28/07/2026
MGI's Contribution to the 2026 Emancipation Lecture
The Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) at The University of the West Indies, Mona was pleased to contribute to the 2026 Emancipation Lecture, hosted by the Churches Emancipation Lecture Committee (CELC) at Webster Memorial United Church under the theme: “Disasters, the Built Environment and Emancipation.” The distinguished lecturer for 2026 was Professor Carol Archer of the University of Technology, Jamaica, who delivered a thought-provoking presentation examining the historical, social, environmental, and spatial dimensions of vulnerability and resilience in Jamaica.
Professor Archer’s lecture explored the meaning of disasters, the built environment, and the continuing relevance of emancipation within the Jamaican context. She examined the role of the church in social development, the impacts of climate change, disaster recovery challenges, and the disproportionate impacts of disasters on vulnerable groups, including low-income communities, women, children, and the elderly. Drawing on the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa, she highlighted how existing social and economic inequalities often determine who is most exposed and least able to recover following disasters.
A central theme of Professor Archer’s presentation was the relationship between emancipation and land ownership. She emphasized that while emancipation in 1838 ended slavery, it did not guarantee access to land ownership for formerly enslaved Africans. The continued challenges associated with land access and secure tenure have contributed to inequality, informal settlements, and increased vulnerability to environmental hazards. She argued that land reform remains essential to achieving true freedom, resilience, and sustainable development in Jamaica.
Professor Archer highlighted: “Legal access to land is limited and has contributed to inequality, informal settlements, and greater vulnerability to disasters, making land reform an important part of achieving true freedom and resilience.”
MGI extends sincere appreciation to Professor Hopeton Dunn of The University of the West Indies, Mona, Chairman of the Churches Emancipation Lecture Committee, for inviting MGI to participate in this important national conversation.
MGI Showcases the Role of Geospatial Technology in Disaster Resilience
As part of the event, MGI showcased how Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), GeoAI, and spatial data support disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. Participants engaged with MGI’s work in understanding and managing Jamaica’s natural hazards, including:
- Earthquakes
- Hurricanes
- Landslides
- Flooding
- Climate-related risks and vulnerabilities
MGI displayed its Natural Hazards Tracker Web Map, which provides access to historical and spatial information on hazards affecting Jamaica. The exhibition also featured interactive mapping of Hurricane Melissa’s 2025 track and impact, highlighting the value of geospatial technologies in understanding hazard exposure and supporting evidence-based decision-making.
Historical hazard information was also presented, including the impacts of the 1907 Kingston Earthquake, demonstrating how lessons from past disasters can inform present-day preparedness and resilience planning.
Visitors also received information on earthquake and hurricane preparedness, mitigation strategies, and the importance of using data-driven approaches to reduce disaster risk. MGI highlighted how geospatial technologies can support governments, communities, and organizations through improved hazard mapping, vulnerability assessments, emergency planning, and post-disaster assessments.
Building Jamaica’s Capacity Through GIS, Drones, and Digital Innovation
MGI also highlighted its capacity-building programmes designed to strengthen Jamaica’s disaster resilience. These include training in:
- Hazard mapping and spatial analysis
- Social vulnerability mapping
- Drone operations and aerial data collection
- GIS and GPS applications
- Data management and visualization
- Geospatial technologies for emergency response and planning
Through these programmes, MGI continues to support institutions and communities in developing the technical capacity needed to better understand risks, prepare for disasters, and make informed decisions.
Speaking after the event, MGI Executive Director Mr. Luke Buchanan who attended the lecture emphasized the importance of connecting technology, data, and community resilience by outlining that:
“Disasters are not only natural events; they are shaped by where people live, the resources they have access to, and the systems available to support them. At MGI, we believe that geospatial technology provides the evidence needed to understand vulnerability, target interventions, and build a more resilient Jamaica. By combining GIS, AI, drones, and community-based data, we can help decision-makers move from reacting to disasters toward proactively reducing risk.”
MGI remains committed to advancing the use of geospatial intelligence, innovation, and capacity development to support Jamaica’s disaster resilience agenda and contribute to a future where communities are better prepared, informed, and equipped to withstand environmental challenges.
Emancipation
Contact us for more information:
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.monagis.com
Phone: 876-816-8791 / 876-671-7001
Socials:
Send us a quick message: https://main.monagis.com/contact-us/
