Bloomberg doubles investment in Montego Bay to J$16m for youth, climate initiatives
Published:Friday | January 24, 2025 | 12:08 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTEN BUREAU:
Montego Bay’s drive to address climate resilience and youth empowerment has received a significant boost with Bloomberg Philanthropies doubling their funding for the city’s Youth Climate Action Fund to J$16 million.
This comes a year after an initial J$8-million investment by the United States of America-based organisation, which is seemingly pleased with the success and potential of the partnership between the global philanthropic giant and Montego Bay’s leadership.
The announcement, made by Civic Engagement Director at the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University Tracy Colunga, highlights Montego Bay as the first Caribbean city to benefit from Bloomberg’s global initiatives, which span six continents and nearly 100 cities.
Colunga praised Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon’s proactive leadership, stating, “He’s the reason you guys have the money.”
The Youth Climate Action Fund aims to empower young people through opportunities and jobs, while addressing broader societal issues such as poverty and crime. Colunga emphasised that while climate action is a central focus, the initiative’s ultimate goal is to create sustainable, thriving communities.
“Leaders like Mayor Vernon are an important part of championing innovation in cities,” said Colunga.
She added that Montego Bay’s success could pave the way for further investments, with no set limit on funding.
The initial J$8-million investment funded several impactful projects across Montego Bay. Among the highlights was a rainwater harvesting system at Maldon High School, addressing chronic water shortages that often disrupted the school’s operations. This project ensured a reliable water supply and prevented future closures.
At Spot Valley High School, a greenhouse destroyed by a hurricane was rebuilt, providing students with valuable agricultural learning opportunities. The Youth Power group from the Universal Church spearheaded this initiative, which has since revitalised the school’s agricultural programme.
Another standout project was a waste management initiative at the Charles Gordon Market. The youth from Rhyne Park installed additional bins to reduce littering in the area. Although the project successfully improved waste disposal, the community has since requested a skip to further enhance garbage management.
“These projects show how the funding is not just about climate, but about empowering communities to take charge of their challenges,” said Dr Joan Dove, who represented the St James Municipal Corporation during a visit to one of the projects at Rose Mount Gardens in St James.
Nineteen-year-old Kalecia Francis, a sixth-form student at Mount Alvernia High School, shared her experience leading that community project funded by Bloomberg. Her team constructed a children’s playhouse and playground using recycled plastic bottles collected locally. “It was a team effort,” Francis said. “Everyone came together to get the frame up and do the groundwork.”
The playground now serves as a safe and engaging space for children during community events, and the team plans to expand it with additional features. “This project shows what we can achieve when we work together,” Francis added.
The next round of funding promises even greater impact, with plans to align new initiatives with Jamaica’s national climate policies. “Mayor Vernon and the team are exploring projects in economic development, waste management, and innovation to continue building a sustainable and resilient Montego Bay,” Dr Dove shared.
And Colunga expressed optimism about the partnership’s future, emphasising that Bloomberg’s investments are long-term and performance-driven.
Montego Bay’s collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies not only positions the city as a regional leader in youth and climate initiatives, but also sets a precedent for other Caribbean nations. With the increased funding and a strong foundation of success, the city is poised to inspire similar efforts across the region.