Carib Scope

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  • Eco-Bahia Foundation showcases Cayo Levantado restoration project at international congress

    Eco-Bahia Foundation showcases Cayo Levantado restoration project at international congress

    When leading botanical and conservation experts from across the Caribbean and Central America gathered in Santo Domingo for the 2026 International Botanical Bridges Congress, hosted at the Dominican Republic’s National Botanical Garden, one standout initiative took center stage: the award-winning ecological restoration work at Cayo Levantado Resort, spearheaded by the Eco-Bahia Foundation with backing from Piñero.

    Far from a standard tourism development project, the Cayo Levantado restoration has reimagined what sustainable travel can look like in the Caribbean, blending biodiversity protection with thriving hospitality operations. The project’s leaders framed it as a replicable blueprint for balancing economic growth from tourism with long-term ecological health, drawing keen interest from attendees representing scientific institutions, environmental nonprofits, and policy bodies across the region.

    During the congress, Juan Uranga González, an environmental engineer leading the on-site restoration work, broke down the dramatic transformation that has reshaped the resort’s landscape. Rather than sticking to the water-heavy, non-native landscaping common to many Caribbean hospitality sites, the team rebuilt the area into a climate-resilient native ecosystem centered on local and endemic plant species. Official biodiversity surveys conducted at the site have documented 308 distinct plant species, 67 percent of which are native to the Dominican Republic – a remarkable shift from the resort’s original landscaping that relied heavily on water-intensive, non-native ornamental plants.

    Following presentations at the congress, participating experts traveled to Cayo Levantado for an on-site tour, allowing them to observe the restored ecosystem’s progress firsthand. Alex Matás, a key stakeholder in the initiative, emphasized that the project defies the common misconception that tourism and conservation are incompatible. Instead, Matás noted, the Cayo Levantado model proves that the travel sector can overhaul its operations to cut ecological harm, protect native biodiversity, suppress invasive species, and still deliver high-quality visitor experiences.

    The restoration project was developed in close collaboration with the Dr. Rafael María Moscoso National Botanical Garden, a partnership that highlights the power of linking academic scientific research with private sector tourism development. Organizers of the congress noted that this cross-sector collaboration makes the Cayo Levantado project particularly valuable for other regions grappling with how to advance ecosystem restoration while supporting livelihoods tied to travel.

    Key themes of this year’s International Botanical Bridges Congress ranged from large-scale ecosystem restoration and native flora conservation to urban sustainability, the expansion of global seed bank networks, and expanding public environmental education. The inclusion of the Cayo Levantado project as a featured case study underscores the growing global focus on integrating conservation into high-impact economic sectors like tourism, particularly in biodiversity-rich tropical regions.

  • Faulkland, Reggae Youths to contest St James FA Major League final

    Faulkland, Reggae Youths to contest St James FA Major League final

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — Two local football clubs have locked in their spots for the highly anticipated St James Football Association/Sandals Major League final, capping off two dramatic semi-final return legs hosted at Jarrett Park on Monday afternoon. Faulkland Football Club and Reggae Youths both overcame tough opposition to book their place in this Saturday’s title decider, with the added incentive of a spot in the upcoming Jamaica Football Championships qualifiers on the line for the eventual winner.

    Faulkland FC delivered a dominant 4-1 victory over Montego Bay Boys Club on Monday, turning a narrow 2-0 first-leg advantage into a commanding 6-1 aggregate win. The match was put beyond doubt when substitute Radcliff Dawkins scored two quick fire goals just minutes after entering the pitch, sealing Faulkland’s place in the final. Earlier in the game, Tyshan Hill opened the scoring for Faulkland in the 36th minute, before Matthew Thorpe equalised from the penalty spot six minutes later to level the first half. Faulkland stepped up their attacking intensity after the break, netting three goals in just five minutes to eliminate their opponents: Jalani Nicholson put Faulkland ahead in the 76th minute, before Dawkins’ late double put the result beyond any dispute.

    In the second semi-final, Reggae Youths and Heights FC produced a goal-packed 4-4 draw that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, with Reggae Youths edging the aggregate score 5-4 to claim their second consecutive spot in the Major League final. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Heights FC made a blistering start, scoring two quick goals in the first half to take a surprise lead. An own goal from Sebastian Robinson in the 22nd minute was followed by a close-range finish from Tevin Haughton just two minutes later, set up by former Jamaica national team player Allan Ottey.

