The Government will undertake a comprehensive national survey of squatter settlements to accurately ascertain the extent of squatting in the country. This was disclosed by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, who delivered the Throne Speech at the ceremonial opening of Parliament on Thursday (February 14) for the 2019/2020 Fiscal Year, under the theme ‘In Partnership towards...

The Government will spend $498 million to increase the fleet and capacity of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) to be able to adequately respond to emergencies. The sum has been set aside in the 2019/20 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives. Under the Acquisition of Fixed Assets Project, which is being implemented by the JFB, an agency...

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development is committed to the facilitation of gender mainstreaming and values the importance of gender equality in disaster risk reduction. This was stated by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, in a message at the January 24 Disaster Risk Management Gender Symposium, read by Senior Director of Corporate Services...

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Homer Davis, has hailed the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) for its efforts in ridding St. James of solid waste. “The NSWMA has been relentless in making sure that they educate and work with the citizens. In the last two years, we have had some major clean-up (activities) across the parish (which have resulted...

Mayor of Lucea, Councillor Sheridan Samuels, has informed that the Lucea Drop-in Centre will officially open soon. “Plans are now in place to open our drop-in centre. The centre will provide for homeless persons warm meals, a place to shower and a change of clothes. It will also allow homeless individuals a place to rest temporarily,” Mayor Samuels said. He...

Deputy Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson, says Jamaica should benefit from its End-to-End Supply Chain Management Workshop, currently under way at its Haining Road office, in Kingston. In an interview with JIS News, Mr. Thompson said the main focus of the workshop is around disaster relief chain management. “It looks at...

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) will be financing the training of young persons who are active in the creative industry. Speaking at the launch of Reggae Month 2019 on Sunday (January 20) at Ribbiz Ocean Lounge, Victoria Pier, Kingston Waterfront, Mayor of Kingston, Senator Delroy Williams, said discussions have started with a group of young people in...