Achievements
Since its inception in 1997, the National Ozone Unit has made many noteworthy strides in the phasing out of ODS and compliance with the Montreal Protocol. Jamaica has been recognised internationally and received awards for its work. This is due to the committed and steadfast collaboration between the NOU and its stakeholders.
Adoption/implementation of ODS legislation and regulation to control and monitor of ODS consumption
The current legislation, the Trade Order, 2014, is in the process of being revised.
Efficient and timely data collection and reporting
The 2021 Country Programme (CP) and Article 7 (A7) data were submitted on time.
Consultations and coordination with other national agencies/stakeholders
The NOU facilitated the re-emergence of the Jamaica Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration and Ventilation Association (JARVA). A WhatsApp group was established for the association within which members share technical information. Additionally, a website for JARVA is being developed to raise public awareness of the association.
Supervision of timely implementation of phase-out activities and reduction in ODS consumption
HPMP Stage II and the respective tranche request were developed on time. HPMP tranche implementation was on time and agreement targets were met.
Awareness raising and information exchange
World Refrigeration Day (June 2021): Theme - “Cooling Champions: Cool Careers for a Better World”: On 24 June 2021, the Agency invited staff members to support the NOU of Grenada’s webinar on the topic: “Careers in Cooling in the Caribbean”, via Zoom. The event was shared on social media. A special feature was presented by the NOU of Grenada on “Cooling Champions: Female RAC technicians in Grenada”. On 25 June 2021, NEPA’s Sharon O'Connor Documentation Centre conducted internal sensitization shared a quiz with internal staff based on information from the webinar and graphics. Winners were awarded tokens. On 26 June 2021 NEPA social media team shared two (2) graphics across the Agency's Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages, based on the content from the webinar as well as updates on the National Cooling Strategy (JNCS) of Jamaica.
World Ozone Day 2021: The NOU was the focus in a Careers in NEPA feature video in collaboration with the Public Education and Corporate Communications Branch on 2 September 2021 in commemoration of World Ozone Day 2021. The NOU also participated in World Ozone Day radio interviews on Suncity FM and RJR FM on 16 and 17 September 2021 respectively. The commemoration was supported by information on the social media pages of the Agency, a social media competition and poster competition for individuals aged 15-19 consistent with the theme for World Ozone Day 2021, Montreal Protocol, keeping us, our food and vaccines cool.
Regional cooperation and participation to Montreal Protocol meetings
The National Ozone Officer participated in the World Cold Chain Symposium and the Forty-fourth meeting of Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) and Fifth Extraordinary Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, 10-16 July 2022, Bangkok, Thailand.
Ozone officers from Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica and Grenada
Ozone officers from Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica and Grenada