Member of Parliament for Western Kingston Hon. Desmond McKenzie has expressed great sadness at the death of former national football player Luton Shelton, after a long illness. “It was publicly known that he was fighting against the ravages of Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was my constituent, and one of the bravest persons I have ever known. He was admired and...

Jamaicans are responding more positively to disaster preparedness efforts, says Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Leslie Harrow. Speaking in a recent interview with JIS News, Mr. Harrow said that the culture of preparedness seems to be “catching on,” and persons are more receptive to the ODPEM’s awareness and training programmes. “Persons are recognising...

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is ‘Reimagining Earthquake Safety to Build Resilience’ during its 2021 Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness Campaign. The emphasis is on revisiting how things are done in order to improve preparedness and response to disasters. “I believe that for us to continue in doing the things that we normally do, it would have...

The St. James Municipal Corporation has earmarked $7 million to commence clean-up and restorative work in communities across the parish that were affected by heavy rains that lashed the parish on Friday, January 8. Addressing the monthly meeting of the Corporation on Thursday (January 14), Deputy Superintendent of Roads and Works, Saad Campbell, said the finance committee approved the funding,...

Deputy Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Winston Ennis, is urging citizens of Kingston to increase their awareness of and preparedness for earthquakes, and abide by the building codes. The call comes as Jamaica marks Earthquake Awareness Month in January. Councillor Ennis, who was addressing the recent meeting of the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), held at the Jamaica Conference...

Community Relations Officer for the National Works Agency (NWA) western office, Janel Rickets, says the entity is engaged in clearing drains that were blocked as a result of flood rains in St. James on Saturday (January 9). She noted that work is being undertaken along the roadway from Lethe to Long Hill, which was the area most impacted by the...

Acting Assistant Commissioner and Officer in Charge of the Fire Prevention Division of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Emeleo Ebanks, is encouraging Jamaicans to report any leaking fire hydrants in their communities. “Once you see water coming from a hydrant, go into the nearest fire station or call the nearest fire station and report it. You can also call us...