The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) has received a major boost in its complement of firefighters with the addition of 85 new recruits. The men and women, who recently completed a rigorous training programme, will now be assigned to the various divisions across the country. “Those persons will go directly into the divisions and parishes that they have been assigned, to...

The Management of the Jamaica Fire Brigade wishes to advise the public that the Port Antonio Fire Station has been temporarily closed due to a confirmed case of COVID-19; and its operations relocated to the Salvation Army compound at #3 West Baptist Avenue, Port Antonio with immediate effect. Members of the public may still call the station to report emergency...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has commended the staff of its portfolio agencies for their role in the national coronavirus (COVID-19) response. The Ministry has direct responsibility for infrastructure development, fire safety and protection, waste management and enforcement, community development and empowerment, social protection, disaster management and mitigation, and local governance. These operations are carried...

As of Monday, August 24, the staging of small outdoor events will only be allowed on four specific days as the Government tightens restrictions in light of the continued breaches of established coronavirus (COVID-19) health protocols. Small outdoor events (such as concerts, parties, tailgate parties, round robins, launches and festivals) with the necessary permits will only be allowed on Thursdays,...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has urged vendors at the Brown’s Town Market in St. Ann to be more responsible while operating within the space. “Vendors have their share of responsibility in regard to how they conduct themselves in the market,” he said, noting that they have a duty to ensure that the environment is...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has pledged $15 million towards the rehabilitation of the Brown’s Town Market in St. Ann. Speaking to JIS News after a tour of the facility on Tuesday (August 4), the Minister said that that $7 million will be made available immediately to commence repairs on the bathrooms, flooring, leaking pipes...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has been successful in removing tonnes of plastic waste from communities under separation and recycling initiatives. “These are plastics that, if not properly managed, could have ended up in our waste stream,” said Executive Director of the NSWMA, Audley Gordon. He was addressing a recent digital town hall organised by the Ministry of...