Jamaica
From HFA-PEDIA
Contents |
What's New
$60 Million for Hazard Awareness and Safer Building Campaign
Some $60 million will be spent this year to improve the island's ability to withstand natural disasters. The funds, which will be provided by the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID), forms part of the Tropical Storm Gustav Recovery Programme and will be used to train 300 community artisans on safer building practices. It will also go towards retrofitting 1,500 houses that were most severely damaged by Tropical Storm Gustav last year, and the funding of a public education campaign around safe housing techniques.
Speaking on Friday, August 28 2009 at the official launch of the National Hazard Awareness and Safer Building Campaign, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Ronald Jackson, said that the project is expected to be completed by early November 2009. He also stated that it is the aim of the Agency, by the end of the project, to ensure that persons will be more knowledgeable about constructing houses that can withstand natural disasters.
"We are going beyond recovery. We are looking at incorporating into the recovery process resilience, the whole concept of building back better, making us stronger but, more importantly, providing self help housing initiatives with the knowledge and the skills that will allow them to make their home safer," he said.
 Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Ronald Jackson (second right), in discussion with British Deputy High Commissioner to Jamaica, Graham Glover (second left), during the official launch of the National Hazard Awareness and Safer Building Campaign at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, on Friday (August 28). Looking on are: Project Co-ordinator, Kirk Frankson (right); and Deputy Director General, ODPEM, Richard Thompson. |
Regarding the re-roofing, Mr. Jackson noted that the process has been completed in St. Mary, but work is still going on in Portland and St. Thomas, and the programme is moving into Kingston now. He added that ODPEM will be using the opportunity to promote and sustain the transfer of knowledge, information and awareness about the effects of adverse disasters and what can be done at all levels to making one resilient.
British Deputy High Commissioner to Jamaica, Graham Glover, expressed hope that the programme will contribute to the island recording less damage after a natural disaster. "The aim of all this is to ensure that when a storm hits, the damage and displacement (will be) kept to a minimum. Recovery then becomes less painful and less costly, and vulnerable people can better put their already limited resources to better use in education, health, proper nutrition and their more general comfort," he said. He added that there are ways in which people can help themselves and their communities to be better prepared for the rigours of "mother nature."
The project offers the opportunity to build hazard resistant communities, and to demonstrate the effectiveness of incorporating risk reduction into recovery plans. It aims to reduce the level of damage experienced by Jamaicans from hurricanes and other hazards.
(Source: Jamaica Information Service; Saturday, August 29, 2009 - Office of the Prime Minister)
HFA National Reports
Preliminary national HFA progress report 2009-2011 (2010): In process
National Report 2007-2009 (2008): National Progress Report 2008
National Report 2007: National Report on the implementation of the HFA (2007) - Jamaica
National Report 2006: Unreported
National Report 2005: Unreported
National Report 2004: National Report in preparation for WCDR (2004) - Jamaica
National Platform
National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction established on July 30, 2008
National Platform Focal Point:
Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
Address: 12 Camp Road, Kingston 4, PO Box 122,
Tel: +(876) 928-5111/4, Fax: +(876) 928-5503/8762
Contact Person:
Mr. Ronald Jackson, General Director
Tel: +(876)-930-0796, Fax: +(876)-928-5503,
E-mail: rjackson@odpem.org.jm
Other Members:
Jamaican Red Cross
Contact person: Ms. Yvonne Clarke
Tel: (876) 984-8807, Fax: (876) 984-8272
E-mail: jrcs@infochan.com
