Step Up Programme Launched
By: , May 12, 2024
Photo: Okoye Henry
Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the St. James Municipal Corporation, Councillor Richard Vernon (seated), signs the Memorandum of Understanding for the STEP UP programme, during the initiative’s official launch at the Corporation’s chambers on Friday (May 10). Observing (from left) are Chief Executive Officer (CEO) St. James Municipal Corporation, Naudia Crosskill; Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica (LMAJ) St. James Chapter President, Suzette Ramdanie-Linton; CEO, National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Leonard A. Francis; Regional Operations Manager of WPM Waste Management Limited, Edward Muir; Acting Senior Superintendent of the Jamaica Fire Brigade – St. James, Raymond Desouza; and Executive Secretary at the St. James Municipal Corporation, Cassandra Watson.The Full Story
The St. James Municipal Corporation on Friday (May 10) officially launched the Montego Bay STEP UP programme, which is aimed at enhancing environmental protection and urban public order.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed during a ceremony held at the Corporation’s Chambers in Montego Bay, by various stakeholders to signify their commitment to initiative’s goals and objectives.
Some of the participating entities include the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Transport Authority, St. James Public Health, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Tourism Enhancement Fund, National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA).
Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the St. James Municipal Corporation, Councillor Richard Vernon, said the initiative aims to address the pressing issues of solid waste accumulation, damaged infrastructure, unlicensed businesses, and other challenges faced in the area.
“It has a mission to foster a cleaner, greener, more vibrant urban environment,” Mr. Vernon explained.
He added that the programme will utilize a multifaceted approach that integrates strategic planning, community engagement, and targeted interventions.
Moreover, it is designed to achieve tangible and lasting impacts, including the revitalization of public spaces, enforcement of regulations, and promotion of sustainable practices.
“So, STEP UP is where we are going to clean up the space of Montego Bay. We want to upgrade the infrastructure associated with those STEP-UP approaches. We’re going to enforce, and our actions are properly justified so the larger Montego Bay can appreciate what we’re doing,” Mr. Vernon stated.
The Mayor also expressed plans to have the programme implemented in schools, in and around Montego Bay and the wider the parish of St. James.
“We must get it done. So, we have to ensure that we keep it realistic, manageable and [impactful],” he noted.
The National Solid Waste Management Authority, through Western Parks and Markets (WMP) Waste Management Limited, has already undertaken activities under the programme.
On April 14, the entity removed an illegal dump site at the Dome Street and Water Lane intersection in Montego Bay.