Bushfires remained a major challenge in 2025, with the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) reporting a 26.2 per cent increase in incidents across the island. “We have seen, over time, maybe over the last four years, bushfires remaining at a consistently high level. Last year, we responded to 5,710 such incidents, and that’s a 26.2 per cent increase over the previous...

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, in an interview with JIS News at his office, located on Hagley Park Road in Kingston, on January 23. “In...

The Social Development Commission (SDC) is advancing citizen participation in governance as a catalyst for social change. Executive Director, Omar Frith, says a central feature of the Commission’s programme offering is its emphasis on participatory governance. “When we speak of democracy, we speak of citizens’ empowerment. The SDC has a significant role in ensuring that there are structured mechanisms available...

More than 170 applications have been received and are currently being processed by the Social Development Commission (SDC) under the Government’s Community Church Clean‑Up and Restoration Initiative. The initiative, announced recently by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, forms part of the post‑Hurricane Melissa National Clean‑Up Programme and provides $75 million in grant funding to support clean‑up activities...

Transportation will be provided free of cost for persons wishing to attend this year’s staging of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) Best Practice Symposium on Social and Community Renewal. The event is scheduled for January 27 and 28 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. Speaking during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’, Technical Specialist for...

Shelters across Jamaica are to be improved as the Government moves to strengthen national disaster preparedness ahead of the upcoming 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said the condition and readiness of emergency shelters are now at the top of the agenda. Addressing journalists during a visit to view work being done...

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...