Widespread coral bleaching predicted for the Caribbean

The Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) on Monday said that with El Niño conditions expected this year, the bleaching outlook for the Caribbean is not positive at this point in time

Widespread bleaching of reefs is predicted for this season

Weather experts have noted that El Niño, the natural climate phenomenon of warm temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, has officially begun, and it’s sure to affect weather patterns globally in conjunction with climate change

In its latest publication of the Caribbean Coral Reef Watch, the CIMH said that there are notably warmer conditions throughout the Caribbean compared to this period in 2022 and that the entire region is under coral bleaching watch or warning

It predicts for the four-month period June to September, “there is high probability Coral Bleaching Heat Stress will reach and exceed Alert Levels 1 and 2 for most of the Caribbean ” It said the near real-time satellite Bleaching Alert Area and modelled Four Month Outlook for the Caribbean both indicate extensive Alert Levels 1 and 2 conditions could be expected throughout the region, from midAugust to late September, potentially persisting for multiple weeks into October safety and security committee to meet at least once per quarter”

SSP Phillips said the Division is prepared to have a police officer help the schools review and respond to incidents, or “obvious security gaps” that may be developing

He has also suggested that the School Safety and Security Policy, as it relates to all institutions, be updated so that it “speaks to the modern reality and that which creates standard procedures on school safety and security ”

Phillips further advised the public not to distribute false information about the case on social media, adding that the “Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has more than enough competent investigators who are equipped to handle cases of this nature ”

Study nds slowdown in exports from Latin America and Caribbean

A new study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has found that the value of exported goods from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) grew at an estimated rate of 2 9 per cent yearon-year in the first quarter of 2023, after increasing by 16 4 per cent last year

According to the latest edition of the IDB’s Trade Trends Estimates report, although the region’s trade performance was better than the world average, exports slowed significantly due to lower commodity prices and weaker export volumes

The report said looking ahead, the balance of risks is moderately weighted to the downside due to the impact of tight monetary continues onA6 – Exports slowdown