Local Government Minister Tours St. Elizabeth

Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, began a two-day tour of St. Elizabeth on April 28, to meet with stakeholders and to take a firsthand look at critical infrastructure and facilities in the parish.

            The Minister addressed members of the St. Elizabeth Parish Council at a special session in the Council’s Chambers, in Black River, after which he toured the offices of the Council and greeted the employees.

            Mr. McKenzie then met with members of  the St. Elizabeth Fire Brigade in Black River, after which he toured the fresh produce and fish markets.

            Speaking to JIS News, the Minister said the meeting with the Councillors was positive, and that some of the issues raised suggested that Local Government Reform must be fast tracked.

            He pointed out that money has been budgeted this year for work to be done on the reform and he will be working hard to move the process forward.

            At the Fire Brigade, the Minister commended members for functioning  in an effective manner, despite  having one working fire unit. He  gave an assurance that repair work on a second unit will be speeded  up.

            Meanwhile, Mr. McKenzie, who was visiting the fresh produce and fish markets for the first time, said they have been kept in good condition, a feat that could be emulated in other sections of the island.                                                                                                           The tour of St. Elizabeth, today (April 29), will include the St. Elizabeth Infirmary, the Transport Centre, the Fire Station and the produce market  in Santa Cruz, the Social Development Commission (SDC) St. Elizabeth offices, the Myersville dump site and the Junction fire station.

            The Minister is accompanied by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Denzil Thorpe as well as several technical officers.