I don’t know how you feel, but I am personally uncomfortable with the fact that nearby beaches (Dunn’s River itself, a huge tourist attraction, for which one pays a fee) remain open for visitors, while this relatively small space is surrounded by a strong chain link fence with a heavy padlock for most of the week. JaBBEM describes this as “coastal apartheid.” As we are fully aware, the string of hotels and private villas, large and small, all the way along the North Coast do their best to keep the people out – they are members only, or guests only. If you travel along that stretch, you can do a survey and see for yourself.

I am uncomfortable with this form of tourism, and find it unsustainable. We keep building walls and putting up fences. The beautiful coast of Jamaica is indeed our birthright – white sand, black sand, rocky or smooth, it is for Jamaicans to enjoy. All Jamaicans, actually.

Jamaicans always say that the beach is a part of our culture. Is that even true any more, or just wishful thinking? Here is JaBBEM’s press release, which I am sharing rather belatedly. I will find out more about the progress of the case.

March 3, 2026

Community Seeks Court Order to Force Seven Days per Week Access to Little Dunn’s River 

On Thursday, March 5th and Monday, March 9th, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the St. Ann’s Bay Parish Court, arguments will begin in the case to force the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), a statutory body of the Government of Jamaica (GoJ) that resides in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) via a judicial order to open Little Dunn’s River/Beach seven days a week to the Jamaican people.   

The closure of Little Dunn’s River and Beach in Ocho Rios, which represents one of the few remaining free beaches along the North Coast corridor, back in August 2022 by the UDC and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) constitutes a form of collective punishment. This action is deemed illegal under both customary and international law. The illegality of collective punishment forbids penalising individuals or communities for offences they did not commit; only those who are directly responsible for an offence should be held accountable. This action has been and remains punitive, continuing to adversely affect the surrounding communities and Jamaicans throughout the island who use this river and beach. The closure of Little Dunn’s River has deprived communities of their traditional rights to a river and beach that they have been using for more than 50 years, while also devastating the livelihoods of independent businesses that operated on the river and beach lands. The filed injunction aims to secure a court order that compels the UDC to keep the river accessible for seven days a week, allowing the Jamaican people to enjoy and benefit economically from the island’s ecological resource.

The River/Beach was shut down to conduct an investigation into a homicide committed on the roadside next to the property in August of 2022.  Nearly four years have passed, yet the Jamaican state continues to penalize a segment of the island’s  population by disregarding the traditional rights of the community to the river and beach, as well as the economic damages incurred by the independent businesses that operated at Little Dunn’s River.  Most recently, on or around June 25, 2025, a similar homicide took place near two prominent hotels in Mammee Bay. Nevertheless, access to and business operations remained unaffected, which clearly depicted classism and its associated systemic biases based on race and socioeconomic status of the impacted communities.  The ongoing closure of Little Dunn’s River signifies a type of discrimination and economic sanction imposed by the state through its statutory body, the UDC.   

For two and a half years, ten plaintiffs, including the Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (JaBBEM), have been representing the Jamaican public by shouldering the brunt of this responsibility for the nation to ensure that all Jamaicans have  land rights access to the beach and the river for cultural and economic activities linked to our livity.  The state has been using the colonial power granted by the Beach Control Act of 1956 (also in the OPM) to exercise its discretion, allowing the Jamaican public access to a militarized fenced Little Dunn’s River/Beach for only two days each week. This limitation restricts  the rights to leisure, as access is by permission only.  This situation has caused significant economic hardship and health problems for the plaintiffs.   

A court directive to allow access to Little Dunn’s River for seven days would provide a much-needed reprieve for the plaintiffs and surrounding communities as they strive to rebuild their lives and earn a livelihood for themselves and their families.     

The Government of Jamaica must repeal and replace the Beach Control Act of 1956, abolish coastal apartheid, and establish a land trust that encompasses all coastal lands, ensuring their access for both the current and future generations.   

Dr. Devon Taylor 

President, JaBBEM.

You can find JaBBEM on all social media platforms: Instagram and Facebook @jabbemjabbem; TikTok and Bluesky @jabbem; X@bbem_ja. Website: https://www.jabbem.org

Or is it more than that? When I sip a cup of this flavoursome brew, it takes me to the rich green slopes of the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, where the air is soft and sweet, the mountains almost floating on clouds. The first time I went there, decades ago, was a memorable experience. We stopped at a small café right next to t he military camp at Newcastle, drank Blue Mountain coffee and ate fresh plantain tarts. I thought I was in heaven.

It is not only the magical landscape that comes to mind. I also think of the coffee farmers: their everyday lives, their culture, the realities of producing coffee in often daunting conditions, the challenges, the rewards.

This extraordinary coffee didn’t miraculously appear from nowhere. It has a history dating back to 1723, when the first plant arrived here via Martinique. It is embedded in the culture of the Blue Mountains, at places like the Barbecue Heritage Gardens, on the ruins of the Cold Spring Estate, which has a large flattened area, originally for the drying of coffee beans and is just about 3,000 feet above sea level.

So, let’s agree: the Blue Mountains are a unique place to visit, and therefore a tourist attraction. They are packaged as such by our Ministry of Tourism. Ah, let’s stick a pin there.

The first Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival took place seven years ago, and we went there with our son and his partner, who were visiting – up to Newcastle (the place where I had my first coffee experience). It was busy, but there was plenty of space both inside and outside. Rain clouds hovered overhead, and humidity was high, but we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly, and so did the vendors (including local artisans as well as coffee companies). Up there in the mountains, we had a good “feel” for the environment in which coffee flourishes. There was also a public education element in the festival.

Fast forward to 2026, and a lot has happened to Jamaica in those few years – including two hurricanes (Beryl in 2024 and Melissa in 2025), which have devastated coffee farms. Infrastructure was devastated, and farms have not yet recovered. The roads are in a terrible state. Is it realistic to hold a coffee festival this year, that will showcase our small-scale farmers, with pride, honour and respect?

The Jamaica Coffee Growers Association (JCGA) – representing some 85 percent of coffee farmers – thinks it’s not a good idea; it’s time to take a breather.

However, the marketing machine that is the Ministry of Tourism is undeterred. The Blue Mountain Coffee Festival is on this year, but has been subsumed into a Food and Drink Festival (for one day out of three). Moreover, it will take place at Hope Gardens in Kingston. It will be mixed up with a “street food” festival – perhaps an inappropriate matching.

The Festival seems to have strayed far from its original intent, which actually came from the small farmers themselves. The JCGA are not happy with this situation: neither with the location (far from the misty mountains where they live and work), nor the fact that it is secondary to “food and drink.” Also, it is too soon after back-to-back hurricanes to afford coffee, and the farmers, full justice. And by the way, the 2025 edition of the Festival – also in Hope Gardens, in a middle-class Kingston neighbourhood – hardly had the “flavour” of the Blue Mountains, and coffee farmers hardly participated.

There is a big splash on Instagram, inevitably, with a photo of Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett sipping a cuppa.

But were the coffee farmers, on whose hard work in often challenging conditions this product depends, involved in the planning for this event? If the JCGA was not involved in consultations, this is certainly not the “genuine article.” Like so many marketing events in Jamaica – especially in Kingston – there will be no substance, no authenticity. It will be pure entertainment.

I don’t see any photos of coffee farmers on the IG page. It appears to be another event to amuse bored Kingstonians on the weekend.

My thoughts are (and I think they coincide with those of the JCGA) that farming in general (and in this case, coffee farming) is about community. Blue Mountain Coffee is an amazing product in its own right and of course can be marketed at outlets (we could make more effort with selling at Starbucks!) However, the interesting part of it, for locals and visitors, would surely be coffee farming as a way of life – a way of mountain life. It’s about the people who do it, their families, their livelihoods, their daily lives and routines, and of course the process of growing, picking, drying etc. What our government marketers and PR people don’t understand sometimes is that it’s all about people. However, as they sit in their air-conditioned offices in Kingston, they don’t have much concept of the life of a coffee farmer – in drought, during a storm, on muddy, rutted roads. Picking the beans.

