The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) collected 1,014,000 tonnes of waste in the last fiscal year, at a cost of nearly $1.9 billion. This was stated by Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, while making his contribution to the 2021/22 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, on May 18. He noted, too, that the...

A group of principals from traditional and non-traditional high schools in St. James have joined forces to address issues affecting the education sector in the parish. The Coalition of Principals from Anchovy High, Mount Alvernia High, Irwin High, Maldon High, Green Pond High, St. James High, St. James and Spot Valley High schools and Cornwall College have been working together for over a year to increase the effectiveness...

Medical Officer of Health for Westmoreland, Dr. Marcia Graham, says persons must remain vigilant in preventing dengue fever, as the Aedes index is on the increase in the parish. “We have seen an upward trend in our Aedes index from around 10 per cent in February, just under 12 per cent in March, and up to 16.4 per cent as...

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, says the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project is expected to advance the development of and accelerate economic growth in the area. The Project, to be executed by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), will comprise works relating to the Montego Bay Perimeter Road; the Barnett Street/West...

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries is looking to cultivate approximately 1,000 acres of ackee over the next three years through public-private partnership. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Floyd Green, says this venture is being embarked as the Government looks to tap into the global ackee market where “we have a competitive advantage”. He was making his 2021/22 Sectoral Debate presentation in the...

The Government will be spending $605 million this year to lay irrigation pipelines and strengthen capacity-building initiatives within the agriculture sector. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Floyd Green, says the funds will also be used to construct a global gap facility, adding that another $300 million has been earmarked to dig wells in Paranasuss in Clarendon. He made the...

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security, Hon. Matthew Samuda, says legislation that governs contraband within the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), is to be amended. Speaking with journalists during a recent tour of the Private Security Regulation Authority (PSRA) Regional Office in Montego Bay, St. James, Mr. Samuda argued that the current legislative framework of the DCS is “antiquated and...