标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is urging participants of its Safety at Sea Training Programme to disseminate the knowledge they’ve acquired to fellow fishers within their communities. Launched in 2022 as part of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the initiative has already reached numerous fishers across the island, equipping them with essential maritime safety techniques. Shellene Berry, Senior Director of Extension Services for the NFA’s Capture Fisheries Branch, emphasized the programme’s profound impact, despite the seemingly modest number of direct participants. She highlighted the ‘trainer of trainers’ approach, encouraging beneficiaries to educate their peers, crew members, and broader fishing communities. Berry spoke at a recent JIS Think Tank event held at the agency’s television department in Kingston. The programme aims to bolster the resilience of fishers and safeguard the sustainability of Jamaica’s fisheries resources. Berry noted that the ripple effect of knowledge-sharing fosters behavioural change, ensuring that safety practices are not only communicated but also implemented. Kyle Shaw, a facilitator in the programme and head of the Caribbean Maritime University’s Department of Professional Training and Certification, reported that fishers have been highly receptive to new safety knowledge. Participants have been introduced to basic medical equipment, first aid practices, and legal responsibilities, including the law of tort. Shaw explained that boat owners and captains have gained a deeper understanding of their liabilities and the importance of proper crew equipment and safety protocols. The programme comprises two components: safety at sea training administered by the Caribbean Maritime University and scuba diving open water certification through the University of the West Indies Marine Lab. Interested individuals can contact the NFA at 876-948-9014 for details on accessing the programme in their parish.

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) — Caribbean Community (Caricom) agriculture ministers gathered in St Kitts on Tuesday for a pivotal meeting addressing critical issues in fisheries, aquaculture, and regional food systems. The discussions, part of the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA 2025), focused on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, enhancing trade and employment in the sector, and establishing a new grievance redress mechanism for the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) based in Belize.

In his opening address, St Kitts and Nevis Agriculture Minister Samal Duggins underscored the vital role of agriculture in regional development and resilience. “Agriculture is not just another sector. It is the very lifeblood of our people, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food for every family,” he stated. Reflecting on the CWA 2025 theme, “Sowing Change, Harvesting Resilience,” Duggins emphasized that the policies and partnerships forged during the event would shape the region’s future prosperity.

Duggins urged regional leaders to prioritize agriculture, which he described as a pillar of sovereignty and growth. He highlighted local initiatives, such as the food import reduction program, which focuses on increasing the production of high-demand crops like bananas, plantains, coconuts, and pineapples. Additionally, he noted efforts to scale climate-smart practices, expand agro-processing, and empower youth and women in the sector. Duggins also stressed the importance of South-South cooperation, particularly with African nations, to foster shared learning and innovation in agriculture.

The meeting, chaired by Anguilla’s Minister of Economic Development Kyle Hodge, also addressed regional training and capacity-building needs, supported by UNESCO’s GRÓ-Fisheries Training Programme. Ministers reviewed progress on initiatives like the STAR-Fish Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, and the BE-CLME+ Project, aimed at promoting blue economy priorities in the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) launched its Common Apiculture Policy during the 9th OECS Council of Ministers: Agriculture meeting. Developed under the EU-funded BioSPACE Programme, the policy aims to protect bees as essential pollinators while strengthening the apiculture sector through sustainable practices and research-driven strategies. Beekeeper Monroe Tweed highlighted the policy’s focus on standardizing beekeeping practices and addressing pest management challenges.

As part of CWA 2025, the OECS-Caricom Caribbean Honey Show will showcase honey and related products, offering attendees a taste of regional apiculture innovations. Additionally, the CRFM will collaborate with local organizations to host the Caribbean Small-scale Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum, further advancing the region’s agricultural and marine resource goals.

Residents of McNeil Land in Westmoreland, Jamaica, are grappling with severe and recurrent flooding exacerbated by heavy rainfall, prompting urgent calls for intervention from local authorities. The community, situated in a flood-prone area, has been inundated for months, with water levels reaching waist height in some instances. This has disrupted daily life, hindered transportation, and threatened livelihoods, including livestock farming. One resident lamented the inability to access their property to feed their pigs due to the overwhelming water levels. Despite repeated appeals to local councillor Ian Miles, residents claim their concerns have gone unaddressed. Member of Parliament for Western Westmoreland, Ian Hayles, has pledged to escalate the issue to central government agencies, including the National Works Agency and the Ministry of Local Government, to implement a permanent solution. Hayles acknowledged the community’s frustration and inconvenience, emphasizing the need for immediate action to alleviate the crisis.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to adapt to evolving educational and employment trends, the Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) of Jamaica has unveiled plans to diversify its loan offerings. The initiative aims to cater to Jamaicans seeking flexible learning opportunities beyond traditional degree programs, including professional certifications and emerging skill areas crucial for national development.

In a significant step toward enhancing domestic violence intervention, members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Domestic Violence Intervention Unit recently completed a comprehensive training program. Conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the three-day initiative took place at the Sea Garden Hotel in Montego Bay, St James, from September 24 to September 26. The program targeted centre managers and liaison officers, equipping them with advanced skills and knowledge to address domestic violence more effectively. Key focus areas included the Domestic Violence Policy, standard operating procedures, the impact of social media on domestic violence, and the critical role of mental health in intervention efforts. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jacqueline Dillon, head of the JCF’s Domestic Violence Intervention Programme, emphasized the dual purpose of the training as both a refresher and a wellness initiative. She highlighted the importance of ensuring officers are mentally prepared to handle the complexities of domestic violence cases. Detective Sergeant Damion Hammond, sub-officer in charge of the unit, underscored the timeliness of the training, noting the increasing prevalence of domestic violence in Jamaica. He expressed confidence that the program would enhance the quality of service provided to citizens. Participants, including Sergeant Desiree McLeod from the St Elizabeth Domestic Violence Intervention Centre, praised the training for its relevance and depth, particularly the mental health awareness segment. Sergeant Moesha Allen, liaison officer for the St Andrew South Division, pointed to a rise in domestic violence reports as evidence of growing community trust in the police. Sergeant Kester Fennel of the St Catherine North Division urged victims to seek help, assuring them of professional and empathetic support. The training also benefited from contributions by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Court Administration Division, and the Bureau of Gender Affairs. Established to address global population and reproductive health challenges, the UNFPA remains committed to combating gender inequality and gender-based violence worldwide.