The implementation of integrated water resources management (IWRM) is critical to water and water related ecosystems management; especially for small island developing states (SIDS). We conduct an analysis of IWRM in Jamaica through the lens of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6). SDG6 addresses sustainable access to water (and sanitation) for all and state: Clean Water and Sanitation: ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The goal is further broken into eight (8) targets; the focus of this paper is target 6.5, which is to implement IWRM. We analyse the extent to which Jamaica’s water governance framework adhere to the IWRM principles and the importance of Jamaica reporting to an international governing body like the UN. The importance of this is further cemented by Jamaica’s expressed commitment to SDG6 in its country development plan. Implementation of the SDGs has been integrated into “Vision 2030 Jamaica”. This is the national development plan which covers the period 2009 to 2030 and constitutes a strategic road map for Jamaica to achieve developed country status by 2030. The framework exists for IWRM and to an extent it has been implemented. We see key players such as the Water Resources Authority (WRA), National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the National Water Commission (NWC) coming together to report on SDG6, and WRA and NEPA signing MOUs towards national water quality data collection and sharing, However, there exist fundamental challenges within the country’s data and communication structure. Critical issues include lacking institutional framework resulting in unclear or overlapping mandates; poor data management structure, and colonialism influenced cultural practices that retard adaptive management and scientific advancements. We argue that effective water governance occurs when the regulations and practices for decision making satisfies the pertinent UN sustainable goal and IWRM principles.