Perhaps this lack of understanding is, in a sense, an indicator of the gap between urban and rural Jamaica. Or am I going too far?

Because I think a lot about the environment, I might suggest the festival – or perhaps a series of smaller events – could focus on sustainable, climate smart coffee farming. Farming that is “bird-friendly” perhaps. BirdLife Jamaica would be interested in partnering with farmers on this. There are also the endemic plants, trees, and other species that form part of the unique Blue Mountain ecosystem. A celebration of coffee could also be a celebration of the amazing environment that it is grown in, in partnership with environmental and community groups that live and work in the area.

So, rather than a glossy marketing package, how about coffee as an amazing community tourism activity? Visit a farmer and his family, eat a country meal, have a chat, walk through the farm, learn about the process, listen to stories, relax in the mountain air. Perhaps leaving with a little coffee mug each as well as a packet of coffee…

And talking of Instagram, the visitor (whether local or overseas) would come away with dozens of photos in their phones, to be posted on various social media platforms and shared with friends.

Blue Mountain Coffee is about a place – a magical, fascinating place. And it is about people – and that includes the people who produce it.

P.S. You might enjoy my Global Voices interview with Dorienne Rowan-Campbell, an organic coffee farmer (Rowan Royale Farms, about 4,000 feet up) – recognising World Bee Day.

NEPA does not have an image problem. It has a performance problem. And perhaps even more troubling, after decades of studies, reports, consultations, and recommendations that have been published and discussed, it also appears to have a listening problem.

There were sighs of frustration all round. As we each presented our views, Dr. Devon Taylor, who was joining us online, then lobbed a very significant reminder into the ring: NEPA does not, in fact, come under the umbrella of the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change, but remains in the firm grip of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), where it has been for years. Now that, happily, there is a stand-alone environment ministry, how could NEPA, Jamaica’s environmental regulator, not be in that ministry? What was the purpose of the new ministry, apart from addressing the critical water issue (a very political one, judging from the number of blocked roads)? Was it created to ensure that there was someone to attend international climate change meetings? What about environmental matters at home, which should be the purview of NEPA? Is it subservient to the “Infrastructure Development” agenda?

As the letter below, from 64 civil society organisations and concerned citizens states, the Office of the Prime Minister (a member of what I call “the Cult of Development”) also has under its umbrella the “super ministry” of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (until recently, Job Creation, which has been dropped). In this recent Facebook post, the Prime Minister describes NEPA as a “key development agency.” He adds:

“There is a balance we must manage between protecting our natural resources and using them to grow our economy. That is why NEPA sits within the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development. Environmental protection and development must work together.”

In my view, there is a conflict here – rather than “balance” (a favourite word that is used in such discussions, but unfortunately the balance invariably tips towards development). On the “image” issue, I have often wondered why this political administration seems to think that everything can be fixed with a few more photo-ops, reels and tweets. My belief is (and I voiced it at the meeting) that whether you are public or private sector – whoever you are – this is not “communication.” And this is part of the problem.

Social media is a handy tool, but there has to be more substance; in particular for an agency like NEPA, which has a wealth of useful, important information at its fingertips that would be of interest not only to the media, but to the public at large. NEPA has a website, and NEPA’s court cases are posted there – but that is not, by itself, communication. It is not transparency, either (as we know, transparency is one pillar of the Escazú Agreement, which we hope Jamaica will ratify soon). The best way to communicate is to build relationships with the media, the public, and relevant organisations (including of course environmental and other non-governmental organisations) and thus provide useful and important information in a timely and transparent manner. But perhaps all of this has to go through the OPM.

If there was a change in approach, I feel the “image problem” would actually be irrelevant. But the structural issues – and the implementation issues that arise from them – are another matter, altogether.

For the record, NEPA CEO Mr. Leonard Francis has protested that he and his agency has never taken orders from a government Minister. He asserts: “I am guided by the various policies and the process. I believe in abiding by the law and abiding by best practices.” And yet, something is so terribly amiss. Reform is certainly needed.

Here is the letter from civil society – and here is a beautiful photo by Heidi Savery, a signatory to the letter. Jamaica’s environment is certainly worthy of our love and our protection.

March 5, 2026

Kingston, Jamaica

Civil Society Calls for Structural Reform of Environmental and Planning Governance in Jamaica

We, the undersigned 64 civil society organizations and concerned citizens, are calling for urgent reform of Jamaica’s environmental and planning governance framework.

Recent public comments by the Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, the Hon. Matthew Samuda, have once again highlighted a long-standing governance issue: the tension between NEPA’s role as Jamaica’s environmental regulator and the ministry under which it is placed, particularly when development control and environmental protection are combined in a single agency.

This tension did not begin recently. Since the promulgation of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) Act in 2001, Jamaica’s environmental regulator (NEPA) has sat under multiple ministries- often alongside portfolios responsible for economic growth, infrastructure, or development. Despite multiple studies over the past two decades, including the 2007 modernization review prepared by Dr. Winston McCalla and Associates and the CAPRI Study in 2018, structural weaknesses and unresolved legislative reform persist. More than 20 years after NEPA’s creation, there is still no comprehensive NEPA Act to modernize and regularize the agency’s mandate.

What is new, however, is the recent creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change which does not include NEPA, Jamaica’s principal environmental regulator. This establishment of this new ministry presented a clear opportunity to address historic conflicts in mandate and governance. That opportunity was not taken. Today, NEPA and its regulatory arm, the NRCA, remain under the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), while the Prime Minister also retains responsibility for the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID). This placement situates environmental regulation within the same executive portfolio responsible for promoting large-scale development, creating a structural tension that limits independent oversight.

Minister Samuda in his interview highlighted that agencies often sit within ministries whose broader portfolios differ from their regulatory functions. The issue here, however, is not simply administrative location. It is the inherent tension and conflict of interest between environmental protection and development control.

Development approval and environmental protection serve different purposes. One facilitates economic growth and the creation of jobs while the other scrutinizes, conditions, or, where necessary, restricts activities to prevent harm to ecosystems and communities caused by development. These functions are often in direct conflict. That is precisely why, in most CARICOM jurisdictions — including Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and OECS member states — environmental regulation and land-use planning are handled by separate agencies under distinct legislative frameworks.

This is not comparable to unrelated portfolio groupings. The concern arises when the mandates themselves are structurally conflicting — such as forestry and mining, or environmental protection and large-scale development. In such cases, governance arrangements must be carefully designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that environmental oversight is not subordinated to development priorities.

NEPA continues to face inherited challenges, including outdated and conflicting legislation, limited enforcement capacity, staffing and technical gaps, and unclear institutional roles. These weaknesses affect environmental outcomes, public confidence, and the integrity of the development approval process.

At a time of escalating climate impacts — stronger storms, flooding, sea-level rise, and ecosystem loss — Jamaica cannot afford a governance framework that blurs mandates or weakens oversight.

We therefore call for:

• The transfer of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) to the Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change as an immediate step, while the Government undertakes comprehensive legislative reform;
• Comprehensive legislative reform to modernize and harmonize planning and environmental laws, including the enactment of a modern NEPA Act to regularize governance arrangements; 
• The structural separation of environmental regulation from development control functions, including separating the NRCA from the Town and Country Planning Authority (TCPA) and the Land Development and Utilization Commission (LDUC); and
• Independent and transparent oversight mechanisms, including consideration of an Environmental Commission, to strengthen accountability in environmental decision-making.

This governance issue has remained unresolved for decades. The creation of a stand-alone Environment Ministry made reform possible. It is time to complete it.

Contact: Dr. Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie 

t| +1876 960 3693/ c| 876 852 8714 

e| [email protected]/ [email protected]

Contact: Dr. Devon Taylor

t| + +1876 293-5835

e| [email protected]

Signed by:

How often do we hear this Biblical quote uttered by Jamaicans, who tell us this is the best way to “discipline” a child (in fact, the original quote apparently did not come directly from the Bible, but is included in a verse in Proverbs: “Those who spare the rod hate their children, but those who love them are diligent to discipline them” – Proverbs 13:24).

Let’s look at this more closely.

