Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has underscored the pivotal role of local government in Jamaica and emphasised the urgent need to counter prevailing negative perceptions surrounding local governance. Addressing the monthly meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation on April 11, Minister McKenzie cited the low voter turnout in the recent local government elections as...

The $6-billion Morant Bay Urban Centre in St. Thomas is more than 50 per cent complete, says Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. “From what I have been told by the management of FCJ (Factories Corporation of Jamaica) and by China Harbour [Engineering Company Limited], our construction partner, the project will be at practical completion by September of this...

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, says Spanish Town is experiencing a transformation, with new and expanded businesses, infrastructure projects and revitalisation of communities. “The town has been transforming before our eyes,” she said citing the Government’s “deliberate focus on developing new communities, rehabilitating existing communities, the development and maintenance of infrastructure, including healthcare facilities.” She...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Fire Safety Prevention and Investigation Branch in St. Elizabeth recently collaborated with the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation to conduct safety monitor training for staff. The training, which also included representatives of the St. Elizabeth Infirmary, was aimed at equipping the agencies with essential knowledge and skills to effectively handle emergencies. Corporal assigned to the JFB...

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, is urging the public to take the necessary precautions against smoke inhalation, due to the fire at the Riverton Disposal Site. “Due to the increase in pollutants in the air as a result of the fire, persons in the surrounding communities in Kingston and St. Andrew and St. Catherine area are asked to limit...

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, says the Government is prepared to respond to the drought conditions impacting sections of the island. He noted the availability of more than $552 million across several ministries and agencies. “We certainly do not hope for a protracted drought; that is not in...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) wishes to inform the public that the fire at the Riverton Disposal Facility has been extinguished. However, there remains a level of smoke nuisance in the surrounding areas. Executive Director of the NSWMA, Audley Gordon says cooling down operations are still underway. "This is usually the case with smoke, it takes a while...

The Government has allocated $150 million to facilitate the trucking of water and procurement and distribution of a limited amount of polyethylene tanks to communities that are experiencing water challenges due to the current dry conditions. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the announcement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (April 9). He said that most of...

Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, says a bipartisan approach to decision-making will be taken to arrive at a consensus that will best serve the citizens of Kingston and St. Andrew. “The approach will involve us consulting with the Opposition,” he said. Mayor Swaby was addressing the monthly meeting of the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation held at 24...