Audley Gordon | NSWMA welcomes 2026 with resilience, partnership, and renewed purpose

Dear colleagues, partners, and friends, as we bid farewell to 2025 and welcome the promise of 2026, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA).

This year has tested our resolve like never before, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which brought unprecedented challenges to our communities across Jamaica.

Yet, through it all, your unwavering dedication has shone brightly, turning adversity into opportunities for resilience and recovery.

To our incredible internal staff – the unsung heroes who worked tirelessly around the clock, clearing debris, restoring services, and ensuring public health and safety – thank you.

Your commitment, often under difficult conditions, embodies the spirit of service that defines us.

I've seen firsthand the personal sacrifices you've made: late nights, early mornings, and the quiet acts of kindness that kept our teams going. You are the backbone of NSWMA, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed.

To our external partners – government agencies, private sector collaborators, NGOs, and community volunteers – your support has been invaluable.

Whether through resource sharing, logistical aid, or joint initiatives, you've helped us amplify the Government of Jamaica's (GOJ) vision for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable nation.

Together, we've advanced key GOJ priorities, from enhancing waste management infrastructure to promoting environmental stewardship, all while fostering stronger, more resilient communities.

It's this collaborative ethos that aligns with the GOJ's commitment to building a Jamaica where every citizen thrives in a safe and healthy environment.

Looking ahead to 2026, NSWMA is excited about the road before us.

With your continued partnership, we'll build on our successes, innovate in waste reduction and recycling, and further the GOJ's sustainable development goals.

Let's carry forward the lessons from 2025 – the power of unity, the importance of empathy, and the human connections that make our work meaningful.

Wishing you all a prosperous, healthy, and joyful New Year. May 2026 bring renewed energy and shared achievements.