There are some issues in Jamaican society that fall through the cracks. We haven’t properly faced up to them, perhaps; and we need to revisit them, because they are ongoing. Corporal punishment is one of these critical and serious issues that impact our children and our society directly. Last week, the Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA) decided to tackle this sensitive topic at a special event on February 23, 2026, “Dinner and Conversations” at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston. The topic was framed as: “Discipline That Teaches: Corporal Punishment vs. Alternative Discipline.” The speakers were powerful and knowledgeable, and the event was supported by UNICEF Jamaica – who are doing great work, by the way. The entire event was skilfully and sensitively moderated by producer and broadcaster Simone Clarke; it was quite a task, that she made seem effortless.

The Children’s Advocate, Mrs. Diahann Gordon Harrison, explained:

The aim was to create a space where various views could contend, but then anchor it with the evidence, looking at the psychological impact of both approaches (corporal punishment and positive discipline). We wanted to have this discussion because we recognise, of course, the very strong cultural bias that Jamaica and several Caribbean countries have towards using corporal punishment, or seeing it as a workable method…It was an opportunity to not only get the dialogue going, but to have persons who attended consider different methods that may in fact be more effective – even as we grapple with the cultural reality.

The Children’s Advocate’s office deliberately selected a panel of Jamaicans from different faiths – Christian, Rastafarian, and Jewish – to try to “demystify” that oft-repeated phrase in Proverbs. What does it really mean? Interestingly, all the panelists agreed: No, it did not mean “You must beat your child, or he/she will be spoiled and behave badly.” To quote Psalm 23, it means “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” In other words, the “rod” in the Bible is not an aggressive weapon or a punishment, but a kind and loving guide.

First of all, let’s define “corporal punishment.” According to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child it is “any punishment in which physical force is used to cause some degree of pain or discomfort.” (Note to parents: pinching your child is also corporal punishment). It is inherently degrading, violating a child’s right to dignity, physical integrity, and protection from all forms of violence, as guaranteed under Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), notes UNICEF. Jamaica ratified the CRC in 1991.

Before the panel discussion, I went on a learning curve with the speakers. Ms. Olga Isaza, Country Representative at UNICEF Jamaica, gave us some rather daunting information – “sobering evidence” from UNICEF’s Jamaica Violence Against Children and Youth Survey 2023. Our young people are exposed to shocking levels of violence in their daily lives, with almost half (aged 13 – 24) having experienced some form of violence in their life times, and almost half reporting physical discipline or verbal aggression from parents in the past 12 months. The report notes that physical violence is common in homes and communities: 45.3% of women and 37.9% of men have witnessed it in the home during childhood. Ms. Isaza urged us all to listen, learn, understand the issues more deeply. Importantly, she noted:

This moment is not about judgment. It is about shared responsibility. Real change requires consistent efforts across families, communities, schools, faith-based institutions, and policy spaces. The choices made and the actions taken today will shape the experiences and outcomes of generations to come.

Ms. Samelia Sybblis then took the stage. With her small frame and neat Afro, she seemed calm and composed; but the topic she addressed – and expressed in her words and images – was dark and intense. A fourth year student in Illustration at the Edna Manley College for the Visual & Performing Arts, she described “F is for Fear” and “F is for Fail.” A child living in a violent environment is afraid of failing, and afraid of being physically punished for failing. And for parents and even some teachers, poor school work is synonymous with bad behaviour. It’s almost a vicious cycle.

I should add that Ms. Sybblis spoke from personal experience. She forced herself to sleep to avoid repercussions when her caregiver was upset. In an inner city community, she noted, “correction creates bruises and humiliation,” with parents channeling their own frustrations into beating, insults, and shaming children. Ms. Sybblis’ final year work will focus on this issue. “I want children to have a voice,” she said simply.

Professor Emeritus at the University of the West Indies Faculty of Medical Science, Maureen Samms-Vaughan, took us on a “deep dive” – so deep that I felt I needed to come up for air and exhale. While describing both the physical, the mental and emotional impact of corporal punishment on a child, she moved on to the “positive.” The multiple, physical effects she described – including scans of an “abused brain,” compared to a healthy brain, were particularly disturbing. Spanking, she says, changes a child’s brain structure as well as other organs in the body. She mentioned one of her patients, a child who had been blinded by his parent, when the buckle of the belt used to beat him had hit him in the eye.

Then there are the psycho-social impacts of corporal punishment – which does not improve the desired behaviour in the long term, according to no less than 69 studies. Children grow up with less empathy and are less able to resolve conflicts and regulate their own behaviour (just as their parents had been unable to do in front of them). They show increased aggression (especially boys) and use violence to resolve conflicts; bullying is a part of this, and so is lying, cheating, truancy, and so on. Violence begets violence, leading to increased intimate partner violence, depression and mental health issues, as the child grows into adulthood.

So, what are the answers? The panelists, as well as Professor Samms-Vaughan, came up with a multitude of strategies and practical actions that can turn the whole picture around. Here are some of them:

• “Catch them being good” (Dr. Karen Richards, Psychologist, Panelist from the Jewish community)
• Instead of “time out” give them “time in” – when the child is not shut out, but truly engaged
• Give children choices – let them think for themselves and express themselves
• Identify and explain preferred behaviours to your child. Do this, but not that…and explain why.
• “Guide, listen, observe” (Dr. Kadamawe Knife, Rastafarian, Lecturer/Researcher)
• Ensure there is respect – on both sides (Bishop Christine Gooden-Benguche, President, Methodist Church in the Caribbean & the Americas, Jamaica District)
• Make amends for any harm done to others or to the environment (Professor Samms-Vaughan)
• Allow a child to ask questions – at all ages, they have plenty (Dr. Richards)

There is so much that parents can do differently. Dr. Richards suggested: “Model the behaviour you want from your child.” Your child wants to be like you, Professor Samms-Vaughan had noted. So, parents must self-regulate and show the child their best self – “unlearn” their own bad behaviour, and make the effort to be a good example. Two other panelists, Sherinae Brown (a student who chairs the OCA’s Children’s Advisory Panel) and Ms. Ornecia Blackstock, a teacher at Westwood High School, noted that “context matters.” Ms. Blackstock pointed out the marked difference in parents’ attitudes between rural and urban areas; her school is rural.

Professor Samms-Vaughan pointed out that parents must look after themselves: get enough sleep, eat a proper diet, exercise). By setting an example, parents should create a warm, loving and respectful environment at home – and behave appropriately in public. There is nothing worse than a situation where your child is either ashamed of your behaviour, or afraid of you. By that time, respect will have flown out of the window.

Corporal punishment poisons the relationship between you and your child – as he/she grows up, this will become more and more clear. Respondents to UNICEF’s 2025 U-Report Poll offered the following solutions:

• Talking to the child calmly and taking away privileges is more effective than instilling fear
• Use empathy and consequences, not pain, and teach rather than traumatize
• A mix of talking, privilege withdrawal, and understanding the child’s personality works best.

The Children’s Advocate believes that this meaningful dialogue “can be translated into actionable change.” She adds:

We continue as an office to lend our support to having a useful public education and sensitisation programme for parents, so that they know what some of these workable alternatives are. Of course, we want to ensure that any particular direction that is being pursued is being done in a culturally appropriate way, with all stakeholders understanding the roles that they would be expected to play in ensuring that our children are behaving well. But we want to be sure that we are using constructive methods that can make them more acceptable socially.

So, get to know and love your child. Doesn’t your child deserve it?

You can get in touch with the Office of the Children’s Advocate at (876) 948-1293 or (876) 948-3279 or (876) 967-5890. WhatsApp (876) 381-1411; or by email: [email protected]. Website: http://www.oca.gov.jm

The OCA has a Children’s Helpline: Safespot Ja. Numbers are 888 723 3776 or 876 4395199. Also on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Asking for help is OK!

The world is heading in the wrong direction. Instead of bridging the gap between ambition on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the harsh reality of ongoing fossil fuel production, we are widening it. Officials spend many hours workshopping and conferencing and talking and running around networking at COPs – all thirty of them – and elsewhere.

