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...

Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), say their entities are in a state of “heightened readiness” for the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. This assurance comes against the background of meteorologists’ anticipation of a very active season. Forecasters are predicting the possible formation of 13 to...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says safeguarding the welfare of the homeless is a priority for the Government during the hurricane season, which begins on June 1. Speaking at a digital town hall on Thursday (May 28), Minister McKenzie informed that shelters are being equipped to accommodate persons living on the streets, should the need...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says the island’s municipal corporations will be rolling out the first phase of their disaster risk mitigation programme in two weeks, for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season, which begins on June 1. Speaking at a digital town hall meeting on Thursday (May 28), Mr. McKenzie informed that the programme is...