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Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, delivers the keynote address during the opening of the Yallahs market in Yallahs, St. Thomas, on March 27.

Newly Renovated Yallahs Market Reopen

The Yallahs Market in St. Thomas is now officially reopened to vendors and shoppers, following the completion of phase one of reconstruction works, by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development. The completion marks a significant milestone in the...

Sergeant Andrew Williams of the Community Safety and Security Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) speaks to JIS News during a Youth Opportunities Exposition at the Paul Bogle Vocational Training Institute in St. Thomas on Thursday (March 26).

Young Jamaicans Encouraged to Take Advantage of Police Youth Clubs

Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Commander Alvin Gayle, addresses the opening of the two-day Ministry of Health/Pan American Health Organization After-Action Review for Hurricane Melissa Response, at the Moon Palace Hotel in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on March 24.

ODPEM Head Says National Response to Hurricane Melissa Was Strong

Minister of Local Government & Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie (second left), in conversation with Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr. Wayne Henry (second right); Social Development Commission (SDC) Executive Director, Omar Frith (right) and SDC Board Chairman, Hidran McKulsky. The interaction took place at the Kingston & St. Andrew Governance Conference at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston on Wednesday (March 25).

Churches to Receive Hurricane Grants in April

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (right), presents a grant cheque to Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) Programme beneficiary, Julia Shaw (second right), during the Trelawny leg of the initiative’s handover ceremony, held at Abundant Life Ministries Church in Bounty Hall on March 11. Looking on are: State Minister, Hon. Donovan Williams, and State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism and Member of Parliament for Trelawny Northern, Hon. Tova Hamilton.

$366m in Grants for Hurricane-affected Trelawny Families Under ROOFS Programme

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie (centre, front row), responds to questions on March 6 during a meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives at Gordon House, where members were reviewing the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure. He is joined by State Minister, Hon. Delroy Williams (left, front row); Permanent Secretary Marsha Henry-Martin (right, front row), and other representatives from the Ministry.

4 weeks ago CommunityDevelopmentLocal Government

11 Per Cent Increase in Operational Fire Hydrants Nationwide

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has reported an 11 per cent increase in the number of operational fire hydrants nationwide as of December 31, 2025. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, made the disclosure on March 6 while responding to questions during a meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives at Gordon House where...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie (centre, front), responds to questions during a meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives at Gordon House on March 6. He is joined by Minister of State, Hon. Delroy Williams (left, front); Permanent Secretary, Marsha Henry-Martin (right, front) and other representatives from the Ministry.

1 month ago CommunityDevelopmentLocal Government

Streetlight Programme to Resume Following Hurricane Disruption

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has assured citizens that the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) will soon resume the installation and repair of streetlights across the island. This follows a disruption in the programme caused by the widespread damage to the island’s power grid during Hurricane Melissa. In his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation, Mr. McKenzie announced...

Senator and Councillor for the Montego Bay North Eastern Division, Charles Sinclair (front left), and Community Liaison Officer for the Social Development Commission, Warren Morle (right), present the championship trophy and winning cash prize to the victorious Pelle Drive team following their triumph in the final of the third staging of the Flankers Night Out Netball Competition on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

1 month ago CommunityDevelopment

Pelle Drive Wins Third Staging of Flankers Night Out Netball Competition

The third staging of the Flankers Night Out Netball Competition culminated in a thrilling victory for Pelle Drive as the team emerged champions on Sunday (March 1) at the Flankers Netball Court in St. James North Western. In front of a vibrant and supportive crowd, Pelle Drive delivered a commanding performance throughout the knockout tournament to secure the championship title...

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Universal Service Fund (USF), Charlton McFarlane (right), assists resident of Montpelier in Hanover, Lloyd Stewart, in accessing Wi-Fi service via Starlink, which was deployed in the community on November 7, 2025, to provide critical connectivity support for residents impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

1 month ago CommunityTechnology

To Expand Jamaica’s Digital Infrastructure In 2026/27

In fiscal year 2026/27, the Universal Service Fund (USF) plans to expand Jamaica’s digital infrastructure to increase internet access in public spaces. This will include expanding the Community Connect Programme (CCP) to increase internet access points and establish information and communications technology (ICT) facilities in unserved and underserved communities. This is outlined in the 2026/27 Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie.

1 month ago CommunityDevelopmentLocal Government

Gov’t Advancing Public Market Modernisation Plans

The Government is driving the modernisation of public markets as part of a broader initiative to upgrade aging infrastructure and stimulate local economic activity across the island. Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, emphasised the critical need to upgrade long-standing market facilities during the contract signing and ground-breaking ceremony for the Alexandria Market in St. Ann...

1 month ago CommunityDevelopmentLocal Government

Community and Government Unite for St. Ann Infirmary Clean-Up

A united wave of community action and government collaboration culminated in a successful clean-up at the St Ann Infirmary on Saturday, February 28. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, the initiative united national and local agencies in a concentrated effort to restore a safe, comfortable living environment for the infirmary’s 71 residents who had been temporarily...

Acting Principal Director, Urban Renewal and Planning, Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, Raymond Poyser, addresses a recent public engagement session on renovation plans for the Rudolph Elder Park, held at the facility in Morant Bay, St. Thomas.

1 month ago Community

Morant Bay Residents Engaged On Rudolph Elder Park Renovation Project

Residents of Morant Bay, St. Thomas turned out in large numbers to hear plans by the Government for the renovation of the Rudolph Elder Park and give valuable feedback and make recommendations. Representatives from the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, which is leading the project, presented the design details to the citizens, and outlined the vision for the...