Mapping the Impact: Hurricane Melissa’s Impacts Across Jamaica

At the Mona Geoinformatics Institute (MGI), our commitment to building a stronger future goes beyond data and research, it’s about investing directly in the next generation. We were absolutely delighted to participate in the recent Career Day and Boy’s Day at August Town Primary School. This inspiring initiative was dedicated to mentoring and uplifting young men, giving us the perfect platform to show them how passion and technology can turn into an exciting career pathway.  To introduce the students to the fields of geography and advanced technology, the MGI team conducted an interactive session focused on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones). Rather than a traditional lecture, the session utilized an experiential learning approach. Students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on interactions with drone components, learn the fundamentals of aerial mapping, and test their knowledge through a series of questions.  By showing these students the power of geospatial tech on their Career Day, we hope to spark an early passion for science and innovation, equipping the future leaders of our communities with the confidence and vision to build a brighter tomorrow.  We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the faculty, staff, and students of August Town Primary School for such an incredible welcome. MGI remains deeply committed to bridging the gap between advanced science and grassroots community development as we work toward empowering Jamaica’s youth!  Contact us for more information:Email: info@monagis.comWeb: www.monagis.comLinktree: linktr.ee/mgimonaPhone: 876-816-8791 / 876-671-7001 #GISinJamaica #YouthInnovation #Drone #MGI #MonaUAV #ChildMonthJA #YouthEmpowerment #DJI 

Over the past few weeks at MGI, we have been advancing work on the Scoping of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Pilot for the Euroclima Project, under the Jamaica Country Action Plan. We were pleased to welcome our long-standing colleague and NbS expert, Dr. David Oswald of DE Design + Environment Inc., who joined us in Jamaica this April 2026 for hands-on stakeholder consultations. Our collaboration with David spans over a decade, and his input continues to be invaluable. During April 2026, the MGI and DE Design consultancy team carried out full field missions along the Kingston Waterfront corridor, from Riverton City (Callaloo Mews) in the west to Harbour View and Port Royal in the east. This critical exercise supported an evidence-based approach to identifying and refining a high-impact pilot intervention. We also engaged in a series of high-level institutional stakeholder consultations with key government agencies, strengthening alignment and implementation pathways for urban resilience. We embrace this collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU) in helping to advance efforts to secure a more resilient future for Kingston. The work is focused on strengthening urban climate resilience in Kingston through strategic Nature-based Solutions and urban forestry, aligned with Jamaica’s Vision 2030 and Euroclima objectives. We continue to refine the methodology, stakeholder insights, and pilot design framework as we move toward implementation pathways for Kingston’s urban future. Contact us for more information:Email: info@monagis.comWeb: www.monagis.comPhone: (876) 816-8791 / (876) 671-7001 #NatureBasedSolutions #UrbanResilience #KingstonJamaica #ClimateAction #Euroclima #SustainableCities #GISinJamaica

Transforming Business Strategy with GIS: The MGI Way In the modern marketplace, GIS is no longer a “nice to have” technology; it is a cornerstone of modern problem-solving. As the premier advanced-GIS provider in Jamaica since 2004, the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) has transitioned from a University hub to a vital engine for regional business expansion. Precision in Growth and Expansion MGI specializes in converting complex spatial data into increased revenue. Whether you are in Retail, BFSI (Banking/Insurance), Telecommunications, or Energy, our services, ranging from Site Suitability Analysis to Competitor Analysis, ensure your next move is backed by data. By utilizing Desktop Geocoding and GPS field mapping, we help businesses identify the “where” and “why” of customer behavior. For logistics and food delivery services, efficiency is everything. MGI’s JAMNAV (Jamaica’s premier and most comprehensive geospatial database) and our custom Web Mapping Services allow companies to optimize delivery zones, reduce fuel costs, and enhance fleet management. The UAV and GeoAI Revolution Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have revolutionized our portfolio. Beyond simple imagery, our Drone Services and Training provide high-resolution data for infrastructure planning and environmental modeling. To ensure the region stays competitive, we offer GIS Training and Camps, empowering professionals to build their own business analysis tools. We are now entering the “Intelligence Age” by integrating GeoAI. MGI develops geospatial-based intelligent web tools that process massive datasets to provide predictive insights for decision-makers. “AI changes how we think, create, and decide, transforming the cognitive processes of work,” says Mr. Luke Buchanan, Executive Director of MGI. “We are moving from a passive ‘information age’ to an active ‘intelligence age.’ In the age of AI, geospatial technologies allow us to consider larger datasets in a faster, more efficient way, fundamentally shifting how we make impactful decisions.” Leading the Caribbean into the Future From Social Surveys to 3D Visualization, MGI remains at the forefront of Caribbean R&D. Our specialized training programs serve everyone from novices to experts, ensuring that as datasets grow, the human capacity to analyze them grows as well. At its core, GIS is about more than mapping; it is about understanding connections, patterns, and possibilities. MGI is committed to adopting the latest technologies to ensure our clients are not just reacting to the market, but shaping the careers and industries of tomorrow. Contact Information Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI), The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica #GIS #BusinessIntelligence #GeoAI #MGI #JamaicaTech #SpatialAnalysis #UAV #DigitalTransformation #DataScience #LogisticsOptimization Phone: (876) 816-8791 / (876) 671-7001Email: info@monagis.comWebsite: www.monagis.com

