On Friday May 10, 2019 the Mount Airy Community Football Field in Northern Clarendon welcomed scores of residents from communities in the area to the launch of the UN Human Security Joint Programme and Community Fair. Several partner agencies, including UN Environment, were represented at the event to participate in the launch of the first set of activities in Northern Clarendon, increase the visibility of the programme in the area and engage with residents about the initiative.
Among the attendees were the Member of Parliament for North Central Clarendon, The Honourable Pearnel Charles, Sr., His Worship the Mayor of May Pen Councillor Winston Maragh, the UN Resident Coordinator in Jamaica, Mr. Bruno Pouezat, the Resident Representative of UNDP, Dr. Elsie Chounoune, and Mr. Juan Cheaz, FAO Representative, a.i.
In his remarks, Mr. Pouezat reassured residents that the joint programme will provide water harvesting training, enable entrepreneurship, facilitate personal development initiatives for youths, and promote a sustainable agricultural economy and food security. He appealed to the residents to collaborate in the execution of the programme and reiterated the commitment of the UN to supporting Jamaica and its people.
The Member of Parliament for North Central Clarendon, The Hon. Pearnel Charles, Sr., in his address, extended the appreciation of Prime Minister Andrew Holness for the UN’s support in addressing the issues of water security and water quality in Northern Clarendon. Mr. Charles highlighted the difficult challenges faced by residents, particularly farmers, who are severely affected by climate change impacts. Agriculture is the main livelihood for residents in Northern Clarendon and farmers depend heavily on rainwater harvesting.
During the Fair, residents were able to visit the booths of various partner agencies, including UNDP, UN Environment, FAO, UN Women, the Rural and Agricultural Development Authority of Jamaica and the Ministry of Social Security. Residents were informed of the work of each agency and the type of support they will provide under the joint programme.
The Human Security Joint Programme seeks to address the complex challenges such as poverty, unemployment, land degradation, poor health and reduced social cohesion, which affect human security in select communities in West Kingston and Northern Clarendon. The programme commenced in 2017 and activities have already taken place in West Kingston. Using a multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral approach, UN agencies collaborate with national and local stakeholders in Jamaica to enhance human security and resilience of these communities, thus supporting the achievement of Jamaica’s Vision 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Cartagena Convention Secretariat will, inter alia, provide training on water resource management and water harvesting systems, develop training materials and implement recycling systems. The Secretariat will also implement activities jointly with other UN agencies, including UNDP, FAO, UN Women and PAHO.