    Reggae Youths recovered quickly, however, with Anthony Gooden pulling one back in the 28th minute to level the aggregate score. Natoneil Wilson put Reggae Youths ahead before half time with a close-range header, before scoring his second of the game in the 50th minute to extend his side’s aggregate lead to 4-2. Ottey responded for Heights FC with a 59th minute goal, before Tyrique Scott restored Reggae Youths’ two-goal aggregate advantage. Haighton scored a late second for Heights in stoppage time to secure a 4-4 draw on the day, but it was not enough to overturn the aggregate deficit, sending Reggae Youths through to the final.

    For Faulkland FC head coach Gregory Palmer, reaching the final is just the first step in a far more ambitious plan to return the parish of St James to top-flight Jamaican football. St James has not had a representative in the Jamaica Football Championships — the country’s second-tier competition — for four consecutive seasons, and Faulkland FC was the last parish side to compete at that level. Palmer says his squad is determined to end that drought, with the long-term goal of earning promotion to the Jamaica Premier League. “If it was up to me, we would have more than one St James team playing at that level, so this our aim, not just to play in the final, but to get to the Championships and then try to make it to the Premier League,” Palmer told reporters. The coach added that Monday’s lopsided result was no surprise, given his side’s strength across the pitch: “Based on the firepower we possess, we will always be able to score goals, because goals win games and defending win championships. We just need both units doing their jobs on match day.”

    Reggae Youths, who lost last year’s final to Flankers FC, are looking to go one step further this season. Head coach Loren Salesman, who previously led the club to back-to-back league titles, acknowledged his side was forced to work hard for their place in the final after a shaky performance against Heights FC. “We were always on the back foot and we had plans to keep a clean sheet but we made too many mistakes. But I was never worried about our ability to score, I just knew we needed to avoid falling too far behind,” Salesman explained. With the final just days away, the coach says his squad will return to training to iron out errors ahead of their title shot: “We want to win the final so we are going back to the drawing board now and get some serious training in so we can do our best.”

    The St James Major League final will kick off this Saturday, with the winner not only lifting the regional title but also advancing to the Jamaica Football Championships qualifiers, scheduled to begin the first week of June.

  • Jahriffe encourages strength, spiritual awareness with inspiring new single ‘Shine Bright’

    Jahriffe encourages strength, spiritual awareness with inspiring new single ‘Shine Bright’

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — For roots reggae artist Jahriffe, music is far more than a form of entertainment: it is a vessel for spiritual awakening, cultural connection, and genuine encouragement for people navigating life’s hurdles. The U.S.-based singer has channeled this philosophy into his powerful new single, “Shine Bright,” an uplifting roots reggae track centered on themes of resilience, unshakable self-belief, and intentional purpose.

    The track grew from a deeply personal place. Jahriffe crafted the anthem after turning to music for his own motivation during challenging periods, with the explicit goal of extending that same push of encouragement to audiences worldwide. “Shine Bright was inspired by my need for motivation, with the intention of motivating others through music,” Jahriffe shared in an interview. “My desire is for listeners to develop an unstoppable mindset.”

    Built on warm, organic live instrumentation and thoughtful, conscious lyricism, the track weaves together real-life personal experience and a celebration of the inner strength required to chase dreams with clarity and confidence. What began as a simple guitar concept written by Jahriffe evolved into the finished anthem under the production guidance of David Goldfin, who is also known professionally as Jah D. Staying true to the track’s intimate origins, Jahriffe recorded his vocals in his own home studio, infusing the final cut with an unfiltered, authentic energy that resonates with listeners.

    Jahriffe’s artistic perspective is shaped by the reggae icons who paved the way for conscious roots music. He counts legends including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Dennis Brown, and Burning Spear as core influences on both his sound and his musical philosophy, and cites the late Vaughn Benjamin as a particularly profound spiritual influence. Performing alongside his long-time band, the JAH-N-I Roots Movement, Jahriffe insists that live instrumentation is non-negotiable for preserving reggae’s core authenticity. “This is the true foundation of all riddims, and if we do not continue this tradition of live instrumentation, it would be like cutting out the veins that carry blood through the body,” he explained.

    For the singer, reggae is first and foremost a spiritual and cultural force, designed to lift up audiences and awaken them to their own potential. “The purpose of writing, producing, and performing reggae music, particularly roots reggae music, is to transmit positive awareness of one’s greatness through the music,” he said. “We use reggae to sustain our natural connection to the divine essence of life.”

