Tag: Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation

Jamaica’s private sector calls for transparency, adherence to rules in Bengal mining plans at Puerto Bueno

January 22, 2022

Today, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) expressed concern in a press release today about what seems to be a volte face by the Prime Minister on the matter of mining permits for the Bengal area of St. Ann (Puerto Bueno or Dry Harbour Mountain), which for a while appeared to have been abandoned … More Jamaica’s private sector calls for transparency, adherence to rules in Bengal mining plans at Puerto Bueno

The environment AND climate change: shuffled out in the Jamaican Government’s “reshuffle”

January 17, 2022

Apart from the collective “meh” among most Jamaicans that greeted the Prime Minister’s “Cabinet reshuffle” announced a few days ago, one thing struck me immediately. Where has the Ministry of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change gone? It seemed to be settling down a little, under the leadership of Minister Pearnel Charles, Jr., who … More The environment AND climate change: shuffled out in the Jamaican Government’s “reshuffle”

Puerto Bueno Mountain: “This Decision Cannot Be Allowed To Stand,” Says JET

November 9, 2020

I wrote about this yesterday – please take a look for a bit more detail. Meanwhile, Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has just posted the following press release: “This Decision Cannot Be Allowed to Stand,” Says JET The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) is disturbed by the decision of the Hon. Minister without Portfolio Leslie Campbell to … More Puerto Bueno Mountain: “This Decision Cannot Be Allowed To Stand,” Says JET

Puerto Bueno Mountain Under Threat: What Happened and Why?

November 9, 2020

“In keeping with my recent advocacy on national and international platforms, I wish to focus on the fact that our natural heritage, including our biodiversity and ecosystems, are an important part of our material heritage. We readily understand the value of our natural heritage when we are complimented on the beauty of our island, our … More Puerto Bueno Mountain Under Threat: What Happened and Why?

Are We Trying Hard Enough to Preserve Our Mangroves in Jamaica?

July 27, 2020

Today (July 26) is World Mangrove Day. What does this mean for Jamaica? Regrettably, the average Jamaican might regard mangrove areas as dirty, smelly, somewhat scary places (scary because endangered American Crocodiles live there) – and riddled with mosquitoes. What possible benefits could they bring to the island? Personally, I find wetland areas in Jamaica … More Are We Trying Hard Enough to Preserve Our Mangroves in Jamaica?

Minister Vaz’s Bid for Land in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park: Can We Please Protect our Protected Areas?

June 18, 2020

Yesterday (June 16), a report by the excellent environmental reporter and Associate Editor of the Jamaica Observer Kimone Thompson appeared in the newspaper with the headline “Government wants to lease Holywell land.” The article did not mention the name of the government minister, who reportedly wished to lease a piece of land in the Blue and John … More Minister Vaz’s Bid for Land in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park: Can We Please Protect our Protected Areas?

More COVID Reflections: The Sweet Sadness of Life Online

June 13, 2020

I wrote recently about my new obsession with housework (except for the cooking, regrettably, since I am culinarily challenged) during the Time of COVID. Another aspect of life at home is online life. Everything that we did before has expanded, and then some. The WhatsApp platform, which had already become a bit of a fixture … More More COVID Reflections: The Sweet Sadness of Life Online

Climate Change Project Funding Opportunities for Civil Society Organizations

March 8, 2020

I must try to share more of these kinds of opportunities online, as not everyone sees emails and social media posts. Here are a couple of funding opportunities for community-based organizations in the Caribbean. Thanks to Katherine Blackman from the Climate Change Division at the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation for sharing this.  … More Climate Change Project Funding Opportunities for Civil Society Organizations

Minister Daryl Vaz’s Remarks at the Pre-COP 25 Meeting and Launch of Jamaica’s Green Climate Fund Country Programme

October 29, 2019

On October 23, I joined the annual meeting organized by the Climate Change Division ahead of the upcoming UN Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP 25) in Santiago, Chile. Our meeting was titled: Climate Action: The 2020 Agenda. We met at the very cool new AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston. It was very well attended by … More Minister Daryl Vaz’s Remarks at the Pre-COP 25 Meeting and Launch of Jamaica’s Green Climate Fund Country Programme

An Important Correction to the News Regarding the Escazú Agreement

October 2, 2019

Two days ago I wrote about Jamaica’s signing (and, as we thought, ratification) of the Escazú agreement at the United Nations – such a welcome development. Both the World Resources Institute and Jamaica Environment Trust issued statements welcoming the news. Unfortunately there was a technical error. In fact, the agreement was signed, but not ratified. … More An Important Correction to the News Regarding the Escazú Agreement