Thirty-eight shelter managers and other volunteers from across St. Elizabeth were honoured for outstanding service during Hurricane Beryl last year, at an Appreciation Ceremony held at the Sharon Baptist Church Hall in Santa Cruz, on May 29. The event was organised by the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation to recognise the selfless contributions of shelter managers who, despite being volunteers, stepped...

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has suspended the collection of market fees from vendors occupying the Yallahs Market in St. Thomas until next year. This was announced by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, during his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 28). He indicated that the market, currently undergoing renovations at...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) and several of the island's infirmaries are to receive new ambulances, as the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development works to improve the country's emergency response services. The JFB will receive five ambulances, while three ambulances will be procured for three infirmaries across the island. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, made the disclosure in...

An additional 22,800 streetlights will be installed across the country over the next two years, says Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie. “There are 228 municipal divisions in Jamaica. Each of them will get 50 streetlights installed each year,” the Minister said. He was making his contribution to the 2025-26 Sectoral Debate in the House of...

Cabinet has approved a submission for May 20 to be commemorated annually as a National Day of Remembrance for the 150 women who lost their lives in a fire at the Eventide Home in St. Andrew, on May 20, 1980. The submission was made by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond Mckenzie. In his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate...

A fully equipped ambulance is now in service at the Portland Infirmary, enhancing the institution’s ability to respond to emergencies. The vehicle, donated by the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, was handed over on May 21. It is the third ambulance CHASE has donated to an infirmary. Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie,...

With the Atlantic Hurricane Season due to start in three days, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has indicated that the island is in a state of readiness. He gave the assurance while making his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 28). “The shelters have been visited [and] assessed by...