Prime Minister Andrew Holness has indicated that he will continue his advocacy for developed countries to fund climate adaptation and mitigation, for countries such as Jamaica, and other small island developing states, so that they can put in place the infrastructure that can withstand adverse climatic events.

In reacting to reports of heavy rains and flooding in sections of the island over the past 48 hours, Holness noted that what is happening is a consequence of a shift in weather patterns which is a direct result of climate change.

Holness noted that in tracking weather activities over the last 50 years, the majority of the rainfall was concentrated in the north-eastern sections of the island, particularly in Portland.

Based on observation, this pattern has shifted to the north-western sections of the island.

The prime minister said Jamaica is now experiencing longer, and more intense periods of drought followed by shorter and more vigorous rainfall in sections of the island which were previously not prone to such heavy rains.

He said this shift has been overwhelming the existing infrastructure and resulting in flooding.

He pointed out that Jamaica’s infrastructure was originally built with consideration for weather trends of many years ago, and that today, this type of infrastructure has become obsolete.

Mr. Holness said this is why it is important for Jamaica to have a strong voice in fora such as the United Nations.

The Prime Minister stated that he will be speaking at the UN meetings, on two critical topics: “financing for development” and “moving to fill the climate action and sustainable development goals financing”.

Meantime, Holness appealed to parents and community members to pay close attention to their children especially those children who are crossing gullies or flooded roadways.

This in the wake of reports that a young boy was washed away by flood waters in a gully in August Town yesterday.

The search for the child continues.