Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Stewart Beckford, says $30 million is being spent to rehabilitate the Black River Fire Station in St. Elizabeth. "We have already commenced preliminary work, in terms of the processes we will go through," he told JIS News. Mr. Stewart pointed out that the project is being carried out in two phases, adding that...

The Ministries of Health and Wellness and Local Government and Community Development are working on plans for the effective management of shelters and the protection of the vulnerable population during the hurricane season. Among the objectives is to ensure that social distancing is maintained in order to prevent an outbreak of the coronavirus (COVD-19). “As we live with COVID-19 going...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is calling on all Jamaicans to join the campaign against illegal dumping, particularly on National Solid Waste Day, June 6. The day will be observed under the theme ‘SOLID: Stamp Out Littering and Illegal Dumping’. It forms part of National Environmental Awareness Week, which runs from June 1 to 8. “We want to...

Long-term planning, infrastructural investments and individual responsibility are key to how we prepare for major disaster events, says Director of the Disaster Risk Reduction Centre (DRRC) at the University of the West Indies, Dr. Barbara Carby. Speaking at a virtual town hall meeting held by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development on May 28, Dr. Carby underscored the...

Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Stewart Beckford, says the entity is looking to identify a suitable site in the Balaclava area of St. Elizabeth to construct an additional fire station to serve the parish. “We have had discussions [with] the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and our Board, with a view to try and identify a...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has started the clearing of illegal dumps across the island, in preparation for the predicted above-normal hurricane season. “We have looked at all the problematic areas that are historically prone to flooding. What we have said to all regions is make sure that we try and get rid of the mini dumps in...

The Trelawny Municipal Corporation says it is in an advanced state of readiness for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The Corporation’s Chairman and Mayor of Falmouth, Councilor Colin Gager, told JIS news that preparatory work has started, with priority focus being placed on flood prone areas within Trelawny. Councillor Gager advised that...