Samuda defends western water resilience project as Jamaica export earnings fall 22 percent

Government minister Matthew Samuda has defended a multi-million-dollar western water resilience project in the face of opposition and public criticism, putting the scheme at the centre of Thursday’s domestic news agenda.

Samuda’s stance comes as debate continues over the scale, cost and direction of the western water programme. Critics have questioned the project amid wider scrutiny of how major infrastructure investments are planned and delivered. The minister has maintained the government’s position on the resilience initiative despite the pushback.

In business news, Jamaica’s national export earnings have fallen by 22 percent. The decline marks a significant shift in the country’s trade performance and will be closely watched by policymakers, exporters and analysts tracking external demand and competitiveness.

Across the Caribbean region, emergency crews have been working to save lives after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. Authorities say dozens of people have died and hundreds more have been injured. Rescue operations remain urgent as responders search for survivors and assist those affected by the twin seismic events.

In sport, the West Indies cricket team are preparing for a crucial Test series against Sri Lanka. The upcoming fixtures carry added weight for the regional side as they fine-tune plans ahead of the contest.

Together, the domestic infrastructure dispute, the export downturn, the regional disaster response and the cricket build-up shaped the main headlines for Thursday, June 25, 2026.