Head of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson, says Hurricane Gilbert served as a catalyst for Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Framework and how “we prepare for hurricanes as a country”. September 12 marks 32 years since Hurricane Gilbert made landfall and caused extensive damage to road infrastructure, housing, hospitals, and industries – particularly the banana...

Deputy Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Winston Ennis, is calling on his colleagues to ensure that measures are put in place to protect the most vulnerable across the Corporate Area, particularly during the hurricane season. Addressing the monthly meeting of the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) on Tuesday (September 8) at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston, he...

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...