However, we are in a position similar to a Kingston thoroughfare at rush hour, on a rainy day. That is, we are not moving! And we need to move far, and fast. We have lost too much ground, already.

So, the world needs to take a pause, look around, and then…turn around, away from fossil fuels; with a sense of shared purpose, in a just and equal way. All of this was discussed at the two-day meeting this week. For further details of the agenda and the concept note, please see the end of this press release.

The Caribbean has played a meaningful role so far, pushing for “One Point Five to Stay Alive” at the historic Paris COP and keeping that message alive in a thousand different ways. It is fully participating in discussions, as the proposed Fossil Fuel Treaty begins to take shape. I have every confidence that the Caribbean will continue to “Keep on Pushing,” as the great Curtis Mayfield sang, to reach that higher goal.

I fully expect the Caribbean to keep up the pressure to move away from fossil fuels through the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative. We – and our global partners – have no choice. As Dr. James Fletcher says, “We have never been silent in moments like this.” Santa Marta, here we come!

Caribbean Governments and Civil Society Convene in Saint Lucia to Advance Regional Strategy Ahead of First International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels

4th March 2026 – Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia – Senior government officials and civil society leaders from across the Caribbean convened on 2–3 March 2026 at the Bay Gardens Hotel in Saint Lucia for the Caribbean Convening on a Global Just Transition from Fossil Fuels, reaffirming the region’s commitment to shaping international cooperation toward a fast, fair, and financed global phase-out of oil, gas and coal.

The convening took place at a critical juncture in international climate diplomacy. Despite growing global consensus on the need to transition away from fossil fuels, negotiations remain stymied on the central questions of governance, finance, and implementation required to deliver an equitable and science-aligned transition. International climate and financing discussions continue to face gridlock, even as climate impacts intensify worldwide.

According to the 2025 UNEP Production Gap Report, governments are projected to produce 120% more fossil fuels by 2030 than is consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C –  underscoring the widening gap between climate ambition and production realities.

Caribbean countries have long called for increased climate ambition and scaled-up financing. The region played a decisive leadership role in securing the 1.5°C temperature limit under the Paris Agreement, and several Caribbean governments are among the 18 countries participating in diplomatic discussions on a proposed Fossil Fuel Treaty, an initiative aimed at managing an orderly, fair, and science-based transition away from fossil fuels.

And as the Convening clearly showed, now is not the time for Caribbean civil society and governments to back down or shy away from the bold actions needed to steer the world away from fossil fuel dependence. 

Dr. James Fletcher, CARICOM Climate Envoy said, “Caribbean civil society has never been silent in moments like this. From the fight to secure the 1.5°C goal in the Paris Agreement to global advocacy for Loss and Damage, small island developing states – including those in the Caribbean – have consistently championed the concept of Loss and Damage, even when others denied its legitimacy. Today, the Caribbean’s credibility in global diplomacy regarding fossil fuel phase-out and energy transition rests not only on our vulnerability but on our vision. If we are calling for a just transition away from fossil fuels, we must also clearly articulate how that transition will support small island developing states – through concessional finance, debt reform, expanded energy access, renewable scale-up, and social protection for affected communities.”

Preparing for the Santa Marta Conference

The Saint Lucia convening serves as a regional preparatory meeting ahead of the First International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, to be held in Santa Marta, Colombia, on 24–29 April 2026. The Conference, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, was announced at COP30 in Belém, Brasil, and aims to launch a dedicated diplomatic process to explore pathways, scenarios, governance options, and financial mechanisms required to achieve a global just transition.

The Santa Marta Conference aims to bring together high-ambition first-mover countries, outside the formal UNFCCC negotiating space, to move beyond dialogue and begin scoping the practical building blocks of a managed global phase-out of fossil fuels.

The decision to hold this first conference in Colombia, followed by a second conference to be held in the Pacific region within a year, was made at a Senior Officials meeting of the countries participating in the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative last June in Bonn. The initiative draws from lessons of past diplomatic processes – including the Mine Ban Treaty, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons – which began with focused diplomatic coalitions and ultimately strengthened international cooperation on major global threats.

Alex Rafalowicz, Executive Director, Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, said, “The 1.5°C limit is at risk – and we must be clear about why. The industry will say it’s because of emissions, and that’s true. But beneath those emissions are their primary drivers: coal, oil, and gas. If we are serious about protecting 1.5°C, we must confront the planned expansion of these fuels. They are not only driving the climate crisis, but also worsening public health impacts, accelerating biodiversity loss, fueling the plastics crisis, and contributing to local pollution. In that sense, continued fossil fuel expansion poses a profound risk to human life and to life on our planet.”

Emphasising Caribbean climate leadership and the need for financing 

The two-day meeting strengthened regional coordination and clarified Caribbean priorities ahead of the Santa Marta Conference.

Day one convened civil society representatives to examine the scientific, legal, and multilateral context for a fossil fuel transition, including the role of NDCs, and to define shared priorities and red lines. Day two brought together senior government officials to assess barriers and opportunities for transition in the Caribbean context, concluding with agreement on the core elements of a coordinated regional position for Santa Marta.

Dr. Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, Chief Executive Officer, Jamaica Environment Trust, said, “In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica faced the stark reality of loss and damage: communities were submerged, roads rendered impassable, and homes and buildings destroyed. Hospitals and other critical infrastructure sustained severe damage, thousands were displaced, agriculture suffered heavy losses, electricity and water systems were disrupted, and families were left trying to determine what, if anything, could be salvaged.”

Her words underscore what science has made increasingly clear: climate-related loss and damage is no longer a distant threat but a lived reality across the Caribbean. With global temperatures on track to overshoot the 1.5°C threshold, the urgency for immediate and decisive action has never been greater.

For Caribbean civil society, climate action is a legal and human rights obligation. Communities across the region are already bearing the cost of inaction. 

Continued fossil fuel exploration in this context is neither just nor sustainable; it entrenches the very systems driving the region’s vulnerability. At the same time, an unmanaged transition risks worsening inequality and undermining economic and social rights, underscoring the need to empower workers and communities to participate meaningfully in emerging green sectors.

Caribbean civil society continues to champion climate justice, holding governments accountable while amplifying the lived experiences of affected communities. Inaction today not only deepens present harm – it compromises the rights and security of future generations. 

But finance is needed to flow directly into the movement away from fossil fuels. 

Ms. Charlin Bodlee, Chief Technical Advisor Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, said: “Caribbean countries face a significant climate finance gap that makes implementation of our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) extremely challenging. Studies estimate that Caribbean Small Island Developing States require substantially more finance than they currently receive to meet energy transition and adaptation targets, and much of the climate finance we do access comes in the form of loans rather than grants, adding to debt pressure rather than reducing it. Studies also show that climate finance flows to the region remain a fraction of what is needed, and the reliance on loan-based finance can contribute to fiscal strain and limit long-term resilience-building. Addressing this will require large-scale debt-sensitive mechanisms, increased grant finance, and innovative structures that support the Caribbean’s transition away from fossil fuel dependence while bolstering economic and energy resilience.”

As preparations continue for Santa Marta, Caribbean stakeholders reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring that any global phase-out framework reflects principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, and meaningful support for small island developing states.

Concept note and provisional agenda

Media contactsDizzanne Billy
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +1 868 718 7383 (in St Lucia)

In Jamaica, the spotlight has moved (as it so often does) towards the issue of gender-based violence – and justice for the families and friends of women who have died at the hands of their partners. Justice for the victims themselves. For us, violence against women is an ongoing tragedy, over and over. “It’s always on the agenda,” said one Jamaican on social media. One specific “high profile” case has seized the hearts and minds of Jamaicans and has been widely reported in the media: that of Jolyan Silvera, a former Member of Parliament and a “big man” with some clout in society, who killed his wife Melissa, was charged with murder, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter. There is much more to say about the complexities of the case and Silvera’s cover-up of his crime, and a lot of the concerns are expressed in this article by a well-known commentator. Well, the manslaughter plea was accepted, and Silvera will be sentenced on Friday, March 6. An important aspect of this case also was that it was tried in camera, as Jamaica’s Gun Court tries cases behind closed doors. However, importantly, the sentencing will be live-streamed, and this is widely anticipated.