URL: http://www.jamaicaredcross.org/new/index.php
Salvation Army
Contact person: Major Denzil Walcott
Tel: (876) 922-0287, Fax: (876) 929-5760
Ministry of Health
Contact person: Dr. Marion Bullock DuCasse
Tel: (876) 948-0153, Fax: (876) 922-1269
E-mail: mohemergency@yahoo.com
Ministry of Health
Contact person: Ms. Karen Lewis Bell
Tel: (876) 968-1262, Fax: (876) 754-5793
E-mail: mohemergency@hotmail.com
Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA)
Contact person: Pastor Desmond Robinson
Tel: (876) 962-2910, Fax: (876) 962-3417
E-mail: wiuadra@cwjamaica.com
Jamaica Constabulary Force
Contact person: Supt. Gaynor
Tel: (876) 927-4215, Fax: (876) 927-3168
E-mail: pnnc@cwjamaica.com
National Meteorological Service
Contact person: Mrs. Sylvia McGill
Tel: (876) 960-8990, Fax: (876) 960-8989
E-mail: metja@infochan.com
URL: http://www.metservice.gov.jm/
Ministry of Labour & Social Security
Contact person: Ms. Marlene Miller
Tel: (876) 948-4264, Fax: (876) 924-9639
E-mail: marleenmile@yahoo.com
URL: http://www.mlss.gov.jm/pub/index.php
Planning Institute of Jamaica
Contact person: Mrs. Claire Bernard
Tel: (876) 906-4464, Fax: (876) 906-4651
E-mail: clairebernard@pioj.gov.jm
Planning Institute of Jamaica
Contact person: Ms. Nadine Jones
Tel: (876) 906-4463, Fax: (876) 906-4651
E-mail: njones@pioj.gov.jm
Jamaica Fire Brigade
Contact person: Supt.Linroy Lambert
Tel: (876) 967-0550, Fax: (876) 967-3594
E-mail: jamfire@hotmail.com
Jamaica Fire Brigade
Contact person: Commissioner Laurie Williams
Tel: (876) 967-4204, Fax: (876) 967-3594
E-mail: commissioner.jfb@cwjamaica.com
Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB)
Contact person: Ass. Supt. John Marcus
Tel: (876) 922-2153
Mines & Geology Division
Contact person: Mr. Coy Roache, Commissioner
Tel: (876) 927-1064, Fax: (876) 977-1204
E-mail: mines@cwjamaica.com
Water Resources Authority
Contact person: Mr. Herbert Thomas, Director
Tel: (876) 977-1211, Fax: (876) 977-0179
National Works Agency
Contact person: Mr. Ivan Anderson, CEO
Tel: (876) 926-8824, Fax: (876) 926-2572
URL: http://www.nwa.gov.jm/content/home.aspx
Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade
Contact person: Ms. Margaret Jobson
Tel: (876) 926-8563, Fax: (876) 960-3946
E-mail: fsoperationsja@cwjamaica.com
Ministry of Transport & Works
Contact person: Ms. Dorothea Clarke
Tel: (876) 754-5258, Fax: (876) 754-9748
E-mail: dmclarke@mtw.far.fm
Jamaica Defence Force
Contact person: Major Sean Prendergast
Tel: (876) 929-3777, Fax: (876) 926-8243
E-mail: garfield.prendergast@jdf.mil.jm
National Environment & Planning Agency (NEPA)
Contact person: Dr. Leary Myers
Tel: (876) 754-7526, Fax: (876) 754-7594
Ministry of Education & Youth
Contact person: Mr. Lauriston Wilson
Tel: (876) 922-8864, Fax: (876) 922-0106
E-mail: edirtech@cwjamaica.com
National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA)
Contact person: Mrs. Joan Gordon-Webley
Tel: (876) 960-8781, Fax: (876) 920-1415
E-mail: hwilliams@nswma.gov.jm
National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA)
Contact person: Mr. Derrick Denniser
Tel: (876) 968-8034, Fax: (876) 920-7879
E-mail: derrickdennniser@hotmail.com
Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS CO.)
Contact person: Mr. Danny Nembhard
Tel: (876) 935-3578, Fax: (876) 511-2010
E-mail: dnembhard@jpsco.com
URL: https://www.jpsco.com/site.nsf/web/index.html
Jamaica Public Service Company
Contact person: Ms. Winsome Callum
Tel: (876) 935-3504
URL: https://www.jpsco.com/site.nsf/web/index.html
Jamaica Public Service Company
Contact person: Mr. Humphrey Lawrence
Tel: (876) 937-3979
URL: https://www.jpsco.com/site.nsf/web/index.html
Ministry of Local Government
Contact person: Mr. Patrick Wong
Tel: (876) 754-1012, Fax: (876) 754-1022
E-mail: pwong@mlgcd.gov.jm
Ministry of Finance & the Public Service
Contact person: Mr. Robert O.Martin
Tel: (876) 932-5200, Fax: (876) 924-9644
E-mail: dfsfman@mof.gov.jm
Jamaica Urban Transport Company
Contact person: Mr. Douglas Chambers
Tel: (876) 749-3196, Fax: (876) 749-2984
URL: http://www.jutc.com/
National Water Commission
Contact person: Mr. Carl McDowell
Tel: (876) 929-8972, Fax: (876) 926-7121
E-mail: cmdowell@nwc.com.ja
URL: http://www.nwcjamaica.com/
Poor Relief Assoc.
