Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Government on U.S $5.3-Million Coastal Resilience Project
#Kingston, February 26, 2019 – Jamaica – The Government is embarking on a US$5.3-million project to build the country’s resilience to climate change.
Dubbed the North Eastern Coastal Resilience Building project, it is one of three components under the Enhancing the Resilience of the Agricultural Sector and Coastal Areas to Protect Livelihoods and Improve Food Security Programme. It is being implemented by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), under the Government of Jamaica/Adaptation Fund Programme (GOJ/AFP).
The project will target the communities of Annotto Bay, St. Mary; and Buff Bay and Orange Bay in Portland. The major problems to be addressed are retreat of the coastline towards major critical, physical assets within these towns; coastal and riverine flooding; and deforestation.
The project will address the issues identified, by implementing shoreline protection and ecosystems restoration (reforestation), drainage system outfall upgrade and capacity building.
Activities in Annotto Bay include the installation of 600 metres of rock revetment; installation of 300 metres of Wave Attenuation Devices (WAD) or artificial reef; reclamation of 18,000 metres2 of land and construction of a new jetty, agro forestry (30,000 trees); and realignment of the outfall of the Motherford Drain.
For Buff Bay, focus will be placed on the installation of 50 metres of rock revetment, while, in Orange Bay, 200 metres of revetment is to be installed.
Programme Manager for the GOJ/AFP, Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Shelia McDonald-Miller tells JIS News, that the procurement process for the project has begun. She notes that the initiative is slated to get under way in April, with an estimated time for completion of 12 to 15 months.
Mrs. McDonald-Miller says the coastal reclamation aspect of the project is important for preserving critical infrastructure of the towns.
“In most areas, seaside properties that were once significantly removed from the shoreline, are now within 30 metres of the high water mark along the coastline. It is important for coastal protection to be installed… wherever similar situations exist along the coastline,” she informs.
The Programme Manager adds that climatic impacts are exacerbated by a number of other environmental problems, including deforestation and erosion of hillsides, deterioration of water quality, reduction of coral reef coverage and coastal erosion.
“Most of them are low-lying towns and are susceptible to storm surges, whether hurricanes or some kind of extreme weather. We are doing something called WADs, which are really artificial structures. We are going to install them in the north eastern parts of Annotto Bay to provide further protection of the shoreline,” she says.
Additionally, the project will undertake capacity-building exercises with stakeholders.
“We will try to do some capacity building, as well, and training, because we want to look at how we can help the fishermen. We have to retrain them. Reason being, some of the fish stock has been depleted due to climate action,” Mrs. McDonald Miller notes.
The PIOJ Programme Manager says that while these measures will take some time to yield results, they will assist in arresting environmental degradation in these areas.
“If you look at what we are putting in, these are not quick fixes. These are well thought-out and scientifically recommended solutions to the problem of coastal erosion, watersheds being rehabilitated, shorelines being reclaimed, people being trained and capacities of local authorities being built,” she points out.
Under the programme, focus will also be placed on natural resource management, which will be executed in partnership with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).
“We want to see how we can help the community to take care of the natural resources that we have, and how to better manage the infrastructure once we put in the shoreline protection. We believe this project and the entire programme will have far-reaching sustainability elements and benefits to the target communities,” she adds.
The overall objective of the programme is to protect livelihoods and food security by improving land and water management for the agricultural sector, strengthening coastal protection, and building institutional and local capacity for Climate Change Adaptation/Disaster Risk Reduction.
The other two components of the programme include enhancing the climate resilience of the agriculture sector by improving water and land management practices; and improving institutional and local level capacity for coastal and agricultural adaptation and awareness for behaviour modification through training and design of replicable technical standards.
Contact: Rochelle Williams
Release: JIS
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
-
TCI News1 week agoTurks and Caicos Islands Reaffirms Status as Premier Beach and Romance Destination at World Travel Awards
-
Bahamas News7 days agoNassau Cruise Port Marks Sixth Anniversary with Exciting New Additions for Visitors and The community
-
Caribbean News1 week agoSandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
-
Bahamas News2 days agoPAY STANDOFF: Prime Minister Cancels Talks as Unions Warn of More Protests
-
TCI News5 days agoVisitTCI and Potcake Place Highlight Growing Homeless Dog Crisis
-
TCI News23 hours agoTurks and Caicos Islands Government Invites Proposals for Affordable Housing Development
-
Caribbean News1 week agoCaribbean Powerhouses to Inspire at CaribCon in the Turks and Caicos Islands
-
TCI News22 hours agoOvercrowding at Grand Turk Prison Now 30% Above Capacity, NSC Warns