Thirty‑two deaths remain under investigation in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s passage in October. Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Commander Alvin Gayle, reported that the confirmed death toll stands at 45, with 13 persons still unaccounted for. “Our thoughts remain with the families of those we’ve lost,” he said during Wednesday’s (December 10)...

Businesses affected by the financial impact of Hurricane Melissa will have an opportunity to clear long-outstanding signage fees at reduced rates, under a temporary concession programme running from January to March 2026. Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, announced the initiative during the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) Council meeting at 24 Church Street in downtown Kingston, on...

In a vibrant push to reignite local economies and strengthen community bonds following the impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Social Development Commission (SDC) will host a full slate of Economic Villages and Business Opportunity Events (BOEs) throughout December 2025. The month-long activation underscores the Commission’s steadfast commitment to rebuilding grassroots economic resilience and providing vital platforms for micro and small...

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has announced a temporary 20 per cent reduction in fees for structures erected or installed at entertainment events. This decision is intended to ease financial pressure on promoters and other industry stakeholders between December 2025 and January 2026, as part of measures to support the entertainment sector in the aftermath of Hurricane...

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is urging vendors operating in downtown Kingston to fully comply with established vending regulations, as commercial activity is expected to heighten during the Christmas season. Addressing the KSAMC’s monthly meeting on Tuesday (December 9), Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, said the Corporation has issued an “early and clear warning”, in light...

   

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is urging citizens to exercise increased caution this Christmas season, as holiday activities pose elevated fire risks. Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on December 9, Public Education Officer at the JFB, Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, informed that fire incidents typically rise during the holidays but this year requires even more vigilance given...