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....

Rehabilitation works are under way on the Moy Hall roadway in St. James under the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme. “It is one of several projects that are being undertaken in the parish of St. James through this programme, with the others being Greenwood and Brissett in St. James,” Community Relations Officer at the...

Regional Operations Manager, WPM Waste Management Ltd., Dramaine Jones, says operations remain firmly focused on restoring regular waste collection across Westmoreland, despite challenges caused by the recent hurricane. Addressing the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting in Savanna-la-Mar, recently, Mr. Jones reported that the company’s workforce and fleet were significantly affected, slowing the restart of operations in the immediate aftermath of...