GIS for Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Jamaica Introduction Agriculture is the science and practice of cultivating crops and rearing livestock for food, raw materials, and economic livelihood. It remains one of the most critical sectors for food security, employment, and rural development, particularly in developing countries. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), on the other hand, refer to computer-based tools used to capture, store, analyze, and visualize spatial or geographic data. When combined, agriculture and GIS form a powerful partnership that can transform how food is produced, managed, and sustained, especially in the face of climate change. Climate-resilient agriculture is the use of farming practices that can adapt to and recover from climate impacts like droughts, floods and hurricanes while GIS supports this by mapping risks, analyzing environmental conditions, and guiding data-driven decisions for more resilient agricultural planning. The Importance of Agriculture in Jamaica Agriculture plays a vital role in Jamaica’s economy and social structure. It supports rural livelihoods, contributes to national food security, and reduces dependence on imports. The sector also provides employment for thousands of Jamaicans and underpins agro-processing industries. In a country like Jamaica, where a significant portion of the population depends directly or indirectly on farming, strengthening agriculture is essential for sustainable development and economic resilience. Climate Change and Its Impact on Agriculture in SIDS Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Jamaica, are among the most vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, stronger hurricanes, and sea-level rise all threaten agricultural productivity. These challenges result in reduced crop yields, increased pest and disease outbreaks, soil degradation, and disruptions to farming cycles. Climate Change and Agriculture in Jamaica In Jamaica, the effects of climate change are already evident. Farmers are experiencing: These impacts reduce productivity, increase costs, and threaten food security. Smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Jamaica’s agricultural sector, are particularly vulnerable due to limited resources and adaptive capacity. The GCF ADAPT Jamaica Initiative To address these challenges, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has approved a US$50 million (approximately JMD $8 billion) project titled “ADAPT Jamaica: Enhancing Climate Change Resilience of Vulnerable Smallholder Farmers.” This initiative focuses on six central parishes responsible for approximately 70% of Jamaica’s domestic food production. These parishes are Clarendon, Manchester, St. Ann, St. Catherine, St. Elizabeth, and Trelawny. The project aims to strengthen resilience through climate-smart agriculture, improved water management, better infrastructure, and enhanced capacity building for farmers. The Role of GIS in Supporting Agricultural Sustainability GIS must play a central role in the planning, implementation, and sustainability of this initiative. It enables: “GIS allows us to visualize complex agricultural and climate data in ways that make decision-making faster, more accurate, and more targeted,” says Luke Buchanan, Executive Director at the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI). “By integrating geospatial tools into farming practices, we can directly support the resilience of smallholder farmers and strengthen Jamaica’s food security.” MGI’s Role: GIS, Drones, and Agricultural Innovation The Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI), at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus (UWI Mona) through its expertise in GIS, GPS and drone technologies, is uniquely positioned to support agricultural transformation in Jamaica. Using drones, MGI can: GIS analysis combined with drone data can provide farmers and policymakers with real-time insights to improve productivity and sustainability. GIS in Food Storage and Logistics Post-harvest losses remain a major issue in agriculture. GIS can optimize: By mapping and analyzing logistics networks, GIS helps ensure food reaches markets efficiently and remains fresh longer. GIS and Climate-Smart Infrastructure GIS can also support the implementation of: These technologies help farmers manage drought, reduce operational costs, and build resilience against climate variability. Gender and GIS in Agriculture Women play a critical role in agriculture but often face unequal access to land, resources, and technology. GIS can help address these disparities by: Integrating gender considerations into GIS analysis ensures that development initiatives are inclusive and equitable. Conclusion The integration of GIS into agriculture is no longer optional, it is essential. In the context of climate change and national development, tools like GIS and drone technology provide the intelligence needed to build a resilient, efficient, and sustainable agricultural sector. Through initiatives like ADAPT Jamaica, and with the support of institutions like MGI and UWI Mona, Jamaica has a unique opportunity to leverage geospatial technology to secure its agricultural future and strengthen the livelihoods of its farmers. Contact us for more information:Email: info@monagis.comWeb: www.monagis.comPhone: (876) 816-8791 / (876) 671-7001Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgimona/