The document informs that in October 1988, Jamaica was alerted to the arrival of the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria (Forsk.)) in the eastern Caribbean and Suriname by reports from FAO, IICA, CARDI and the local media. At present the population of desert locust in Jamaica seems low and apparently poses no immediate threat to the agricultural sector. In order to control potential problems the following strategy has been adopted: a locust coordinating committee has been formed in the Ministry with the Director of Research as coordinator; conduct a detailed survey to determine the extent of distribution, population density and factors affecting the population; alert the public to report promptly any large number of locusts seen; display posters prominently in public places illustrating life size photographs of the locust along side similar-looking native grasshoppers; and, the committee reviews the information obtained and decides on what action to take. (MIBA)