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...

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...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is to construct four new garbage transfer stations in the parishes of Westmoreland, Trelawny, Clarendon and Portland. These will serve as areas where trucks can deposit solid waste prior to loading on to larger vehicles for transporting to disposal sites. NSWMA’s Executive Director, Audley Gordon, told JIS News that a consultant has been...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says the Government will exercise provisions of the Disaster Risk Management Act, in the interest of public safety. The Act is intended to empower designated personnel, known as Authorised Officers, to take certain action in areas declared vulnerable or disaster zones. Speaking at the recent launch of the Office of...

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is looking to promote a culture of earthquake preparedness and response among Jamaicans. “We want to (stir) the nation into action because earthquakes or tsunamis can occur at any time,” said Director General of the agency, Major Clive Davis. “While we have no control…the bottom line is that we must now...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says provisions of the 2018 Building Act will be rigorously enforced. The legislation, which took effect on January 15, seeks to discourage new squatter settlements from being built, promote sustainable development, and establish and enforce internationally accepted building standards and rules for individuals and entities providing construction material and services....

The National Works Agency (NWA) has initiated an internal review into the events of October 23, 2018 and November 12, 2018, which led to the flooding of parts of Marcus Garvey Drive and Mandela Highway. This was disclosed by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, during the sitting of the House of Representatives on Tuesday (January 8) The flooding...