This afternoon, a group of protesters stood at Kingston’s Emancipation Park with placards – one of which listed the names of several other women murdered by their partners or former partners. There is one such case almost every week. Today, the focus was on Melissa Silvera. With only her husband’s word to tell us what happened (he told the court that he was provoked) her voice is silenced. She cannot speak for herself.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Office in Kingston has shared their Secretary-General’s message for International Women’s Day. I like it very much: eight cogent points – and in some ways, perhaps the very first one encompasses all. It’s all about power. And when power takes over, justice falls by the wayside.

International Women’s Day: Eight Actions for A More Equal World 

Over nearly a decade leading the United Nations, I have seen our world repeatedly tested – by climate shocks, deepening poverty, violent conflict and shrinking civic space. 

But I have also watched many solutions take root, and they shared one common denominator: women. 

As the world marks International Women’s Day, it is time to recognize that gender inequality is the greatest human rights challenge of our time – and advancing equality is one of the strongest drivers of sustainable development and peace. 

Here are eight actions drawn from my own experience, and inspired by the work of the UN system and civil society movements across the globe, to advance women’s rights and deliver results. 

1. Fix the Power Gap 

Gender equality is a question of power. But male-dominated institutions still shape our world. A rising tide of authoritarianism is deepening these inequalities, rolling back hard-won protections – from fair work practices to reproductive rights – and entrenching racial and gender biases that hold women back. Gender equality lifts societies. When power is shared, freedom expands. 

2. Make Parity a Priority 

Women are grossly under-represented in governments and boardrooms across the globe. At the United Nations, we set out to make gender parity a priority, starting with senior leadership. We did this by widening the search for qualified candidates, not by lowering standards. The UN is stronger for it, with an enhanced workplace culture and more inclusive decision-making. The lesson is clear. When institutions choose equality, results follow. 2 

3. Bet on the Highest-Return Investment 

Investment in women delivers outsized returns. Every dollar spent on girls’ education yields nearly triple the gains, while maternal health and family planning generate more than eightfold benefits. Policies that support families such as child care and elder care strengthen communities and unlock even more growth. Taken together, such steps lay the foundation for closing gender gaps – which can boost national income by as much as 20%. 

4. Make Room at the Peace Table 

Peace agreements are more durable when women take part in negotiating and implementing them. Yet in too many conflicts – including Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan – women have been largely shut out of the room, even though they carry the heaviest burdens of war. At a time of rising instability, inclusion is not symbolic – it is a shortcut to stabilize our fractured world. 

5. End Legal Discrimination 

Worldwide, women hold only 64 per cent of the legal rights enjoyed by men. In too many places, they cannot own property, work freely, or seek a divorce. Even where protections exist, women face higher barriers to access legal aid or the courts. Every country must commit to dismantling discriminatory laws, and to enforcing rights in practice. 

6. Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence – and Zero Excuses 

Violence against women is a global emergency, rooted in inequality and sustained by silence. Every woman and girl has the right to live free from fear. Yet gender-based violence – including sexual exploitation and abuse – remains a horrific breach of trust and humanity. We must confront it everywhere, with zero tolerance, full accountability, and unwavering support for survivors. 

7. Code Out Bias 

With women comprising just one in four tech workers, bias is being hardwired into the systems that shape daily lives. Meanwhile, misogyny is exploding online. Technology companies and governments must act together to build safe, inclusive digital spaces – and the world must do more to remove barriers for girls in science and technology. 

8. Put Gender in the Climate Plan 

Climate change is sexist. Women often eat last in food crises and endure greater danger in emergencies. Girls face higher risks of child marriage when livelihoods collapse. But women are also leading climate solutions – advancing green legislation, powering global movements, and driving change on the ground. A liveable planet demands gender-responsive climate policies, including equal access to green jobs, better protection in emergencies, and full participation in environmental decision-making. 

Across the globe, I have seen these eight solutions in action – in war zones and recovery efforts, parliaments and classrooms, organizations and communities. 

If leaders get serious about gender equality and commit to them now, we will change the world – for women and girls, and for us all. 

Agriculture: We need more of this… Over 200 young people were certified under the Food & Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Rural Livelihoods Project in Kitson Town, St. Catherine – with funding from the India-UN Partnership Development Fund, over the past three years. A number of the trainees pursued several different courses. 63 percent were women; did you know 2026 is the International Year of the Woman Farmer?

CARICOM matters: Prime Minister Andrew Holness departed Jamaica last weekend for the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in the twin island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis – whose Prime Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew, is the new Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for the coming year. In light of the dire straits in which our close neighbour, Cuba finds itself thanks to the thoroughly evil oil blockade from up north, there was heightened interest in what the Heads would say or do (well, not “do” – this is CARICOM we are talking about. They prefer to talk). Here’s the Joint Statement with the U.S., describing talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “highly constructive” and a “frank conversation.” P.S. Who was the man not in this photo? None other than Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, Fidel’s grandson. And yes, he reportedly met with Secretary Rubio. More anon.

Crime: I expressed some anxiety recently about the arrival of full-scale casino gambling in Jamaica, and the possibility of organised crime. I am glad to hear that the Major Organised Crime & Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and the Gaming Commission have signed an agreement that they hope will ensure that Jamaica stays off the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on money laundering. They are seeing casino gambling as just another tourist attraction. Well, let’s see.

Culture: It’s great news that the U.S. Embassy has donated J$9.3 million to the preservation of Jamaican artefacts under the umbrella of the wonderful National Museum (I had a personal tour of that establishment a couple of years ago). A key component of the grant will be the establishment of a demonstration conservation laboratory for the future Port Royal Museum. The funding is through the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, which is global, and competitive.

Education: Well, nearly four months later, thousands of students in western Jamaica who have been displaced by Hurricane Melissa are still not showing up for school. The Education Ministry is looking for them. I don’t know what to say.

Congratulations to the seven budding entrepreneurs who won the Vincent HoSang UWI Venture Competition at the Mona School of Business and Management. I hope they will forge ahead with their businesses, some of which have a strong sustainability component.

Will we ever know what happened to Jayden Smith? A petition on the Jamaica House portal has received very little support. Jayden, aged 12, a Manchester High School student, disappeared on September 26, 2025. Desperate and lengthy searches and investigations have revealed nothing and in January the police said they had exhausted all their efforts.

There are glimmers of hope. Pembroke Hall High School in Kingston got very bad publicity last year for their struggling literacy rates. Interestingly, they collaborated with Holy Trinity High in downtown Kingston, adopting Holy Trinity’s Grade Seven Academy literacy programme – with positive results. Congratulations to the leadership in both schools. But as thisGleaner editorial notes, we have a long way to go. Minister Dana Morris Dixon is seeking to address the issue, but she has her work cut out.

Governance: The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is gearing up to get more Jamaicans to sign up for their national ID card. I think I must have missed it, but I hope the concerns regarding data privacy and security have been resolved. There is now a portal for NIRA, where you can apply.

Human Rights: Our Minister of National Security (and Peace!) Dr. Horace Chang has been on medical leave for some time. He came back firing on all cylinders…at human rights groups, in particular Jamaicans for Justice. I am not sure what prompted this, but in my view it was quite uncalled for, very unpleasant – and moreover, his accusations were completely baseless. He accused JFJ of “living off blood money.” For the record (and this information is readily available) many of JFJ’s donors are the same that provide support for government programmes: the European Union, the United Nations, UNICEF, the Global Fund, and more. Blood money? The Opposition Spokesman on National Security Fitz Jackson says this is not responsible leadership – and surely there are many more positive references to make about the fight against crime. Hardly “peaceful” remarks.

And on the topic of police killings, here’s a thoughtful and nuanced opinion piece by former Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields: “Body-worn cameras and independent investigations serve the same purpose: they replace accusation with evidence.” How about we focus on that, Dr. Chang? Accountability can actually be a good thing!

