Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, has emphasised that the proposed increase to the Environmental Protection Levy, will bring it in line with regional averages, while helping the country recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa. The Government has proposed an increase in the rate from 0.5 per cent to 0.8 per cent, for both...

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, says the Government is focused on building out the country’s irrigation infrastructure as a climate adaptation strategy and to contribute to the nation’s food security. “We're actively doing so in Essex Valley, we’re actively doing so in St. Elizabeth, and we have major irrigation plans for St. Mary and the...

The Government will go to market this year to divest the Soapberry Wastewater Treatment Plant in St. Catherine. Under the divestment arrangement, the plant’s capacity will be doubled and its operations upgraded from secondary to tertiary treatment. This move is expected to deliver significant benefits for both the economy and the environment. “Marine biologists will tell you— and they speak...

Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, on Thursday (February 26), announced that Kingston and St. Andrew are expected to achieve water resilience and drought resistance within 18 months. He explained that this will be realised through a series of Government-led investments currently underway. These include the construction of a plant in Content, St. Catherine, which is...

Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, announced that the Jamaica Systemic Risk Assessment Tool (J-SRAT), is being utilised to evaluate climate risks within potential investment areas. The tool utilises data-driven insights to pinpoint critical infrastructure at risk, providing a roadmap for the strategic allocation of public and private investment. Minister Samuda noted that J-SRAT is being...

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, says the Government has commenced targeted clean-up and restoration of hurricane-damaged wetlands in the Parottee community, in St. Elizabeth, as part of activities marking World Wetlands Day on Monday (February 2). The exercise involves the removal of debris and bulk waste from mangrove areas to restore hydrological flow, strengthen coastal...

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) received a donation of hurricane relief items from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Caribbean to support protected-area workers and their families who have been affected by Hurricane Melissa. The handover took place on January 27 at BL Williams International Limited, Newport West, Kingston. Participating in the handover (from left) are...