MGI Champions Digital Literacy and Life Skills for Vulnerable Youth

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which ran from June 1 to November 30, has officially come to a close. This year was marked by intense activity, including Hurricane Melissa, a record-breaking storm that devastated Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas. The season produced 13 named storms, 5 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes, closely aligning with early forecasts. Notably, 3 storms reached Category 5 status, making 2025 one of the most powerful seasons on record, second only to 2005. Hurricane Melissa: A Historic and Devastating Event Hurricane Melissa became the strongest tropical cyclone globally for the year and one of the most intense in Atlantic history, based on both barometric pressure and sustained winds. It also stands as the most powerful storm ever to make landfall in Jamaica. The hurricane made landfall in Jamaica on October 28 as a Category 5 hurricane, Melissa brought catastrophic winds, flooding, and storm surge that caused widespread destruction. The storm triggered island-wide power outages, severe infrastructure damage, and significant disruption to essential services. Communities in St. Elizabeth, St. James, Trelawny, Manchester, Hanover, and Westmoreland were among the hardest hit, experiencing extensive flooding, landslides, and damage to homes and road networks. According to estimates from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Hurricane Melissa caused record-breaking damage to Jamaica, with losses totaling an all-time high of US$8.8 billion. Growing Risks in a Changing Climate: Climate change continues to intensify hurricanes, putting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Jamaica, and the wider Caribbean at increasing risk. Understanding these threats is essential as the region prepares for stronger, more frequent storms. MGI’s Executive Director, Luke Buchanan, stated, “As we close the 2025 hurricane season, Hurricane Melissa reminds us that stronger storms are becoming the new normal. MGI is dedicated to providing the science and tools needed for informed resilience planning.” He also emphasized that MGI remains committed to leveraging science, technology, and data-driven insights to tell Jamaica’s climate story and support national resilience efforts. Stay connected for updates, analysis, and disaster-related research. Contact us atWeb: www.monagis.comEmail: info@monainformatixltd.comPhone: (876) 977-3161-2Socials: @mgimona #HurricaneSeason2025 #HurricaneMelissa #ClimateChange #CaribbeanResilience #DisasterPreparedness #MGI

On October 29, 2025, the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) delivered the practical component of the Brightstar Lottery PLC Drone Technology Training at its facility at The University of the West Indies, Mona, in Kingston, Jamaica. The Drone Technology Training Workshop was organized for approximately 20 enthusiastic participants aged 12 to 19. The session introduced the essentials of drone operation and highlighted real-world applications in mapping, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. Participants also received hands-on flight training from MGI’s experienced instructors, with many operating a drone for the first time. Initiatives like this are especially impactful for youth from inner-city communities in developing countries, providing early exposure to emerging technologies and opening pathways to future careers. MGI remains deeply committed to advancing skills development across the Caribbean, while strengthening STEM education, expanding drone and GIS training, promoting coding and robotics, and driving the use of innovative, data-driven technologies for inclusive and sustainable regional development. This training marks another successful collaboration between MGI and Brightstar Lotteries, a partnership dedicated to building technological capacity throughout the region. Brightstar continues to invest in programmes that empower young people to become innovators, problem-solvers, and digital leaders. MGI looks forward to continuing its work with Brightstar Lotteries and other regional partners to broaden access to technology education, foster innovation, and equip Caribbean youth with the skills needed to excel in the digital age. #MGI #DroneTraining #YouthInnovation #Jamaica #Brightstar #Drone #DJI #UAV #MonaUAV #TrenchTown #BrighstarLottery Contact us atWeb: www.monagis.comEmail: info@monainformatixltd.comPhone: (876) 977-3161-2Socials: @mgimona

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona, in collaboration with UTech, CMU, and NCU, has launched the Higher Education Task Force for Disaster Resilience (HEDE) to strengthen Jamaica’s national response and long-term resilience following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. With billions in economic losses and widespread damage, the Task Force unites Jamaica’s top academic and technical institutions to provide scientific analysis, policy advice, community engagement, and coordinated recovery support. The formal Press Launch was held on November 26, 2025 at the UWI Regional Headquarters. Keynote speaker Minister Matthew Samuda, reaffirmed the initiative’s momentum and national importance. HEDE comprises experts across medicine, engineering, climate science, geospatial analysis, economics, and social recovery, supported by specialized sub-committees focused on resilience planning and reconstruction. Luke Buchanan, Executive Director of the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI), has been nominated to serve on the Task Force due to his expertise in geospatial sciences and national development work. He will rely on MGI’s full technical team to contribute data-driven insights, modelling, and analytical support. MGI’s involvement underscores the essential role of geospatial intelligence in disaster assessment and climate-resilient planning. Leadership recognition is given to Professor Sir Hilary Beckles and Professor Densil A. Williams for championing this initiative, as well as Professor Donovan Campbell, Chair of HEDE, who will guide its strategic direction. Together, these leaders highlight the higher-education sector’s critical contribution to building a more resilient, climate-ready Jamaica. MGI is honoured to be involved in this important national effort. The HEDE represents not only a response to Hurricane Melissa, but a long-term commitment to building a more resilient, data-driven, climate-ready Jamaica. #UWIMona #HEDE #DisasterResilience #MGI #ClimateAction #HigherEducation #JamaicaStrong #UWI #GeospatialScience #ClimateResilience #HurricaneMelissa #NationalRecovery Contact us atWeb: www.monagis.comEmail: info@monainformatixltd.comPhone: (876) 977-3161Socials: @mgimona

Theme: Geospatial Intelligence in Action – Jamaica’s Response to Hurricane Melissa Today, we celebrate the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the technology that helps us understand our world, make smarter decisions, and respond effectively during crises. This GIS Day holds special meaning for Jamaica, as we continue to overcome the impacts of Hurricane Melissa. Throughout this period, GIS has been a cornerstone of national recovery, enabling faster assessments, smarter planning, and more resilient rebuilding efforts. The Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) at UWI Mona, along with Jamaica’s wider geospatial community, remains committed to applying advanced mapping technologies, data science, and local expertise to guide relief and reconstruction efforts. How GIS Supports Jamaica’s Recovery:1. Rapid Damage Assessment Using Drones and Remote Sensing2. Mapping Critical Infrastructure and Emergency Services3. Digital Surveys for Rapid Ground-Level Data Collection4. Mobilizing Geospatial Volunteers5. Environmental and Coastal Recovery6. Mapping and Monitoring Public Health and Environmental Risks7. Post-Storm Analysis and Risk Mapping8. Resource Mapping for Forestry and Natural Assets9. Logistics for Reconstruction and International Aid10. Communication and Public Awareness Today, we celebrate the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the global community of geospatial professionals who use data, mapping, and technology to make smarter decisions, especially in times of crisis. #GIS #GISDay #MGI #HurricaneMelissa Contact us atWeb: www.monagis.comEmail: info@monainformatixltd.comPhone: (876) 977-3161Socials: @mgimona