Contact person: Ms. Lena Latibeaudiere
Tel: (876) 922-6936/7, Fax: (876) 967-4370
Mininstry of Agriculture
Contact person: Mr. Rupert Johnson
Tel: (876) 927-2639, Fax: (876) 977-1875
E-mail: psoffice@moa.gov.jm
Ministry of Commerce
Contact person: Dr. Jean Dixon, P.S.
Tel: (876) 754-5501, Fax: (876) 960-1623
E-mail: communications@mct.gov.jm
Mininstry of Water & Housing
Contact person: Mrs. Genefa Hibbert, P.S.
Tel: (876) 926-1691-3, Fax: (876) 754-2855
E-mail: prumow@cwjamaica.com
Ministry of Industry & Tourism
Contact person: Ms. Barbara James
Tel: (876) 920-4926, Fax: (876) 920-4944
E-mail: mts@cwjamaica.com
Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Sport (MLGCDS)
Contact person: Ms. Lorna Perkins
Tel: (876) 754-8992
E-mail: lperkins@mlgcd.gov.jm
National Works Agency (NWA)
Contact person: Mrs. Petro Keene-Williams
Tel: (876) 926-3210-9
National Works Agency (NWA)
Contact person: Mr. Garth Sharpe
Tel: (876) 926-3210-9
E-mail: garthsharpe@nwa.gov.jm
Jamaica Railway Corporation (JRC)
Contact person: Ms. Dorothy Francis
Tel: (876) 987-7863, Fax: (876) 984-8272
E-mail: dorojrcs@hotmail.com
Jamaica Defence Force (JDF)
Contact person: Comm. Peter Williams
Tel: (876) 926-5493
E-mail: peter.williams@jdf.mil.jm
Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)
Contact person: Supt. Ronald Facey
Tel: (876) 922-7736
E-mail: services-jcf@cwjamaica.com
Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)
Contact person: Supt. Eolon Powell
Tel: (876) 928-2858
E-mail: eolonp@hotmail.com
HFA National Focal Point:
Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
Address: 12 Camp Road, Kingston 4, PO Box 122
Tel: +1-876-928-5111/4, Fax:+1-876-928-5503/8762
HFA Contact person:
Mr. Ronald Jackson, General Director
Tel: +001(876)-930-0796, Fax: +001(876)-928-5503,
E-mail: rjackson@odpem.org.jm
Website: http://www.odpem.org.jm
Technical focal point:
Michelle Edwards, Senior Director - Mitigation, Planning and Research
Tel: +1-876-928-5111/4
E-mail: medwards@odpem.org.jm
Official Designation: Communiqué
Other contacts
Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations in Geneva
Chief:
Her Excellency Ms. Gail M. Mathurin
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
Permanent Representative
Address: Rue de Lausanne 36, 1201 Geneva
Tel: +(41-22) 908-0760, Fax: +(41-22) 738-4420
E-mail: mission.jamaica@ties.itu.int
UN System Coordination
UN Resident Coordinator
Mr. Minh Pham
E-mail: minh.pham@undp.org
UN Country Team
Mr. Minh Pham: Resident Coordinator, UNDP System
Mr. Nelson Andrade: Coordinator, UNEP
Dr. Kwame Boafo: Director, UNESCO
Mr. Harold Robinson: Representative, UNFPA
Mr. Badrul Haque: Economist/Liaison Officer, World Bank
Dr. Ernest Pate: Representative, PAHO/WHO
Mr. Bertrand Bainvel: Representative, UNICEF
Dr. David Smith: Asst. Res. Representative, UNDP System
Dr. Dunstan Campbell: Representative, FAO
Ms. Miriam Maluwa: Country Coordinator, UNAIDS
Meteorological Service
Mrs Sylvia McGill
P.o. box 103 Kingston 10
Tel: (1-876) 929-3695, Fax: (1-876) 960-8989,
E-mail: metja@infochan.com
Website: http://www.worldweather.org/026/c00098.htm
The Earthquake Unit
Dr. Margaret Wiggins-Grandison, Seismologist / Head
Mona Campus, University of the West Indies, Kingston
Tel: (1-876) 927-2586
E-mail: equake@uwimona.edu.jm
CDRA member:
Ronald Jackson, Director General
of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
P.O.Box 122, 12 Camp Road,
Kingston 4, Jamaica
Tel: (876) 928-5111-4, Fax: (876) 928-5503/8763,
E-mail: odpem@cwjamaica.com
Website: http://www.odpem.org.jm
UNDP resident coordinator:
Mr. Minh Pham, Resident Representative
Resident Coordinator - UNDP
1 and 3 Lady Musgrave Road, Box 280, Kingston
Tel: (1-876) 946 2165, Fax: (+1-876) 946 2163
E-mail: registry.jm@undp.org
Website: http://www.undp.org/fojam
Country profile
Official Name:
Conventional long form: None
conventional short form: Jamaica
Capital: Kingston
Area: 10,991 sq km
Coastline: 1,022 km
Population: 2,825,928 (July 2009 est.)