Residents in ten marginalised urban communities responded in a survey that when it comes to trust, it’s the churches that they believe in the most (pardon the pun). The 2025 Citizens’ Rights, Roles, Responsibilities and Practices Survey, conducted by The Mico University College with grant funding from the European Union through Jamaicans for Justice ( JFJ). Alarmingly, the survey found that “disapproval of government performance was particularly stark” with 71.9 per cent of respondents disagreeing that the Government acts in the best interest of all Jamaicans, and 54.7 per cent feeling that Government officials are not held accountable for their actions. This is sad, but not surprising. Here is more about attitudes among young men.

Hurricane Melissa: A new report from the National Hurricane Center in Miami has “upgraded” the fearsome storm to tie with Hurricane Allen (1980) for the strongest winds in an Atlantic storm (190 miles per hour just before it made landfall). Weather nerds may find the report here. It’s mind-boggling.

Money: In his quarterly press briefing, Governor of the Bank of Jamaica Richard Byles is predicting the inflation rate to be 5.9 per cent, lower than earlier projections.

Looking back at the Budget, PwC has some thoughts. Taxes alone won’t be enough to fill the fiscal gap, the company contends, and increased borrowing has its risks. Among other things, PwC mentions that with an increased tax on tourism, the island risks losing competitiveness. I have asked myself the same question. Dominican Republic, a close neighbour, is a fierce competitor on price, it is reported.

People: I know this is belated, and we should have been there on Valentine’s Day. Businesswoman Bridget Brown’s annual remembrance of her beloved son Joseph Buchanan (“Black Angel”), who passed away at such a young age, is always a special occasion. The Black Angel Foundation, established in 2019, provides scholarships to music students – at the Alpha School of Music, the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and several corporate area schools. If you would like to donate, details are in this article.

The new British High Commissioner in Jamaica is Alicia Herbert, OBE. At a press briefing to introduce herself, she pointed out that she has worked on gender issues and so will be pursuing programmes in that area, as well as security issues in general (no surprises there). You will find a brief bio of her here. She was born in Trinidad & Tobago.

The Seventh Day Adventist Church is quietly very influential in Jamaica, and its Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville is highly regarded. Pastor Glen Samuels was recently electedpresident of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Congratulations to him.

Politics: As I noted in an earlier post, Prime Minister Andrew Holness is now receiving his increased salary. His office noted that, when he declined to accept it in 2023, “another prime minister in the future or a new mandate may give an opportunity to reconsider the prime minister’s salary”. Well, he now considers he has a new mandate since last September’s general election. Argument done.

Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Central Dwayne Vaz and his driver have been charged with assault, which allegedly took place at a sporting event in Savannah-la-Mar. Vaz claims he was trying to separate the driver from his fighting partner. They will appear in court on March 10.

My deepest condolences to the family of little Zaylon Pinnock and his Daddy, Kerrio, who were shot dead in west Kingston last week.

Kerrio Pinnock, 31, shot in Denham Town, West Kingston and later succumbed to injuries

Zaylon Pinnock, 3, shot dead in Denham Town, West Kingston

For some reason, the media love to use this expression “mowed down” when referring to some poor soul who has been hit by a car. I find it rather horrible. Sadly, a man believed to have been homeless was hit by a car, and then another, poor man, when trying to cross the road in Montego Bay.

I’m sorry to end on this sad note. See you again soon with more news.

We are facing up to the fact that our demographics are changing, and this is not only true of Jamaica but of a number of countries globally.

Professor Eldemire-Shearer is Honorary Chair of the Jamaica-based non-profit organisation Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), whose slogan “Life to the Fullest” encapsulates its vision for the older population in Jamaica. CCRP is a non-denominational, non-political membership organisation, founded by Jean Lowrie-Chin as a tribute to her mother and other seniors who had guided her company, PROComm, after it celebrated its 30th Anniversary. CCRP advocates for the rights of seniors to enjoy a happy, productive and engaged life in society, as well as calling for respect for elders and against discrimination of any kind. We should recognise that older Jamaicans have much to contribute.

This month there have been two very positive indications that the needs of elderly Jamaicans are being taken into consideration. Firstly, the Minister of Health & Wellness Christopher Tufton announced the first convening of the Government’s Ageing Policy Committee was announced at a media briefing on February 11, 2026, which CCRP warmly welcomed.

“CCRP is very pleased with the establishment of the Committee, which is an encouraging indicator of the Ministry’s support for the welfare and development of our senior citizens,” said CCRP Founder and Executive Chair, Mrs. Jean Lowrie-Chin. 

“We have great faith in the ability of Professor Eldemire-Shearer and her team of experts to explore the socio-psychological issues as well as health issues affecting older Jamaicans. This is a timely intervention that will provide a much-needed, structured framework for elder care. At CCRP we look forward to supporting this effort.”

Mrs. Lowrie-Chin also welcomed the Ministry’s proposed new focus on the menopause, an often misunderstood period in women’s lives that can be quite debilitating, as well as the “male menopause” (andropause). CCRP’s membership of 12,000 includes persons 40 years and over.

“Whatever can be done to demystify, explain, and offer helpful and practical solutions would certainly be appreciated,” added the CCRP Chair.

So, when we think about our more vulnerable citizens, we must think of caregivers. At a recent symposium, Minister Tufton announced increased supportive efforts through an Elderly Caregiver Programme. Please see the Ministry’s press release below:

Health Ministry Protecting Seniors, Empowering Caregivers

Kingston, Jamaica. Thursday, February 26, 2026: The Ministry of Health & Wellness is strengthening its national response to the needs of Jamaica’s rapidly ageing population through continued leadership in the Elderly Caregiver Programme, a transformative initiative designed to uplift caregivers while safeguarding the dignity, independence, and well-being of older persons across the island.

Delivering remarks at the 5th Virtual Caregivers Symposium hosted by the University of Technology, Jamaica recently, Health & Wellness Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, CD, MP underscored the invaluable contribution of caregivers and reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to building a health system rooted in empathy, resilience, and community.

“It is my pleasure to extend warm greetings on behalf of the Ministry of Health & Wellness to the organisers, presenters, caregivers, and participants gathered for the Fifth Virtual Caregivers Symposium,” Dr. Tufton stated. “As Jamaica’s population continues to age, the Ministry of Health & Wellness is strengthening its focus on healthy ageing, community-based care, and long-term support for older persons.”

With Jamaicans aged 60 and older now representing the fastest-growing segment of the population, the Ministry is expanding rehabilitative, palliative, and elderly health services while increasing home visits through Community Health Aides to support seniors and other vulnerable groups. Through the Elderly Caregiver Programme, the Ministry plays a central role in equipping caregivers with the knowledge, tools, and support systems needed to provide consistent, compassionate, and effective care within homes and communities.                                    

Dr. Tufton emphasised that caregivers remain the backbone of recovery and independence for many elderly Jamaicans navigating chronic illness, mobility challenges, and post-stroke rehabilitation.

“Caregivers are therefore critical partners in Jamaica’s health system,” he noted. “Across the island, family members, community volunteers, and healthcare workers provide invaluable physical, emotional, and social support that strengthens families and reduces pressure on our hospitals and clinics. Their contribution embodies the spirit of compassion and community that lies at the heart of public health.”

The Ministry’s ongoing investment in national screening programmes, mental health outreach, telehealth services, and digital health solutions continues to improve access to specialist care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Plans to expand physiotherapy and rehabilitation services within primary care will further empower caregivers to support recovery, maintain independence, and enhance the quality of life for older persons.

“This symposium provides an important platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and capacity building,”Dr. Tufton added. “By empowering caregivers with information, resources, and support, we are not only improving individual care outcomes but also building a more resilient and people-centred health system for Jamaica.”

The Ministry of Health & Wellness remains steadfast in its mission to stand with caregivers recognising their dedication, supporting their efforts, and investing in initiatives that honour the care, compassion, and commitment they bring to Jamaica’s elderly population every day.

So now? “After careful review and internal consultations, it was agreed that the prime minister should conform to the established emoluments and remuneration for the office,” said his office. The decision was delayed by Hurricane Melissa in October, 2025. The response (especially on social media) has been mixed.