    Since its official release, “Shine Bright” has already struck a chord with listeners around the world, with many adopting the track as a go-to daily source of motivation and hope. Looking ahead, Jahriffe and his team are deep in work on a new full-length album, which will expand on the musical and spiritual journey he launched on his 2021 project *Reflection*. While the album’s title has not yet been finalized, Jahriffe has confirmed that the record will deliver more of the authentic, positivity-centered, spiritually rooted conscious reggae his audience has come to expect.

    For the artist, the work goes beyond creating charting tracks: he aims to build a lasting legacy defined by meaningful music and aligned with consistent positive action. “My goal is to create a legacy of good music matched with positive actions in daily life, so that what I write and sing about can be manifested and remembered by others,” he said.

  • Samuels-Smith and Clarke set for Reggae Boyz debuts in Unity Cup

    Samuels-Smith and Clarke set for Reggae Boyz debuts in Unity Cup

    LONDON, ENGLAND – Ahead of Wednesday’s high-stakes Unity Cup semi-final meeting with India at Charlton Athletic’s iconic The Valley ground, Jamaica’s senior men’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, have handed starting debuts to two young domestic-based English prospects: 19-year-old Everton U21 defender Odin Samuels-Smith and 23-year-old Walsall League 2 midfielder Courtney Clarke.

    The Reggae Boyz’ starting line-up, revealed by football correspondent Paul A. Reid from Kingston, Jamaica, also features starting goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke, with national team captain Damion Lowe leading a reconfigured backline that includes rookies Kyle Ming and Brandon Cover alongside the skipper. Completing the full starting XI are Premier League-linked midfielder Isaac Hayden, forward Tyreese Hall, winger Nickalia Fuller, young attacker Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri and striker Kaheem Dixon.

    Jamaica enters the second semi-final of the tournament with a clear goal: secure a spot in the tournament final, which would mark their third appearance in the championship match of the Unity Cup. Standing in their way is India, while the first finalist spot was claimed on Tuesday by Nigeria, who earned a comfortable 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe at the same London venue to book their place in the title decider.

  • E-Dee returns to hardcore dancehall with ‘Come Link Me’ and ‘Heartbreak’

    E-Dee returns to hardcore dancehall with ‘Come Link Me’ and ‘Heartbreak’

    It has been 20 years since Jamaican dancehall artist E-Dee first landed a spot on the Billboard music charts alongside collaborator Ms Triniti. Now, the Los Angeles-based performer is circling back to his signature hardcore dancehall sound with two brand new singles: *Come Link Me* and *Heartbreak*, both produced independently under his own label, Clarendon Records.

    E-Dee is no stranger to chart success, and he is openly targeting a repeat of the milestone he achieved in 2004 with his collaborative cut *Bounce Along* alongside Ms Triniti. That track eventually climbed to number 16 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales Chart, marking his first major breakthrough in the mainstream music industry. In an interview with Observer Online, E-Dee reflected on the impact of that early hit, noting: “Yes, definitely, that was my first major breakthrough. That song became a big hit in Jamaica and solidified my place in the hardcore dancehall space.”

    The two new tracks extend a consistent slate of output from Clarendon Records, which E-Dee founded just last year. The label was named as a tribute to the artist’s home parish in Jamaica, and follows up three previous releases: *She’s Loyal* and *Pretty Girl*, which dropped earlier this year, and *We A Rebuild*, which launched last December.

    As a longstanding core figure in Los Angeles’ expanding dancehall community, E-Dee has built a multi-faceted career beyond just recording music. He has released multiple full-length albums and dozens of singles over his career, and has already racked up several acting credits, including a starring role in the autobiographical feature film *Out The Gate*.

    Now, E-Dee is set to take on his biggest acting role yet: he will lead the cast of the upcoming drama *SoundBwoy*, which is currently in post-production. The film is directed by American DJ JFX, a prominent influencer in Los Angeles’ hip-hop and dancehall scenes, and centers on the iconic sound clash phenomenon that lies at the heart of Jamaican sound system culture. E-Dee will share the screen with fellow well-known dancehall artist Mr Vegas, who is also attached to the project.

