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How does a national leader use geography to make betterdecisions and what changes when a country begins to see itself as a big ocean state?
In this episode of Mapping the Conversations, host Dr. Valrie Grant sat down with Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, on the margins of the Spatial ArcGIS User Conference in Kingston, Jamaica. Together, they explore how geospatialintelligence can shape national leadership, strengthen communities and reveal opportunities across Jamaica’s land and sea.
The Prime Minister shares why maps have become an important part of how he communicates with the public and approaches governance. From housing and infrastructure to public safety and climate resilience, theconversation examines how understanding location, risk and spatial relationships can improve decisions that affect everyday lives.
Against the backdrop of Hurricane Melissa, they discussdifficult choices about where and how Jamaica builds and rebuilds. The Prime Minister reflects on development planning, building standards, enforcement and the challenges posed by unplanned settlements, highlighting why geographic understanding matters to both government and citizens.
The conversation then moves beyond the shoreline toJamaica’s ocean future: maritime security, marine resources, stronger governance and the ambition to secure, preserve and sustainably use the country’s ocean space.
In this episode, we explore:
Maps as a leadership tool: Making complex issues visible and helping people understand national priorities
Building for resilience: Using geographic evidence to guide settlement, infrastructure and recovery decisions
Jamaica’s geospatial journey: The importance of institutions, data governance and regional knowledge sharing
Thinking beyond the island: Recognising Jamaica’s ocean space as central to its identity and development
The vision for 2029: The Prime Minister’s ambitions for ocean governance ahead of the Our Ocean Conference in Montego Bay
The next generation: Opportunities for young Jamaicans at the intersection of geography, technology and the ocean
A thought to carry with you:“Geography is not a mere academic exercise.” — Prime Minister Andrew Holness
For policymakers, geospatial professionals, educators andanyone interested in Jamaica’s future, this episode connects geographic knowledge with the responsibility and possibility of leadership.
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