Population density: 2,780,132 (July 2007 est.)
Ethnic Groups Black 91.2%, mixed 6.2%, other or unknown 2.6% (2001 census)
Religion Protestant 62.5% (Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%, Pentecostal 9.5%, Other Church of God 8.3%, Baptist 7.2%, New Testament Church of God 6.3%, Church of God in Jamaica 4.8%, Church of God of Prophecy 4.3%, Anglican 3.6%, other Christian 7.7%), Roman Catholic 2.6%, other or unspecified 14.2%, none 20.9%, (2001 census).
Official Language: English, English patois.
Government Constitutional parliamentary democracy.
Administrative Divisions 14 parishes; 1. Clarendon, Hanover, 2. Kingston, 3. Manchester, 4. Portland, 5. Saint Andrew, 6. Saint Ann, 7. Saint Catherine, 8. Saint Elizabeth, 9. Saint James, 10. Saint Mary, 11. Saint Thomas, 12. Trelawny, 13. Westmoreland note: for local government purposes, Kingston and Saint Andrew were amalgamated in 1923 into the present single corporate body known as the Kingston and 14. Saint Andrew Corporation
Currency: Jamaican dollar (JMD) Climate: Tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior
Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles, 234 kilometres (145 mi) in length and as much as 80 kilometres (50 mi) in width, amounting to 11,100 km2. It is situated in the Caribbean Sea, about 145 kilometres (90 mi) south of Cuba, and 190 kilometres (120 mi) west of Hispaniola, the island harboring the nation-states Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Natural Hazards
Jamaica, as a result of its location in the north–western Caribbean basin, is prone to numerous specific natural hazards. These include hurricanes, of which recent hurricanes experienced within the last few years (and in fact since 1988 with hurricane Gilbert), have reminded us of Jamaica's great vulnerability to the effects of this hazard. Next, it is also envisaged that a large earthquake could do considerable damage to sectors of the population and to infrastructure and could result in displacement and homelessness among large sections of the population, particularly in the highly urbanized areas of the Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMA). These two hazards, though perhaps not the most frequent, have the potential to do the most widespread damage to the population and to infrastructure. Floods are the most frequently occurring natural hazard in Jamaica, and are often linked with severe weather systems, frontal systems and troughs, and less often with hurricanes and storms. Next to floods, landslides are the most frequently occurring hazard for Jamaica. Tsunami events appear to be very infrequent around the coastline of Jamaica. Events have been recorded however, in 1755 and more recently in 1907.
(Source: Information on Disaster Risk Management: Case study of five countries - Jamaica; United Nations and IDB, December 2007
Hurricanes (especially July to November)
The island of Jamaica is mainly susceptible to hurricanes, floods, droughts, earthquakes and landslides.
The two most recent major hurricanes were Gilbert, a Category 3 storm, in 1988, and Hurricane Ivan, Category 4, in September 2004. The eye of Hurricane Ivan past 30 miles south of Jamaica, therefore significantly reducing the anticipated impact on the country and its capital Kingston. Preparedness measures evacuated up to 150,000 people from potential danger zones. Nevertheless, 14 people were killed and communities, infrastructure, the environment and the agricultural sector were severely affected. In some communities, running water was hardly available for a period of up to two months. At the end of October 2004, the Jamaican government created the Office of National Reconstruction (ONR), which to date has been unable to acquire sufficient funds for restoring the most affected areas of the country. However, funds for the relocation of two of the most badly affected communities have been identified and these plans are now in progress.