  • INFOTEP and Asonahores discuss new training initiatives for tourism and gastronomy

    INFOTEP and Asonahores discuss new training initiatives for tourism and gastronomy

    HERMANAS MIRABAL, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC — Two leading Dominican institutions have opened strategic negotiations to form a new partnership that aims to upgrade skills training for the fast-growing tourism and gastronomy sectors, a key economic pillar of the Caribbean nation. The National Institute of Technical and Professional Training (INFOTEP) and the Dominican Republic Association of Hotels and Tourism (Asonahores) gathered at the Hermanas Mirabal Technological Center to outline their collaborative goals, bringing together senior leadership from both organizations to advance the initiative.

    Leading the INFOTEP delegation was Rayza Pichardo, the institute’s Director of Business Competitiveness, while Asonahores was represented at the talks by its Executive Vice President Aguie Lendor. At the core of the proposed alliance is a shared commitment to modernize existing technical training curricula and adjust educational frameworks to align with the shifting trends and growing demands of the global hospitality and tourism industry. As international travel continues its post-pandemic recovery, Dominican tourism stakeholders have pushed for more targeted workforce development to maintain the country’s competitive edge in the Caribbean travel market.

    Participants put forward a range of actionable proposals to advance the collaboration during the introductory meeting. One of the flagship initial plans calls for selecting five existing INFOTEP training centers to operate as pilot sites, where new educational approaches can be tested, performance can be assessed, and gaps in current programming can be identified for iterative improvement. Asonahores also put forward a proposal to integrate active industry professionals from local hotels and restaurants into instructor retraining programs, allowing INFOTEP teaching staff to gain first-hand insight into the latest operational dynamics, service standards, and emerging trends shaping the sector today.

    Lendor outlined details for a particularly high-priority project: the development of a cutting-edge culinary training hub hosted at the Hermanas Mirabal Technological Center. The proposed center is designed to become a national reference point for innovation in Dominican gastronomy and haute cuisine, helping to elevate the country’s culinary profile both domestically and internationally as a food tourism destination. Another key proposal put forward during the talks is the creation of a dedicated digital job placement platform that will connect INFOTEP’s trained graduates directly with hotels and restaurants across the country that are struggling to fill open positions with qualified, skilled workers.

    Representatives from INFOTEP emphasized the far-reaching benefits of the proposed partnership, noting that the aligned training framework will not only strengthen the overall business competitiveness of the Dominican tourism sector but also improve employment outcomes for young people and job seekers across the country. By matching technical education directly to the on-the-ground needs of employers, the alliance aims to reduce skills gaps and create more sustainable, formal employment in one of the nation’s largest employment-generating sectors. INFOTEP officials reaffirmed their commitment to moving forward quickly to formalize the strategic alliance and advance the joint projects focused on innovation and specialized workforce development in the coming months.

  • ‘Did he apply?’: PNP raises questions over Anderson’s NaRRA appointment

    ‘Did he apply?’: PNP raises questions over Anderson’s NaRRA appointment

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s main opposition political bloc, the People’s National Party (PNP), has ramped up pressure on the ruling administration led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, demanding full public disclosure of the details surrounding Ambassador Anthony Anderson’s appointment as chief executive officer of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA).

    Shortly after the government made the appointment public on Wednesday morning, the PNP released an official statement outlining a series of unresolved questions that demand immediate, open answers. At the top of the opposition’s inquiry is a key probe: did Major-General Anderson submit an application for the top leadership role through the standard, initial public recruitment process that was advertised for the position?

    While the PNP explicitly stated that it expects Anderson to carry out his duties in line with the strict standards of transparency, integrity and accountability that the critical NaRRA post requires, the party emphasized that if Anderson did not participate in the open recruitment process, Jamaican voters are owed a thorough, straightforward explanation for why the initial search failed to turn up a qualified candidate from the original applicant pool.

    The opposition argued that a completed recruitment process that fails to produce any candidate deemed suitable for appointment is far more than a minor bureaucratic hiccup. Instead, it serves as a clear warning that deep, foundational flaws exist in the governance framework that regulates the authority, the statement noted.

    The PNP reminded the public that it has repeatedly flagged governance gaps baked into the original NaRRA legislation since the body was established, and the latest appointment has done nothing to ease those longstanding concerns. In fact, the opposition says the appointment has only reinforced its skepticism.

    The party pointed to a telling detail that supports its criticism: Anderson, a sitting ambassador to Jamaica’s most critical international partner, the United States, has only held that diplomatic post for 12 months. The fact that the government turned to him to fill the role, the PNP argues, strongly implies that qualified, credible candidates from the relevant domestic professional sectors opted not to apply, deterred by the flawed structural and governance arrangements the opposition has repeatedly called inadequate.

