Samuda Defends Western Water Resilience Project as Opposition Demands Review

Water Minister Matthew Samuda has pushed back against opposition demands to revisit Jamaica's multi-billion-dollar Western Water Resilience Project, maintaining that the scheme is part of a coordinated national effort to secure supply and modernise distribution infrastructure.

People's National Party spokesperson on water Ian Hayles raised the matter during the 2026–2027 sectoral debate in the House of Representatives, arguing that the government should review the investment and suggesting that favoured constituencies were receiving disproportionate benefit.

At a post-Cabinet briefing this week, Samuda said Hayles had himself called for an integrated water system—and that the western programme delivers that outcome. The project includes a pipeline running from Martha Brae through eastern and western Hanover into western Westmoreland, connecting major distribution mains and treatment facilities at Great River and the Martha Brae plant. Samuda placed current-year spending on the initiative at $11 billion.

He also outlined work planned beyond the west, including a $5 billion market tender for the Agualtvale and Jordan River system serving central and south-eastern St. Mary; upgrades in Mason Hall, Albert Town, and Spring in southern Trelawny; development at Union in Balaclava, north-eastern St. Elizabeth; the Port Morant–Airy Castle system in eastern St. Thomas; and the Green Park network across north-west, north-east, and south-east St. Ann. Several of those areas are represented by opposition MPs.

Opposition spokesperson on youth and human rights Isaac Buchanan told the lower house that Jamaica's third-country nationals arrangement with the United States should be formally debated in Parliament. He said the pact carries significant human rights, immigration, and constitutional implications and questioned whether the country is prepared to manage responsibilities under a programme that could see up to 25 undocumented migrants arrive every two weeks while arrangements are made for their return home. Buchanan criticised weaknesses in the asylum and refugee framework and urged the government to table the agreement and its operational guidelines for scrutiny. "An assurance is a promise, and this house exists to test promises against practice," he said.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has directed regional health authorities and the University Hospital of the West Indies to improve living and working conditions for medical interns, following concerns raised by the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association. All authorities must inspect intern accommodation within 72 hours and submit findings to the permanent secretary by 26 June. Facilities with structural, sanitary, or safety problems, including sewage issues or inadequate sleeping arrangements, must take immediate corrective action. Duty rosters for interns, residents, and senior house officers are also under review.

Acting Chief Education Officer Terry-Ann Thomas-Gaye told a recent education conference at UWI Mona that the National Standards Curriculum has helped primary-level learning but that disruptions including COVID-19 and hurricanes have limited its full impact. Ministry assessments show only 66% of lesson plans meeting acceptable standards and integrated planning evident in 31% of plans, while about half of teachers are effectively using ICT in lessons. A review will focus on literacy, numeracy, inclusive education, STEM learning, and teacher training.

New STATIN data show Jamaica earned US$376.6 million from exports in January to March 2026, down 22.3% from the same period last year, while imports were valued at roughly US$1.8 billion. The Bank of Jamaica is set to withdraw a further $35 billion from circulation on Wednesday through a 5.75% certificate of deposit maturing on 24 July.

In regional news, Venezuela declared a state of emergency after magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes west of Caracas left dozens dead and hundreds injured. OECS leaders at their 78th Authority meeting pledged to strengthen food and energy security and explore cheaper imports from the Dominican Republic.

In sport, the West Indies open a home Test against Sri Lanka in Antigua on 25 June, while Brazil, Morocco, Mexico, and Switzerland secured FIFA World Cup group-stage wins on 24 June.