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KINGSTON — Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Ronald Jackson, has said that the agency is shifting major focus from preparedness to risk reduction, as a means of building disaster resilient communities. “We have recognised that we have to change the focus, we’ve recognised that we have to shift the dialogue from this matter...

The Meteorological Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas of all parishes in Jamaica until 5:00 p.m. tomorrow. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH means that flash flooding is possible and residents are advised to take precautionary measures, keep informed by listening to further releases from the Meteorological Service and be ready for quick action if flooding...

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica, in a release yesterday, said an Area of Low Pressure is developing over the Caribbean Sea, South of Jamaica. This system is expected to bring an increase in rainfall activity in the coming days with some increase in intensity as of Thursday.  Expect periods of showers and thunderstorms, which could be heavy at times, to affect...

KINGSTON — Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, says Jamaica must move quickly to implement policies to safeguard the nation’s food security, and preserve water resources and the environment. Speaking at the official launch of Green Expo 2011 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston on Tuesday (May 24), Dr. Tufton said that global challenges, relating to the...

KINGSTON — Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, says a disaster management team has been established in the Ministry to focus on enhancing the sector’s capacity to minimise the risks and damage associated with the impact of extreme weather patterns affecting Jamaica. Speaking on May 24 launch of the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust’s (JCDT) Green Expo 2011...

KINGSTON — Minister of Water and Housing, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says the Government is taking a “game-changing approach” to providing housing for Jamaicans, through effective collaboration with the National Housing Trust (NHT), Jamaica Mortgage Bank, the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ), and the private sector. He said with this approach, the Ministry, through its agencies will be “delivering far...

MONTEGO BAY — Minister of Transport and Works, Hon. Michael Henry, is commending the work being done by the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) to clean-up roadways along the north coast under a pilot road beautification and maintenance project. The initiative, which is being undertaken through a US$10 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), entails the removal...

MONTEGO BAY — Mayor of Savanna-La-Mar and Chairman of the Westmoreland Parish Council, Councillor Bertel Moore, says effective management of solid waste is critical to the enhancement of the health of citizens; hence such task should be the responsibility of the local authority. Addressing the monthly meeting of the Council in Savanna-la-Mar Thursday May 12, Mayor Moore noted that the...

KINGSTON — Minister of Water and Housing, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, has signed a contract worth $802.5 million, for the development of 159 serviced lots and 99 two bedroom units in Boscobel, St. Mary. The 34.4-hectare site is located five kilometres from Oracabessa and 13 kilometres from the parish capital, Port Maria. Speaking at the signing, which took place today, ...

MONTEGO — With less than three weeks before the start of the 2011 hurricane season, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator for Westmoreland, Rev. Hilma Tate, is reporting that the parish’s disaster response machinery is ready to offer quick and effective response in the event of an emergency. She said that emergency supplies are in place and all 66 schools in the parish,...

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been advised by the Earthquake Unit that an earthquake of magnitude M5.0 and a focal depth of 21km was located 20km South of Black River (offshore) at 10:07 a.m., Monday May 16, 2011. Reportedly felt in Negril, Montego Bay, Mandeville, Santa Cruz, Spanish Town and Kingston. The ODPEM implores all...

KINGSTON — A major study is to be undertaken for the development of a comprehensive drainage and flood control plan for the Kingston Metropolitan Area; Spanish Town and its environs, St. Catherine; Ocho Rios, St. Ann; Montego Bay, St. James; Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth; and Port Maria, St. Mary. Cabinet has approved the employment of Stanley Consultants Incorporated to provide...