The 2021 Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) Youth Ambassador, Kyla Gaynor, says that children and adolescents should be included in disaster preparedness activities in the home, as they have an important role to play. “At home, involve your children and teens in the emergency planning routine. Put all emergency contact numbers for the police, fire department, ambulance...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is reporting that almost 100,000 pounds of plastic have been collected under its pilot plastic separation project implemented in several St. Andrew communities last year. “We selected 16 communities that we believe can become more sustainable in terms of the approach towards [plastic] separation and we have been working with them,” said NSWMA...

Regional Operations Manager at Western Parks and Markets (WPM) Waste Management Limited, Garnet Edmondson, is encouraging citizens to log on to WPM’s new website for information about waste management services, including its collection schedule. He said that the launch of the website is aimed at further engaging the citizenry of Western Jamaica in waste management. “Our website has everything about...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) will host a webinar on recycling, as part of activities marking National Environmental Awareness Week from June 1-8. The webinar, slated for June 2, will be streamed on the NSWMA’s Facebook page, and stakeholders and members of the public are being encouraged to tune in and participate in the event. NSWMA Executive Director,...

Executive Director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Audley Gordon, has commended Kemar Folkes of South St. Andrew, who provided his equipment to assist the sanitation team to clear an area of garbage, on May 26. The sanitation team was responding to a call for the collection of garbage on 7th Street in Trench Town, St. Andrew. “It...

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Wednesday (May 26), handed over 10 global positioning system (GPS) devices to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. The Trimble TDC600 handheld devices were provided under the United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU)-funded Spotlight Initiative, which is aimed at removing all forms of violence against girls and women by 2030....

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) will launch the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Programme, which will assist firefighters to better manage emergency situations. Making the disclosure during his contribution to the 2021/22 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on May 18, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said under this programme two drones will be purchased. The...