    In the opposition’s view, installing a loyal military and policing technocrat to lead this civilian-focused reconstruction authority — under circumstances where the standard recruitment process did not follow its normal, open procedure — does nothing to fix the core governance problems already plaguing NaRRA.

    Closing its statement, the PNP repeated its call for full transparency, urging the ruling government to lay out every detail of Anderson’s appointment to the Jamaican public. The party also called on the administration to introduce amending legislation to address the well-documented governance weaknesses that have eroded public trust in NaRRA, and to move without further delay to place the authority on a solid, publicly accountable foundation.

  • New York, New Jersey announce probe into FIFA’s World Cup ticket sales

    New York, New Jersey announce probe into FIFA’s World Cup ticket sales

    Less than three months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across the United States, Mexico and Canada, two major U.S. host states have opened a full probe into whether global football’s governing body has gouged passionate fans with exorbitant, unfair ticket costs. On Wednesday, law enforcement leaders from New York and New Jersey confirmed the investigation will target the ticketing policies and practices of FIFA, the tournament’s official organizer, putting a spotlight on widespread consumer complaints that have roiled the lead-up to the historic three-nation event.\n\nNew Jersey, which is slated to host the World Cup final on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium shared by the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, has emerged at the forefront of the inquiry. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued a blunt rebuke of FIFA’s current ticketing model in her official statement, arguing that the organization has turned what should be a dream experience for football supporters into a frustrating, predatory process marked by misleading scarcity, convoluted purchasing rules and out-of-reach pricing.\n\n\”We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation of FIFA’s conduct,\” Davenport emphasized, noting that the probe will examine two key areas of concern: widespread fan reports of misrepresented seat locations that leave buyers with worse views than advertised, and the controversial dynamic pricing model that automatically pushes ticket costs higher as sales volumes increase, a practice that has been criticized for penalizing casual fans who cannot purchase early.\n\nNew York’s top law enforcement official echoed these concerns, pointing out that millions of regional supporters have waited more than a decade for the World Cup to arrive in their region, and are entitled to transparent, fairly priced access to matches. \”New Yorkers have been waiting years for the World Cup to come to their backyard and they deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets,\” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. \”No one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats, and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase will be the ones they receive.\”\n\nMuch of the public outrage around ticket pricing has centered on the high-profile match schedule at MetLife Stadium, which will host eight tournament matches including the final. Complaints have spread far beyond just match tickets: even official transit options for fans traveling from Manhattan to the northern New Jersey stadium carry dramatically inflated costs, with a special event train ticket priced at $100, compared to the standard $12.90 regular fare for the same route.\n\nThe New York and New Jersey probe is not the first official pushback against FIFA’s ticketing practices. Back in May, law enforcement authorities in California confirmed they had reached out to FIFA to review potential legal violations related to the state’s ticket sales for its six tournament matches, signaling growing multi-state scrutiny of the governing body’s practices.\n\nFan advocacy groups have also lined up to condemn the pricing structure, with one of Europe’s largest fan organizations calling the model unethical and a betrayal of the sport’s core fanbase. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has labeled the World Cup’s pricing scheme \”extortionate\” and a \”monumental betrayal,\” noting that the high costs have put the 2026 tournament entirely out of financial reach for millions of average working fans. Analysts project the 2026 World Cup will generate roughly $13 billion in total revenue for FIFA, a figure that has amplified criticism of the organization’s profit-focused ticketing approach.\n\nNot all voices have joined the criticism of FIFA’s ticket sales, however. Former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy Wednesday, pushing back on consumer concerns and framing the rapid sell-out of tickets as a sign of the tournament’s unprecedented success. \”The World Cup is amazing,\” Trump told reporters. \”It’s the most successful they’ve ever had, ticket-wise. They’ve never had anything that sold so quickly.\”

  • UNICEF calls for improved menstrual health conditions in Dominican schools

    UNICEF calls for improved menstrual health conditions in Dominican schools

    In the Dominican Republic, a concerning new data analysis from UNICEF has brought widespread systemic gaps in menstrual health management into sharp focus. Drawing on official survey data collected through the 2019 Enhogar-MICS initiative, the United Nations children’s agency found that more than one in five Dominican women are forced to halt their regular daily routines when they are menstruating, a statistic that underscores deep, persistent barriers to accessing dignified care for this basic biological need.