Floods can occur at any time, but are most often associated with hurricanes or depressions. Low-lying plains as well as closed limestone valleys are most at risk. Flood rains often trigger landslides.
Droughts are a regular occurrence, especially on the South Coast where there is very little rainfall and agriculture depends on pumped water.
The two largest earthquakes on record took place in 1692 and 1907. Earthquake activity is being monitored by a series of seismographs and accelerographs which are operated by the Earthquake Unit of the University of the West Indies at Mona.
All actors and organizations involved in national disaster management efforts are jointly referred to as National Emergency Management Organization. It consists of the National Disaster Committee, the National Disaster Executive, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), private sector representatives and several regional and local organizations, non-governmental organizations and volunteers. The National Disaster Committee is responsible for policy.
A Draft National Hazard Mitigation Policy has been developed and is expected to be completed in the near future. The Disaster Preparedness Act (1993) has been in force since 1993. A building code has existed since the 1950s. It has not passed into law but is currently being reviewed and updated. Hazard mapping for floods, landslides and earthquakes has been done and flood risk mapping is taking place.
There are various initiatives on disaster risk information management systems and national public awareness programmers. Disaster management is a part of various curricula and training programs are available at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. The University of the West Indies has elaborate research and training programs on various areas related to disaster reduction. The mass media and well-known personalities are involved in public awareness campaigns, with specific weeks dedicated to earthquake awareness and disaster risk reduction in schools and businesses and a specific month dedicated to disaster preparedness. Several civil society initiatives have taken shape during recent years, showing an increase not only in public awareness but also in public participation in disaster reduction.
Vulnerability
Social Problems:
Jamaica is considered a transshipment point for cocaine from South America to North America and Europe; illicit cultivation and consumption of cannabis; government has an active manual cannabis eradication program; corruption is a major concern; substantial money-laundering activity; Colombian narcotics traffickers favor Jamaica for illicit financial transactions. Source CIA Factbook 12 February, 2008.
Source: ISRD / CIA Factbook
Institutional Setting
The management of ex ante and some ex post emergency planning issues is overseen primarily by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). ODPEM’s mandate covers more than disaster response, and includes preparedness, response, mitigation, prevention and recovery. Each parish has a Parish Disaster Committee including Government, Private Sector and NGO representatives. The national system of sub—committees is mirrored at the parish level. Below the parish level, some communities also have disaster committees called Zonal Committees, which link with the Parish Disaster Committees. There are a number of functional plans for evacuation, communication, mass casualty events, aircraft accidents, pandemics, pest infestations, etc. Of these, the primary plan is the National Disaster Plan, which is a comprehensive document setting out mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery procedures for a variety of hazards, both natural and man—induced.
ODPEM is responsible for coordinating the response to national threats and emergencies, with coordination being carried out from the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC). Under the post—impact conditions, ODPEM also coordinates the relief efforts, which also incorporates the input of the international community. There are standing procedures which govern rehabilitation of critical services. For example, hospitals receive priority attention for road clearance and reconnection of power and water supplies after any disaster. Shelters are also given a high priority.
The existence of documented policies, plans and procedures at national and parish levels has allowed a consistent approach to response. Further, simulation exercises and real events have provided opportunities for testing and improvement of the system. The present governance structures therefore allow risk management to be incorporated at local levels, with Parish Councils being given more technical tools, such as hazard maps and risk analyses to guide them in their decision—making.
The integrated nature of the Jamaican risk management system encourages data and information exchange among agencies as well as decision—makers. In the past, the appreciation by the technical agencies of Government of the importance of risk reduction has not been matched at the policy and political level. More recently, however, and particularly after hurricane Ivan in 2004, there has been a marked increase in the acceptance of issues related to vulnerability reduction and mitigation. As an example, the Planning Institute of Jamaica has included risk reduction in its medium term development strategy plan, and Cabinet has agreed to various suggestions for reducing coastal vulnerability.
