###### Abstract
(2012) [17] who integrate altimetry into a 60-year reconstructed dataset of gauge, altimetry, and ocean model data. [PERSON] and [PERSON] (2012) [21] note the need for at least 20 years of observations to obtain steady estimates of seasonal and annual characteristics. One of the motivating factors for this study is the (re)examination of multi-timescale variability of SLR in the Caribbean region given the availability of an additional decade and more of altimetry data. This paper aims to corroborate and/or update prior altimetry studies and provide new insights. Beyond that, however, most Caribbean studies largely focus on basin-wide historical trends in SLR. This is not surprising, since the global warming impact on sea levels is large-scale and not limited to sub-region or island [12], but also because of the previously noted limited spread of tide gauge data for the Caribbean. There are very few altimetry studies specific to the islands of the Caribbean, notwithstanding that impacts are felt at the local level, and it has been noted that there is spatial variation in interannual variability across the Caribbean basin [23]. [PERSON] et al. (2012) [22] is one such study which examines SLR characteristics for Barbados using altimetry data. [PERSON] (2018) [24] also examines sea level trends for Puerto Rico, but from other data (non-altimetry) sources. It is also noted that, in comparison, there are many more sub-regional and island scale projection studies--though still not enough--due to the greater availability of ocean model data. The focus of this paper is the use of altimetry data to examine multi-scale sea level variability near Jamaica, the third-largest Caribbean island, located in the northwestern region (Figure 1). The impact of sea level rise on the Jamaican coastline has largely been documented anecdotally (e.g., [25]) or in a few studies focussed on projected change, (e.g., [26; 27; 28; 29]). There are no studies for Jamaica that we are aware of characterizing seasonal, interannual, or longer trends using altimetry. In this study, the focus is on the southeast coast of Jamaica, where the capital city, Kingston, and other major population centres, e.g., Portmore, are located. It is also the site of an international airport and major port facilities that are already deemed threatened by future sea level rise [28], significant telecommunication and electricity generation infrastructure, and the financial district. Sea level variability and trends for southeastern Jamaica are examined using 27 years of satellite altimetry data. The results are contextualized with respect to the wider Caribbean basin, and potential drivers of Jamaica's sea level variability are also explored using statistical techniques. These include Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOFs) [30; 31], correlations, and composites [32; 33] applied to the altimetry data, as well as other datasets for sea surface temperature (SST) and near surface winds. This study also represents a methodological approach that can be replicated for other islands in the Caribbean. The following sections describe the data and methodology used in the study, the results of the analyses, and provide discussion of the major findings using a risk lens. The paper concludes with a summary of key takeaways. Figure 1: (**a**) Map of Caribbean Sea showing depth (Reprinted/adapted with permission from [PERSON] (2005) [PERSON] (2005), 2005, Elsevier). (**b**) Map of the Caribbean, Jamaica and study area highlighted.