    As the global community marked Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, UNICEF issued a pressing call for expanded, targeted interventions to ensure all girls and adolescent women across the country can manage their menstruation with dignity. The organization outlined that overlapping challenges—from restricted access to affordable, reliable hygiene products and inadequate sanitation infrastructure to a lack of evidence-based health education and supportive social environments—are actively undermining women and girls’ fundamental rights to health, equal access to education, and full participation in public and community life.

    Carlos Carrera, UNICEF’s top representative in the Dominican Republic, stressed that equitable access to comprehensive menstrual health support is a non-negotiable foundation for advancing gender equality across the Latin American and Caribbean region. Carrera added that barriers to care have tangible, harmful consequences: a significant number of girls across the region skip school entirely during their menstrual periods, creating long-term gaps in educational attainment that entrench gender inequality. The report also shines a spotlight on the compounded challenges faced by adolescents living with menstruation-related health conditions such as endometriosis, which often amplifies pain and functional limitations that further restrict school attendance and engagement in daily activities.

    To address these gaps, UNICEF has laid out a clear set of recommendations for national and local stakeholders, singling out the Dominican Ministry of Education as a key actor in driving change. The agency calls for urgent investments to upgrade school infrastructure, including expanding access to clean drinking water and individual, private toilet facilities for students, alongside ensuring free or low-cost menstrual hygiene products are readily available on school campuses. It also urges the integration of comprehensive, age-appropriate sexual education that covers menstrual health into national school curricula.

    Beyond infrastructure and curriculum changes, UNICEF is pushing for targeted training to equip teachers to support students navigating menstrual health challenges, the development of robust gender-centered national public policies, widespread community outreach campaigns to reduce harmful stigma, and accessible psychological support for those navigating painful or disabling menstrual health conditions. A key, often overlooked component of the agency’s proposal is a call to actively engage boys and young men in open conversations about menstruation, an approach designed to break down social stigma, build broader community empathy, and foster a more inclusive, supportive environment for all.

  • Jamaica secures US$200m in hurricane insurance coverage through World Bank catastrophe bond

    Jamaica secures US$200m in hurricane insurance coverage through World Bank catastrophe bond

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a major step to strengthen the Caribbean nation’s disaster preparedness infrastructure, the World Bank announced Tuesday the successful launch of a new catastrophe bond that delivers $200 million in hurricane insurance protection to the Jamaican government.

    Structured and issued through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the new three-year instrument replaces an earlier $150 million catastrophe bond that was completely drawn down in 2025. The full payout came after Hurricane Melissa made landfall on the island in October that year, causing widespread destruction across coastal and inland communities.

    Jamaica’s Ministry of Finance released a statement Wednesday confirming that the 2026 bond issuance drew far stronger interest from the global investment community than the country’s prior offering in 2024. The new deal counted participation from 25 international investors, a marked increase from the 15 investors that took part in the 2024 issuance.

    As part of the IBRD’s long-running “capital at risk” notes program, this type of catastrophe bond offers a structured mechanism for developing nations to shift the financial burden of natural disaster damage from public balance sheets to global capital markets. Under the terms of the framework, the World Bank issues the bond on Jamaica’s behalf and executes a formal risk transfer agreement with the government to lock in the coverage.

    Payouts will be automatically triggered if a named tropical cyclone meets predefined geographic and intensity thresholds written into the bond contract. This streamlined trigger structure eliminates lengthy claims negotiations, ensuring funds are disbursed quickly to support emergency response and early recovery efforts in the aftermath of a major storm.

    The new catastrophe bond is a core component of Jamaica’s broader multi-layered disaster risk financing strategy. The national strategy is built around three key goals: boosting the country’s overall financial resilience to climate-driven extreme weather events, enabling rapid mobilization of resources for disaster response, and cutting long-term fiscal pressure that comes with unplanned disaster recovery spending.

    Fayval Williams, Jamaica’s Minister of Finance and the Public Service, praised the successful placement of the bond and extended gratitude to the international partners that supported the transaction. “Jamaica is incredibly grateful to the World Bank for its market guidance and placement of the catastrophe bond across a wide cross-section of global investors,” Williams said. “Additionally, Jamaica says ‘thank you’ to the Monetary Authority of Singapore, who will be supporting the transaction financially.”

    The bond is set to reach maturity on May 23, 2030, providing Jamaica with nearly four years of continuous hurricane coverage as the country adapts to growing climate risk in the Caribbean region.