Jamaica has successfully integrated public, private, technical, scientific and voluntary sectors as well as local Government authorities and communities into its disaster risk management structure, and therefore represents a good example of an integrated approach to risk management. The inclusion of mitigation in the national medium term development plan also indicates that there is a real effort to integrate risk reduction into national development.
(Source: Information on Disaster Risk Management: Case study of five countries - Jamaica; United Nations and IDB, December 2007
ODPEM
After the June 1979 floods, which devastated sections of Western Jamaica, the Government of Jamaica recognised the need for the establishment of a permanent disaster management organization responsible for coordination and monitoring the response to hazards as well as educating the nation on all aspects of disaster management.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Relief Coordination (ODIPERC), was established in July 1980. In 1993, the name ODIPERC was changed to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), a statutory body, under the provisions of Section 15 of the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Act.
Operating out of the Ministry of Land and Environment, ODPEM is overseen by a Board of Management that oversees activities. The Board of Management appoints the Director General who leads a staff complement divided into the following divisions: Corporate Services, Preparedness and Emergency Operations, Mitigation, Planning and Research and Projects Implementation, Development and Monitoring Unit.
ODPEM is committed to taking pro-active and timely measures to prevent or reduce the impact of hazards on Jamaica, its people, natural resources and economy through its staff, the use of appropriate technology and collaborative efforts with national, regional and international agencies.
National Disaster Committee (NDC)
The National Disaster Committee, established by the Disaster Preparedness Act of 1993, is an interagency body chaired by the Prime Minister of Jamaica and comprised of various ministers, permanent functionaries and agency heads. Under the leadership of the current Prime Minister, the NDC meets quarterly, as do the subcommittees. The NDC is the main coordinating body for disasters affecting the country. The Prime Minister as Chairman, is the overall manager of the nation’s preparedness, mitigation, recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
The committee’s executive directs and formulates policies while the Deputy Chairman executes policies, advises and assists the Chairman. He is also responsible for coordinating counter disaster measures and liaison with international agencies.
There are a number of agencies that form the National Disaster Committee and work alongside the ODPEM to fulfill its mandate. These agencies are placed on committees to maximize their effectiveness.
NDC Committees and their roles:
- Administration Finance & Planning Committee: Equipping Response Agencies / Staffing / Funding of emergency activities / EOC – Emergency Operation Centre
- Damage Assessment – Recovery & Rehabilitation Committee: Damage assessment / Coordinate restoration / Evaluation planning
- Emergency Operation Communication Transport: Rescue evaluation / Law enforcement / Establish and maintain communication links / Coordinate transport
- Health Planning - Emergency health care / Health care
- Public Information and Education: Disseminate information / Conduct training exercises /
- Welfare Shelter – Relief Clearance: Shelter relief / Coordinating clearance of relief supplies
The Response Matrix
The National Emergency Response clearly outlines the range of agencies and private sector organizations with which the organization collaborates in disaster events.
The matrix is designed primarily for use by the decision makers during emergency operations at the national level (NEOC) and parish level (PEOC). These include the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) operated by ODPEM, the Parish Emergency Operation Centre (PEOC) operated by PDC (Parish Disaster Committee) and the heads of agencies who will commit manpower and other resources to preparedness and timeliness of response. The agencies also find it a useful reminder of their role and functions during emergency incidents.
Risk Financing and Risk Transfer
According to a report commissioned by ECLAC in 2007, "(t)he Government of Jamaica does not have a policy of Risk Transfer and so, Government assets are largely uninsured. This culture is however changing, as many Statutory Bodies and Executive Agencies do insure their property. The fact remains however that as a policy, the Government assumes its own risk. This policy results in the reallocation of funding from ongoing programs to fund response initiates. In 1989, after hurricane Gilbert, a National Disaster Fund was started; however this has not been adequately maintained. For the most part, Government physical assets are uninsured or underinsured. Exceptions include properties owned by statutory corporations such as port and airport authorities, as well as utility companies that can independently access the insurance markets.
As part of a historical strategy to address the financial and economic impact of risks from natural disasters, Jamaica has (as has many other Caribbean islands) successfully leveraged international insurance capital and has been able to transfer much of the risk, particularly for commercial, but also for residential properties, on to the international insurance and reinsurance markets. During the mid 1990’s, Caribbean countries experienced insurance rate increases between 200%—300% on account of shortages of insurance cover, due to indemnity payments made for large hurricane and earthquake losses worldwide.