Human rights group Stand Up for Jamaica (SUFJ) has its views, though. My own thoughts are, simply: What bad timing. I wonder how Jamaican families, who are still living in tents, having lost their homes, possessions, and livelihoods, feel about it. Or the hotel worker who is out of a job, because our (unsustainable) “sun, sea and sand” tourism industry has suffered greatly from the storm. Or the farmer struggling to rehabilitate his battered crops – his livelihood. And the schools still in disrepair, but out looking for their displaced students who are missing classes? How do they feel?

But now, for some reason, our Prime Minister thinks we have all gotten over it, and he can start taking his pay. It is backdated to September, 2025, when his party won the 2025 general election, so he has a mandate (note: 38.8 percent of registered voters cast their ballots, only slightly higher than the turnout for the 2020 elections during the COVID pandemic). So there you have it.

Here is what SUFJ has to say:

The Prime Minister’s compensation increase: a bad signal sent to all. 

February 23, 2026

There is a profound difference between what is legally permissible and what is morally palatable. While we at Stand Up for Jamaica acknowledge that Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness is technically within his rights to accept the $28.6 million salary adjustment under the public sector compensation review, we must challenge the judgment behind the decision. In the current climate, where Jamaicans are buckling under new taxes and literally piecing their lives back together after Hurricane Melissa, this move reeks of tone-deafness and a profound disconnect from the very people the Administration is meant to serve.

Let us be clear: we are not arguing that the Prime Minister is undeserving of fair compensation. The job is arduous, carries immense responsibility, and requires 24/7 engagement. However, the issue at hand is not the figure on the cheque; it is the optics and the timing. When Dr. Holness declined this very increase in 2023, he was lauded as a leader who understood the public backlash and the need for symbolic solidarity. He stated then that the decision was binding for the future, creating an impression of permanence.

Now, citing a “new mandate,” the Administration has reversed that stance. Worse, the implementation has been retroactively applied to September 2025, and the official explanation notes that the rollout was merely delayed because of Hurricane Melissa. This phrasing is deeply troubling. It suggests that a catastrophic natural disaster which left 45 dead, caused over $130 million in damage, and displaced students and families, was treated as a scheduling inconvenience rather than a reason for profound national restraint.

The context is critical. Just weeks ago, Finance Minister Fayval Williams stood before a battered nation to announce a suite of tax increases. Jamaicans are now facing a Special Consumption Tax on basic non-alcoholic beverages, an extension of GCT to digital services, and increased duties on everyday items. These are not abstract fiscal policies; they are direct hits to the pockets of citizens still waiting for roofs to be repaired and lights to be restored in the western parts of the island.

This juxtaposition forces a difficult question: Why would a leader take a massive pay bump while simultaneously asking struggling citizens to pay more? When a Government imposes austerity on the people, it demands a reciprocal display of austerity from its leadership. By accepting a raise that moves his compensation from $9 million to $28.6 million, an increase larger than most Jamaicans will earn in a lifetime, the Prime Minister has created a situation whereby funds that could have gone to accelerating the rebuilding of the hurricane ravaged parts of the country will now have to be reallocated to foot the bill for his compensation.

Is this the best use of scarce resources in a time of national crisis? What does this choice tell us about the Prime Minister’s priorities? Does he really value the lives of the suffering masses or does his own financial gain matter more? Isn’t it just plain selfish for the Prime Minister to enrich himself at the expense of so many struggling to make ends meet?

Defenders of the move, like Dr. Gavin Myers of National Integrity Action, argue that there is never a perfect time for a raise. We respectfully disagree. A perfect time is certainly not when the minimum wage has just been marginally increased, when schools are flat on the ground, and when the Treasury is leaning heavier on the backs of the poor.

We agree with Professor Anna Perkins of the Advocates Network: leadership sometimes requires one to forgo what is owed in favor of what is right. This is not about denying the Prime Minister a living wage; it is about the value of solidarity. In a moment of national crisis, a gesture of shared sacrifice would have spoken volumes.

Dr. Holness had a choice. He could have waited until the national recovery was further along, until the tax medicine had been swallowed, and until the people felt seen. Instead, he chose to conform to an established emolument during an emergency. In doing so, he has signaled that while Jamaicans must tighten their belts, the Office of the Prime Minister is exempt from the squeeze. That is a bitter pill for a nation still in recovery to swallow.

Agriculture/Fisheries: It’s great news that the UN Development Programme (UNDP) office, along with the Government of Australia, is funding a total of five solar energy centres in fishing communities. The first two will serve 250 fishers in Parottee and 50 in Galleon, St Elizabeth – a space where they can safely store their catch; they will also include Starlink systems (does that mean those left in the Police Commissioner’s office will come out of storage?)

Caribbean: Some 300 (!) Jamaican students in Cuba, many of them privately funded, are currently in limbo after the oil embargo placed on Cuba by the Trump regime in the U.S. has made their lives even tougher than they were before. Some are trying to leave, others are hanging on in the hopes that things will improve. It’s sad for them. They pursue medical studies there – it’s prohibitively expensive in Jamaica.

The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Cuban Government. “In recognising the immense contributions Cuba has made to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, it is equally important to acknowledge that Cuba is deserving of support as it faces mounting humanitarian and economic challenges. Our shared history and regional bonds require that we act with empathy, fairness and respect for sovereignty,” said the PNP.

Minister of Health and Wellness Christopher Tufton also announced that a memorandum for the employment of Cubans in Jamaica’s health sector is “still in effect”…But. There’s a but. Late last year, many Cubans reportedly returned home, including a “respected orthopaedic surgeon at the Kingston Public Hospital,” whose sudden departure upset his colleagues. Anyway, Minister Tufton said lengthy “conversations” are ongoing on the future of the programme.

At a press briefing, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith seemed equally uncertain about the U.S. pause on the processing of immigrant visas. She said there is “no clarity” on the matter.

Crime: Those scammers who swindle vulnerable elders out of their life’s savings are really despicable creatures. It is painful to read about them. Roshard Andrew Carty pleaded guilty in the U.S. to stealing more than half a million U.S. Dollars, from a woman in her seventies, channeled back to him in Jamaica. I hope he gets the maximum sentence and pays restitution to his victim.

There was high drama in Half Way Tree, Kingston on Tuesday evening, when the police arrived at the head office of Fedex International couriers. Two pounds of cocaine, reportedly headed for Canada, was seized. How widespread is this practice of shipping illegal drugs via courier services, I wonder? Two people were arrested.

Three young workers on a fast food restaurant’s drive-through line have been charged with involvement in a card-skimming and cryptocurrency laundering ring.

Two police officers have been charged over their involvement in the murder of businessman Garfield Singh, in Boscobel, St. Mary on February 9. Constable Qwaine Blake, 21, has been charged with murder and possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, and other charges. Constable Daz Haynes, 25, has been charged with “misprision of felony” – that is, trying to cover up the crime. A civilian is on weapons charges. This is very good work by the police!

The danger of masks: The police have asked businesses not to encourage the wearing of ski masks by bearers – those guys who race up and down our streets delivering food, etc., who always make me nervous. A woman was reportedly shot and robbed after allowing a masked man into her business place. CCTV didn’t help much.

Education: I didn’t know there was a Jamaica Prefects’ Association. They will be participating in a number of activities for National Prefects’ Week (March 1 – 7) and it sounds like it will be a busy one. They deserve support.

Energy: Jamaica will be a test case for alternative marine fuels, following a recent National Stakeholder Workshop, organised by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), in collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The MAJ’s Director General commented that “the current pause in the adoption of the IMO Net Zero Framework presents an opportunity.” I had not thought so but perhaps it will give enough time for Jamaica to get onboard, so to speak – and pardon the pun… The Zero Framework should go ahead later this year, it is reported.

Environment: A mysterious bush fire erupted in the somewhat isolated district of Cockpit in Clarendon (not Cockpit Country). What caused this – was it deliberately set? Investigations are in order.

