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Commissioner, Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Stewart Beckford, highlights the Brigade's major achievements for 2025 during an interview with JIS News at his offices located on Hagley Park Road in Kingston, on January 23.

Fire Management Software Rollout Major 2025 Achievement – JFB

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) has identified the full implementation of a fire management software as one of its major achievements for 2025, marking a significant step forward in modernising its operations. This was noted by Commissioner, JFB, Stewart Beckford,...

Executive Director of the Social Development Commission (SDC), Omar Frith, addresses the SDC’s Greater St. Catherine Governance Conference on Wednesday (January 21) at the Caymanas Golf Club.

SDC Advancing Citizen Participation in Governance to Drive Social Change

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie (right), listens as Executive Director of the Social Development Commission (SDC), Omar Frith (second left), addresses staff of the Trelawny Infirmary during a recent psychosocial intervention session. Also listening (from left) are Matron at the Infirmary, Tracey-Ann Bell, and Councillor for Sherwood Division in Trelawny, Dunstan Harper.

SDC Processing Over 170 Applications Under Gov’t’s Church Clean-Up and Restoration Initiative

Technical Specialist for Socio-Economic Development in the Community Renewal Programme at the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Charmaine Brimm, outlines details of this year’s staging of the PIOJ’s Best Practice Symposium for Social and Community Renewal, during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’.

Free Transportation Being Provided for PIOJ Best Practice Symposium

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie (right), listen to Executive Director of the Social Development Commission (SDC), Omar Frith, during a tour of the site of the new Trelawny Infirmary in Falmouth, on Thursday, January 15. At left is Matron of the Trelawny Infirmary, Tracey-Ann Bell.

Shelters Across Jamaica to Be Improved

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dr. Gary McKenzie, who has been reassigned the Strategic Operations portfolio, outlines the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s plan to respond in the event the country experiences a major earthquake, during a JIS Think Tank on January 13.

2 weeks ago CommunityDevelopmentLocal Government

Plans in Place to Respond to Earthquakes – JCF

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has reaffirmed that a comprehensive plan is in place to guide its response in the event of a major earthquake. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dr. Gary McKenzie, who has been reassigned the Strategic Operations portfolio, gave the assurance during a JIS Think Tank on January 13. Earthquake Awareness Week is being observed from January 11...

National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) Executive Director, Audley Gordon, speaks at a press briefing held at the agency’s head office in Kingston on Monday (January 12).

2 weeks ago CommunityDevelopmentLocal Government

NSWMA Sorting Hurricane Debris at Source to Reduce Costs

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is undertaking waste separation at source as part of measures to reduce the costs associated with the massive cleanup and transportation of Hurricane Melissa debris. The move is part of measures under the Debris Management Programme, which has been established to provide the operational and administrative oversight necessary to clear the debris in...

Director General, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Commander Alvin Gayle, addresses a recent Jamaica Information Service Think tank.

2 weeks ago CommunityDevelopmentLocal GovernmentOffice of the Prime Minister

Jamaicans Urged to Build Back Better to Strengthen Earthquake Resilience

As Jamaica continues recovery efforts following the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is urging Jamaicans to rebuild in a way that strengthens the country’s resilience to earthquakes. Speaking during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, Director General, ODPEM, Commander Alvin Gayle, said that the post-hurricane season presents a significant opportunity...

Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, addresses the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting on Tuesday (January 13). The meeting was held at the Corporation’s office in downtown Kingston.

2 weeks ago CommunityDevelopmentLocal Government

KSAMC Proposes Decentralisation of Waste Management Programme

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has proposed that the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) focus exclusively on regulating Jamaica’s waste management programme. Under the proposal, responsibility for daily waste management activities would be decentralised and assigned to local authorities, in keeping with provisions of the NSWMA Act, 2001, according to Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby....

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon

2 weeks ago CommunityDevelopmentHurricane Relief & RecoveryLocal Government

Individuals, Entities Invited to Adopt Hurricane-Damaged Homes Across St. James

The St. James Municipal Corporation is embarking on an Adopt-a-House programme, which will invite individuals, corporate sponsors and civic partners to adopt, renovate and properly equip damaged homes across the municipality. It will be supported by the Mayor’s Strategy Fund aimed at helping vulnerable residents rebuild and repair their homes following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Addressing the monthly...

Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Public Education Officer, Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, emphasises the importance of preparedness and calm response in the event of an earthquake, while speaking during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’.

2 weeks ago CommunityDevelopmentLocal Government

Jamaicans Urged to Stay Prepared and Calm in the Event of Earthquake

Persons are being urged to prioritise preparedness and remain calm should Jamaica experience an earthquake. This urging comes from Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Education Officer, Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, who spoke during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’. He explained that preparation is critical in helping individuals remain composed during disasters. “Don’t panic. I know that’s the easiest thing...

2 weeks ago CommunityDevelopmentLocal Government

NSWMA Begins Clearing Debris from Independence Park in Black River

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) began clearing debris from Independence Park in Black River, St. Elizabeth, on Monday (January 12). This was noted by Executive Director at the NSWMA, Audley Gordon, at a press briefing held at the agency’s Half-Way Tree Road headquarters in Kingston, on January 12. Mr. Gordon explained that the park was used as a...