Matthew Samuda is a Cabinet Minister of the Government of Jamaica and an international advocate for climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable development. He serves as Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, with responsibility for Water, Environment, Climate Change, and the Blue and Green Economies, and is the Member of Parliament for Northeast St. Ann.
Minister Samuda plays a central role in advancing Jamaica’s climate resilience and sustainability agenda, with a focus on water security, ecosystem preservation, and climate adaptation for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). A recognized policy leader in environmental reform, he was instrumental in advancing legislation that led to Jamaica’s national ban on single‑use plastic bags and Styrofoam products in 2019, positioning the country as a regional leader in plastic pollution reduction and circular economy practices. Read more
