will be collated and the proposal will be submitted to the Prime Minister. We are not holding these meetings to focus solely on the challenges, we also need solutions”, stated Minister Charles Jr.

–30–

SOME 150 YOUNG people from more than 33 communities in Clarendon got the chance to give their input into Jamaica’s climate change policy at a youth forum in May Pen last month.

The forum was hosted on May 7 by the Adaptation Programme and Financing Mechanism (AP&FM) of the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience.

“We wanted to make the youth more aware of issues surrounding climate change and how, within their own space, they can implement strategies to adapt,” said Bridgette Barrett, community animator with the AP&FM.

“We also wanted to help them to inform the climate change policy. They will get the opportunity to let their voices be heard on the policy,” she added.

The young people, drawn mainly from communities in and around the Upper Rio Minho Watershed area in the parish where the AP&FM focuses, spent the day getting familiar with climate change and how it will impact them.

Presentations were made by the National Meteorological Office of Jamaica; Jhannel Tomlinson, Jamaica’s youth representative to the UN Climate Talks and the Youth Environmental Advocacy Programme (YEAP) of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC).

“We partnered with the YEAP to present the climate change policy and get the young people to give their thoughts on it. So the YEAP can then use that to inform the policy revisions,” explained Winsome Townsend, project manager of the AP&FM.

The AP&FM is a five-year project being implemented under the MEGJC, with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank through the Climate Investment Funds. It focuses on mainstreaming climate change into national policies and vulnerable sectors. The Upper Rio Minho Watershed in Clarendon is one of its focus areas for climate adaptation work.

 

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20190530/earth-today-clarendon-youth-have-their-say-climate-change-policy

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) today (May 31), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the Greater Infrastructure Development Programme (GIDP).

The MoU was signed by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. in Macao SAR, China.

Minister Charles Jr. stated that the Government is committed to improving the country’s infrastructure.

“This is a clear indication on the part of the Government, and CHEC, to explore the possibilities of deeper collaboration for the future. The aim of this, and any future collaboration, is to bring quality infrastructure development to the people of Jamaica”, expressed Minister Charles Jr.

The GIDP is expected to bring unprecedented infrastructure development to Jamaica and is intended to succeed the soon to be concluded Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP).

“It will be a comprehensive infrastructure programme which will include not just road works but water and sewerage development, as well as, multiple bypasses for several major towns including Kingston”, explained the Minister.

Minister Charles Jr. is attending the 5th China-LAC Infrastructure Forum and the 10th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction (IIICF) Forum in Macao SAR, China

Minister with responsibility for Water, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. says he is moving swiftly to identify the best mechanisms to distribute potable water to the communities most affected by the drought conditions.
 
The Minister stated that the “Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the National Water Commission (NWC) will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the affected areas and design the most effective and efficient method to distribute water to the most affected areas”.
 
Minister Charles Jr., and a team from the ministry and the NWC, met with Members of Parliament for St Mary, Councillors, the Police and other stakeholders last week Friday (May 24) at the St. Mary Municipal Corporation, following a directive from Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Parliament last week.
 
“We want to maximize efficiency and so we are engaging the stakeholders to get from you your own views, your own perspective to design the best possible mechanism for the distribution of water”, stated Minister Charles Jr.
 
The Minister indicated that he wants to ensure that the allocation of the $125 Million to improve the distribution of water to the most affected areas is utilized in the best way possible.
 
“We start here, in St Mary, but we will be going across the country in short term to liaise with all the Members of Parliament, Councillors and stakeholders because our goal is to ensure that at the end of this we do not repeat the mistakes that we have made in the past and that we put in place and implement the strategies that are going to allow for us to properly prepare for the droughts that will come in the future”, explained Minister Charles Jr.
 
He added that the Government is strengthening the country’s capacity for adaptation and response strategies to drought and other weather systems.
 
“We know that Jamaica is a Small Island Developing State which is disproportionately impacted by climate change. We are not the ones that do the most damage but we are the ones that receive the greatest impact and one of the consequences of that is what we are feeling now”, acknowledged the Minister. 
 
The team from the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and the National Water Commission will hold meetings with stakeholders in the most affected parishes.
 

                                                                                                                                                                                       –30–