General Manager of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), L. Robert Honeyghan, says the staging of the inaugural fireworks display in Black River, represents rebirth and renewed confidence among Jamaicans as the country transitions into the new year. Speaking to journalists during the Black River Fireworks Festival, held in St. Elizabeth, on Wednesday (December 31), Mr. Honeyghan said the event formed...

   

Cabinet will meet on Monday (Jan. 5) to finalise the distribution of reconstruction grants to  householders impacted by Hurricane Melissa. “We will finalise the categories of assessment and benefit levels, whether you've got minor damage, major damage or severe damage and we will finalise the associated amounts that each category will get,” said Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew...

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has given a strong message of hope, recovery and renewal to residents of Black River, declaring that the town will emerge stronger following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.  “I [give you] my commitment that I will work tirelessly on your behalf. That we will work cooperatively, that we will work transparently, fairly and honestly for you. I give you my commitment that Black...

Jamaicans across the island are invited to ring in the New Year tonight at the annual national fireworks celebration, hosted by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC). The free event began at noon and will culminate with firework displays at midnight, with activities taking place simultaneously at the Kingston Waterfront, Ocho Rios Bay Beach, Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, and...

Jamaicans are being encouraged to report any sightings of animals displaced from their normal habitats due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). According to Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Environmental Management and Sustainability, Anthony McKenzie, following the hurricane, there have been reports of crocodiles in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth. “It’s postulated that...

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is currently undertaking ground-truthing activities to assess the damage caused by the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa. Ground-truthing is the validation of remotely collected data (from satellites, aerial surveys, drones, or sensors) by conducting direct, on-site observations. This ensures that what is seen in imagery or models truly reflects conditions on the ground....