Jamaica has numerous environmental and planning laws and regulations, including many that implement MEAs. A study into compliance and enforcement of these laws indicated that one of the challenges was limited knowledge and competence, particularly relating to enforcement. However, other than ad hoc training workshops, no training programme existed in Jamaica that targets officers for compliance and enforcement of environmental and planning legislation. With the support of the Environmental Action Programme (a joint venture project between the Government of Jamaica and the Canadian International Development Agency), The National Environmental and Planning Agency led a multi-agency participatory process to develop a training programme starting in 2002. A training strategy has been developed, based on a training needs analysis and a situation analysis.
Identified training needs include knowledge of the relevant laws; knowledge relating to the environment, sustainable development, and various planning issues; and enforcement procedures such as investigative techniques, statement taking and writing, court procedures, case preparation, communication skills, and negotiation skills.
The training strategy seeks to provide long-term (“output-based”) capacity building, rather than relying on short-term workshops. The training strategy is designed to develop learning products (including materials) that respond to agency needs, foster understanding of the different approaches to enforcement, facilitate networking among enforcement agencies and officials, strengthen the capacity of government Ministries and Agencies to identify and address enforcement issues, foster creative thinking to find proactive solutions to enforcement and compliance issues, and develop a pool of talent from which to select officers in the future.
The training strategy is expected to yield a programme on Compliance and Enforcement of Environmental and Planning Legislation that is appropriate for all levels of personnel in relevant agencies. This programme will be institutionalized within the Management Institute for National Development and selected education and training institutions.
The situation analysis revealed that some material for training in enforcement exists in Jamaica, but it is not adequate. Current courses in environment and sustainable development are not tailored specifically to enforcement officers. There are opportunities for institutionalizing such a course at some tertiary institutions, and Agencies have acknowledged the benefit of such training and are prepared to release staff to participate in the courses. Notably, trained and experienced trainers and facilitators are already available.
In 2004 and with additional support from USAID, five courses were developed for enforcement officers and their managers. These include:
- Introduction to Natural Resources, Environmental Legislation and Planning Legislation (EC 01) (a 60-hour course)
- Techniques and Procedures for Enforcement and Compliance (EC 02) (35 hours)
- Personal Competencies for Enforcement and Compliance A (EC 03A) (23 hours)
- Personal Competencies for Enforcement and Compliance B (EC 03B) (14 hours)
- Environmental and Planning Laws for Community Leaders (EC 04) (18 hours)
Resource materials for these courses include a participant’s handbook, a participant’s workbook, and a facilitators’ guide.
In addition to lectures, modes of programme delivery include court visits, case studies, and site visits. Training began in April of 2004. While the current training is funded by donors, Jamaica expects the programme to be institutionalised locally and eventually paid for by government institutions.
For more information, contact Novlette Douglas at NDouglas@nepa.gov.jm