And several areas of Portmore, St. Catherine are suffering from a shortage of water – and an overflow of sewage.While many Jamaicans complain about the Jamaica Public Service Company (electricity) the National Water Commission would be top of my list. Their incompetence is astounding. When they lay pipes along roads (in the Kingston area, anyway) they are not properly fixed back and misery ensues. And week in week out, there is at least one community where sewage flows in the streets and into people’s homes. Yet, we aspire to be a “First World Country” – or so our Prime Minister has said. We have a long way to go, and beyond Vision 2030, I’m afraid.

Health: I am 100 percent behind Minister of Health and Wellness Christopher Tufton on the matter of sweetened drinks, which will now attract a Special Consumption Tax (SCT) in the recently announced Budget. One local manufacturer who produces sugary drinks in plastic bottles was (of course) highly critical of the move. Surely everyone is aware of the devastating impact of these drinks (which many Jamaicans consume like water) on our health – and consequently on our struggling health sector, which is dealing with steadily rising levels of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Why not reconfigure your recipes and produce drinks that contain less sugar, Minister Tufton suggests? Wean us off all the sugar. Opposition Finance Spokesman Julian Robinson would like to see the drinks tax go towards healthier alternatives (natural juices etc) although he described the ongoing demand for the sweet stuff as “inelastic.” Vendors would seem to confirm this; they’re still expecting plenty of sales. Or at least, it will take time to sway consumers. The debate continues.

Human Rights: The findings of a report by the MICO Foundation and Jamaicans for Justice are quite interesting. Residents of heavily policed communities say they feel restricted not only physically, but even in terms of freedom of speech. The report, entitled Citizens’ Rights, Roles, Responsibilities and Practices Survey 2025, was produced through JFJ’s EU-funded 3-year grant titled ‘Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Jamaica through Education, Advocacy, and Legal Support Services.’ The survey reported the top three human rights violations in ten Kingston communities as domestic violence; police violence; and address-based employment denial or structural discrimination (in other words, people being denied jobs because of where they live). Several issues related to domestic violence emerged: JFJ’s Executive Director Mickel Jackson is urging the parliamentary committee examining the current domestic violence legislation to hurry up, please. She is also calling for more community-based interventions by state agents (police and others) to help build trust; how many times have we called for community policing, and how many times has it fallen by the wayside!

Money: The J$1.4 trillion Budget has dominated the news over the past few days. How is the cake to be cut up? The Ministry of Finance and Planning inevitably gets the largest slice, followed by the ministries of Education, Health, and National Security, in that order.

There has been much mumbling and grumbling since, not only from the manufacturers of unhealthy drinks in unhealthy containers mentioned above – but also from the tourism industry, regarding an increase in taxes on their services. They say they are taxed enough, describing themselves as an “export industry.” There may be a bit of a showdown here – tourism officials are not backing down…

What has happened to the Morant Bay Urban Centre, opened by the Prime Minister last April with great fanfare? Is it really true that it’s not open yet? Surely the KFC must be open, at least? (OK – Journalists visited and confirmed that the chicken establishmen was, indeed, open – but not much else). Opposition Spokesman on Trade Anthony Hylton described it as a “glorified construction site.” Businesses that were all ready to move in have not been able to do so. Don’t worry people, you will soon get electricity and water!

A Big Run: The Sagicor Sigma Run, now in its 28th year, always draws huge crowds in Kingston, and last Sunday was no exception. The fundraising goal was J$150 million (approx. US$100,000), but they raised a couple of million extra. About 31,000 participants ran and walked. Over the years the Run has raised J$1 billion for various causes. This year’s theme was ‘Run for the West’, for the restoration of five schools in Western Jamaica damaged by Hurricane Melissa: Hopewell High School, Hanover; Green Pond High School, St James; Little London High School, Westmoreland; Salt Marsh Primary & Infant School, Trelawny; and Mayfield Primary & Infant School, St Elizabeth.

More money news: Jamaica’s Net International Reserves have reached a record-breaking US$73 billion.

Our KFC island: The franchise holders have announced another KFC to be opened in Salem, on the north coast – its 44th restaurant on the island! The number of greasy boxes, bags and chicken bones thrown down on the street will increase exponentially… (plus the accompanying sweet drink bottles)…The mighty Colonel and his Chickens march on!

Politics: So, all the politicians dressed up and paraded down Duke Street for the official opening of Parliament, during which the Governor General, who represents our Head of State King Charles III, read out the Throne Speech. No, not the GG’s throne; Charles’ throne. We know who’s (still) Boss. This speech outlines the Government’s plans and policies for the next fiscal year. Some items repeat themselves every year, having not yet been completed; one rather laughable example is the “Portmore Resilience Park.” I think it’s the third time round the block for this one! You may download the full Throne Speech (over two hours long) here; or view the whole performance on YouTube here.

Sports: One is rather skeptical about the Reggae Boyz’ possible “last chance” qualification for this year’s World Cup (and even more skeptical about their new jerseys, launched recently). But I must offer huge congratulations to Jamaica’s Under 17 team, who have indeed qualified for the Under 17 Men’s World Cup – for the third time! That competition will take place in Qatar in November. Meanwhile, the senior team will be heading to Mexico for the inter-confederation playoffs, where they will play New Caledonia of Oceania in the semi-finals on March 26, and potentially DR Congo of Africa on March 31 for the final spot in this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Tourism: Yes, Bath Botanical Gardens (established in 1779) really need to be revived, so I welcome the plans that have been signed by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund to do so. I wouldn’t say they should be redesigned, or modernised. They have a kind of colonial-era charm, and still have a few beautiful trees and plants. And the whole place exudes an atmosphere of the past. The gardens are not large or very grand, but they truly deserve some tender loving care. The entrance is lovely, but the fencing needs rehabilitating. Part of its charm is that it is “off the beaten track” – a memory of days when the spa at Bath was fashionable and busy. As for the spa, something needs to be done – seriously – to curb or somehow rationalise the rabid crowd of hustlers at the old-fashioned hotel. No, I don’t want a creepy massage! What’s needed is some serious employment opportunities in the area. Some private sector investment in both the small town and in the gardens themselves would be excellent. Here’s a nice account of a trip to the Gardens from a local blogger; and one of her photographs.

Finally, the House of Representatives recently approved the Casino Gaming (General) Regulations, 2025, in support of the legislation passed back in 2010 (sixteen years ago!) In Parliament, Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted: “It is not the intention of the Government to make Jamaica a casino gambling destination… that’s not what we’re trying to do. So, these are not going to be stand-alone casinos where the only activity is gambling, and you can walk off the street and just go inside here; no, that’s not what we’re doing.” Casinos (the first of which is expected to be at the Princess Resort in Green Island, western Jamaica) are seen as part of a diverse tourism product. Meanwhile, we have gambling establishments scattered all over Kingston & St. Andrew that have been operating for years. I think I am missing something!

Transport: There will still be another 100 school buses arriving in Jamaica, plus another batch of 100 for the Jamaica Urban Transit Corporation in the Kingston/St. Andrew area, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has announced. Will any of them be hybrid or electric buses, one wonders? I won’t hold my breath on that!

There has been a startling rise in murders in the first two weeks of February. 37 homicides in 14 days is not good. Here are just a few names of those whose violent deaths have affected so many family members, friends and loved ones. As of February 14 there have been 70 murders, which seems way too high. However, the numbers still represent a 26 percent decline on 2025.

Sonia LaBeach Dillion, 64, a store supervisor, was chopped to death at her home in Braeton, St. Catherine. Her daughter was seriously injured. This is a particularly sad case, as the suspect is a homeless man, allegedly with mental health issues, whom she and her neighbours used to give food to.

Ethan Whitter, 40, a farmer, was stabbed to death on Leith Hall Road, St. Thomas.

Robert Williams, 40, a maintenance worker, was shot dead at the gate of Excelsior High School on Mountain View Avenue, Kingston.

Killed by the police… The police have killed 39 people so far this year – eleven so far this month.

Oneil Dickens, 38, was shot dead by police in Bayshore Park, Harbour View, St. Andrew.

Sodden Downer, 34, was shot dead by the police in Discovery Bay, St. Ann.

An unidentified man was shot dead by the police in Greater Portmore, St. Catherine.

Oneil Watson was shot dead by an off duty policeman during a reported confrontation in Watt Town, St. Ann.