Tag: ODPEM

A New Police Commissioner, a New MP, No New Taxes and a Sick Old Hospital: Jamaica on March 11, 2018

March 14, 2018

Warm breezes have been blowing in Kingston. Heavy rain showers on the north coast brought more flooding in their wake. Agriculture: and JAMPRO to the rescue? The agriculture sector has been in decline for a while now, with the constant excuse of “the weather” trotted out (anyone heard of “climate-smart” agriculture?) Late last year the Planning Institute of … More A New Police Commissioner, a New MP, No New Taxes and a Sick Old Hospital: Jamaica on March 11, 2018

Jamaica’s Net Zero Energy Building: What It’s All About and Why It’s Important

December 12, 2017

Did you know that Jamaica now has the first and only Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) in the Caribbean? We are all concerned about energy savings and efficiency, as well as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their impact on climate change. In 2010 buildings accounted for 32 % of total global final energy use and 19 % … More Jamaica’s Net Zero Energy Building: What It’s All About and Why It’s Important

Installation of Real Time Automatic Weather Stations Begins Across Jamaica

October 28, 2017

I can’t believe there is another storm brewing, just to the west of us, that might develop into Tropical Storm Philippe by tomorrow morning. It seems to be tracking some distance away from Jamaica, but Cuba and the Bahamas are already issuing warnings. I keep wondering when our luck is going to run out, this … More Installation of Real Time Automatic Weather Stations Begins Across Jamaica

Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience Supports Water Monitoring in Jamaica

October 26, 2017

Well, there are “nuff tings” happening in Jamaica as the country’s delegation gets ready to depart for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP23) in Bonn. I attended the “Pre-COP” meeting for stakeholders today in Kingston; it was a very full day. When it comes to climate finance, the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience (PPCR) is making its … More Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience Supports Water Monitoring in Jamaica

Minister of Foreign Affairs Comments on Our Week of Disasters – and How We Can Help

September 21, 2017

Here in Jamaica, the sun is shining and a gentle breeze blows. But we cannot say the same thing for many of our Caribbean neighbours, who are struggling to pick up the pieces after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith has shared some timely information … More Minister of Foreign Affairs Comments on Our Week of Disasters – and How We Can Help

BRACED II: All About Strengthening Homes and Empowering People

January 22, 2017

The Municipality of Portmore in St. Catherine is the second largest city in Jamaica after Kingston. The dormitory town’s population was officially 182,000 in 2011, but many say it is now closer to 300,000. I’m not sure quite why this figure is in dispute; but I know there are some boundary issues. It’s also the … More BRACED II: All About Strengthening Homes and Empowering People