The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) signed a five-year agreement with Jamaica to maintain its Caribbean headquarters in Kingston.

UNEP's regional office is headed by coordinator Nelson Andrade Colmenares.

Under the agreement, the environment agency will continue to occupy free office space at the Jamaica Conference Centre, a government building managed by the Urban Development Corporation.

The conference centre is also home to the UN Law of the Sea.

Any modifications or repairs to the offices will be at government's cost.

"This agreement gives UNEP the offices for five years rent-free," said Local Government and Environment Minister Dean Peart at the February 19 signing.

"UNEP will maintain the building, the generator, the air conditioning unit, and pay electricity and water. Any major repairs to the building will be the (responsibility) of the government of Jamaica."

UNEP has been in Jamaica since 1985.

- JIS