The Bernard Lodge Lands had been used for agriculture since the days of slavery. By the 1980s, these fertile lands were well-established for food production, with millions invested in irrigation systems, the importance of which has only grown due to the seasonal instability caused by the climate crisis.
The Bernard Lodge Farmers association has decried their government’s decision to turn some of the most fertile and farm ready land, still resilient and food productive, into a housing scheme. Many have lost millions in produce and face delayed compensation, while others receive no compensation at all, as only permanent crops were even considered for compensation—cash crops are excluded.
As farmers were being relocated to less productive, unprepared land, Errol Grant shared this heart felt and clear message as part of the Bernard Lodge Farmers Association plea to the Jamaican government to reconsider its decision to “plow the land to plant concrete”.
Jamaica is a small island state with high levels of vulnerability to climate change and exogenous shocks- both economic, environmental and health challenges as typified in the COVID-19 pandemic, yet the Jamaican state is pursuing development projects that would be catastrophic for farmers and national food security
Farming and Food is central to the life and wellbeing of the community and Jamaica. Improper planning and development puts everyone at risk and deepens the food dependency and insecurity syndrome in the country.
Dr Raulston Nembhard urges that, “Agricultural lands must be excluded and clearly demarcated.”
What are your thoughts on the way forward for Jamaica?
Showcasing stories of Caribbean organizations at the foreground of the struggle against disaster capitalism in the Caribbean. Our network of participants in the Greater Caribbean region connect, learn, share their hands on responses to the impacts of the twin threats of the climate crisis and disaster capitalism in our region.
WAVE (Progressive Reform Movement)
Global Challenges Research Fund
Open Society Foundations
All Rights Reserved – strongercaribbeantogether.org 2022
All Rights Reserved – strongercaribbeantogether.org 2022
In the tumultuous aftermath of disasters, it is easy to feel isolated and alone, but you are not.
We, a network of Caribbean-wide community organizers who stand in solidarity with those affected the twin threats of the climate crises and disaster capitalism, a phenomenon that exacerbates the suffering of vulnerable communities.
We want you to know that your stories matter. We are here to listen, to support, and to amplify your voices.
We believe that together, we can challenge the forces of disaster capitalism and advocate for more sustainable, inclusive and equitable decision-making.
Join us in solidarity. Share your experiences and let’s build strong communities that thrive together.
As the wider world braces for the climate change, Caribbean communities are already struggling with its effects. Small local communities, small scale farmers and coastal communities are disproportionately affected. Political decisions, power dynamics and laws often compound the catastrophes and silence bottom up solutions.
There are ways in which you can help.