Many of the small property and business owner segments expect Government assistance in times of crisis. Others decide to self—insure, assuming that the returns on funds saved from insurance premiums may be sufficient to finance remediation works. In most cases however, this does not work, as the savings are absorbed into working capital.
(Source: Information on Disaster Risk Management: Case study of five countries - Jamaica; United Nations and IDB, December 2007)
Urban indicators
Statistical Overview
- Urbanisation:
- Total Population: 3 million
- Urban population: 57%
- Slum to urban population: 36%
- Annual population growth rates:
- Urban: 2%
- Slum: 4%
- Annual population growth rates:
- Slum Indicators - % urban population with access to
- Safe water source: 81%
- Improved sanitation: 79%
- Sufficient living area: N/A
- Durable housing: N/A
(Based on UN-Habitat 2001 estimates)
| Indicator | 2030 |
| Total population (thousands) | 2,923.9 |
| Population in urban (thousands) | 1,821.7 |
| Population in slums (thousands) | N/A |
| Population in urban areas (% of total population) | 62.3 |
| Population in slums (% of urban population) | N/A |
| Annual urban population growth rate (%) | N/A |
| Annual slum population growth rate (%) | N/A |
| Population with access to improved sanitation (% of urban population) | N/A |
| Population with access to improved water (% of urban population) | N/A |
| Population with sufficient living area (% of urban population) | N/A |
| Population with durable structures (% of urban population) | N/A |
| Population in rural (thousands) | 1,102.2 |
- Source: UN-Habitat - The data presented here is extracted from UN-HABITAT's Global Urban Indicators database.
- The data is drawn from different sources and based on 2030 estimates.
Policy & Legislature
Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Act (1993)
Building Codes
- Town & Country Planning Act (1957)
- Local Improvements Act (1914)
- Parish Council’s Building Act (1908)
- Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) Act (1991)
- Development Approval process
Climate change
- Jamaica is Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol.
- National focal point to the UNFCCC: Meteorological Service
Early Warning Systems
Hurricane Dean Private Sector Case Study for DRR - United Company RUSAL
Hurricane Dean was a powerful tropical cyclone of the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season. It was the most intense Atlantic hurricane since Hurricane Wilma of 2005, and tied for the seventh most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded as well as the third most intense Atlantic hurricane ever at landfall. The Hurricane Dean case study is an example of company-wide storm prevention procedures employed by UC RUSAL units in Jamaica. Hurricane preparation procedures are an integral part of the management practices at all United Company RUSAL (UC Rusal) units in Jamaica. The practices comply with ISO 9001 standards. The goal of the established procedures is to minimize the effects of any storm by achieving a state of preparedness prior to arrival of the storm, and to be prepared for rapid and efficient rehabilitation and start-up of operations.
Full article: Private Sector Activities in Disaster Risk Reduction: Best Practice and Lessons Learned, 2008; UNISDR; December 2008. Pages 67-70
For more information on this initiative:
Ms. Vera Kurochkina, Director
Public Relations United Company RUSAL
E-mail: Vera.Kurochkina@rusal.com
URL: www.rusal.com
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Progress towards the implementation of the HFA
(Source: Matrix Final - based on national progress report for the Global Platform).
HFA P1 - Institutional and legal framework:
Incorporation of hazard information into development approval process at the national level and local level
Preparation of guidelines for development initiatives in high risk area
HFA P2 - Risk identification and EWS:
Improvement of mitigation planning through the use of scientific data and application of technology; computers &software installed in 13 parishes
HFA P3 - Knowledge and education:
Development of comprehensive national hazard database using GIS technology; development of vulnerability index, ranking of highly vulnerable communities using vulnerability index; development of community hazard management plans; data presented spatially, database enhanced and maps produced after each event/activation
HFA P4 - Risk applications:
Enhancement of national, parish, government and NGO’& Agency plans; assessment of the number of shelters required in each vulnerable community; development of guidelines to classify Emergency shelters; two hundred and ten volunteers trained as Shelter Manager; area assigned for shelter use, identified in 50 schools; capacity of 50 shelters/schools calculated; sixteen communities assessed for sheltering requirement
HFA P5 - Preparedness and response:
Integration of the use of damage assessment information into the recovery and rehabilitation process and national development planning: training of damaged assessment trainers and teams; damage assessment training in Western Jamaica; vulnerability assessments informed by damage assessment information.
