Registration for participation in the Seventh Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean (RP21) will resume by September 5. The Regional Platform, which was slated to be held July 8 to 10, 2020 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, had to be postponed due to the global health pandemic. The event will now be hosted virtually from...

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is encouraging persons to take the time to ensure that their properties are protected in the event that a tropical cyclone should affect the island. Speaking recently on the JIS Television Programme ‘Get the Facts’, Acting Director-General at the ODPEM, Richard Thompson, said the roof of the house should be thoroughly...

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says the government is intensifying efforts to deliver 100 indigent houses during the 2021/2022 financial year. He said the programme will commence in West Central St. Andrew, then it will move to South West St. Andrew, Central Kingston, West Kingston, and other constituencies across the island, as well as the...

Mayor of Kingston, Senator Councillor Delroy Williams, says the feeding programme for homeless persons across the city will not be affected during the seven no movement days. Speaking at a housing development ceremony in Belrock, St. Andrew, on Friday (August 20), Senator Williams said several groups have expressed concerns for persons relying on the programme. “Rest assured that the feeding...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says a preliminary estimate of the damage caused islandwide by torrential rains during the passage of tropical storm Grace on August 17, puts the cost at approximately $171 million. This, Mr. Holness said, was based on assessments conducted by the National Works Agency (NWA). He was speaking during a digital press conference at...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is reminding the public to keep the contact numbers for emergency service providers close and to become familiar with their local fire stations. “I want to remind Jamaicans, you must have certain emergency numbers directly at your fingertips and when we speak of fingertips, we mean mobile calling devices. You must have a number for...

Director of the Meteorological Service Branch (Met Service), Evan Thompson, is urging Jamaicans to remain vigilant, as the Caribbean enters the peak of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. “We are still in the middle of the hurricane season, and anything could develop at any time. So, it is important that all our residents pay special attention to information as soon...