Others Documents
- In Jamaica, the public conversation on climate change is not very well advanced. However, information on projected impacts in terms of rises in temperatures, decreased rainfall, sea level rise and possible increase in the frequency and intensity of hurricanes, is very slowly coming into the public domain. That potable water and adequate sanitation and hygiene conditions are not within the reach of thousands of Jamaicans, is a major public issue which has implications for the health and well-being of the whole local community and nation.
- Resilience Potential: Assessing Jamaica's "Bounce-Back" from Hurricane Dean; Caribbean Policy Research Institute CaPRI), 2008
- With the passage of Hurricane Dean, Jamaica faces a unique opportunity to take stock of its hurricane-preparedness and disaster-management techniques. Supported by a grant from the Jamaica National Building Society, the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI) conducted a detailed assessment of damage and citizens’ responses. This paper presents the findings of that exercise, and its hoped that the discussions will help to shape national dialogue as it pertains to disaster risk reduction.
- Information on Disaster Risk Management: Case study of five countries - Jamaica; United Nations and IDB, December 2007
- This study was prepared by David A. Y. Smith, Ph.D., P. Eng., as part of the study carried out under the framework of the Information Program and Indicators for Disaster Management project, financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and executed by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Sub regional Headquarters in Mexico. The task was coordinated by Ricardo Zapata, ECLAC Focal Point on Disaster Evaluation and Roberto Meli, ECLAC consultant.
- Hurricane Ivan - Jamaica: An Assessment of The National Response September 3-10, 2004; ODPEM, February 2005 - by Eleanor B. Jones
- Hurricane Ivan directly affected Jamaica over the period September 9-11, 2004. Spiral bands brought heavy torrential rainfall, tropical storm and hurricane force winds, and storm waves to the island as the eye traveled just south of the coastline from Morant Point in the east toward the western end of the island. The system attained Category 4 status having fluctuated between categories 3 and 5 enroute from the Eastern Caribbean towards Jamaica. Gusts as high as 340km/h were recorded at selected points within the higher elevations of the island. Storm waves and surge were reported in excess of 20m along the cliff in the vicinity of Rick’s Café, West End Negril. Wave heights along sections of the east (Manchioneal, St Thomas) and south coasts were reported between 2 and 8 metres. Severe damage and dislocation was experienced in the agricultural sector, coastal settlements, fishing villages and fisheries, and road and water infrastructure. Environmental damage was severe and livelihoods dislocated in many areas, but particularly the parishes of Clarendon, Manchester, St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Hilly areas suffered major landslides, soil erosion, and tree and crop damage. The hurricane traveled toward the eastern end of Jamaica along a path from the Lesser Antilles where it wreaked havoc on the island of Grenada. On September 8, the eye of the hurricane was taking a track directly across Jamaica, but on September 9, the system stalled and eventually moved on a track immediately south of the island. The island was in a state of hurricane readiness between September 3 and 11.
- This document presents the findings and recommendations of an Assessment of Jamaica’s National Disaster Response to Hurricane Ivan against the provisions of the National Disaster Plan. Commissioned by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and funded by the UNDP, the study involved debriefing consultations at the national and local levels, and interviews with selected stakeholders. The objective of the debrief exercise was to seek to improve the overall national response process by evaluating response activities of Hurricane Ivan against prepared plans. Participants were expected to offer their experience and engage in dialogue. A debriefing session was held on November 11, 2004 to provide the opportunity for an unbiased and constructive discussion of the preparedness and response process. The meeting included representatives from the Government, Private Sector, Donor Community, Non-Governmental Organisations, Local Authorities, Local Media and the University/College Community.
- Millenium Development Goals: Jamaica; UNDP, April 2004
- Hazard Maps Vulnerability Jamaica; CDERA, 2003
Web Links:
PreventionWeb: Jamaica - Disaster Statistics
Jamaica Coordination Profile; United Nations Development Group (includes Common Country Assessment - CCA, United Nations Development Assistance Framework - UNDAF, MDG Reports, UN Country Team, Resident Coordinator's Office and more)
Interview with Ronald Jackson, Director of ODPEM Jamaica Download interview here
Jamaica's Office for Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management: ODPEM
CDERA News Center:Jamaica
