Debate on the Building Bill, which seeks to establish a modern legislative framework that will serve to reduce the vulnerability of Jamaica’s built environment and ensure public safety, began in the House of Representatives yesterday (June 6). In his remarks, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, who piloted the Bill, said it not only creates and...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says he will be inviting architects and engineers to a meeting to discuss issues they have raised about the new Building Bill. He made the disclosure while addressing a national building policy workshop at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Tuesday (June 6). The Minister, who is scheduled...

The Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) says Jamaicans must prepare for above-normal activity for the 2017 hurricane season, which runs from June 1- November 30. Director of the Met Service, Evan Thompson, said some 11 to 17 tropical systems are expected for the season. He said it is predicted that five to nine hurricanes will develop, with two to...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is imploring councillors to put service at the centre of everything they do. “We want to take local government where the people not only respect you because of your political persuasion… (but) must also respect you because of the kind of representative that you are, the kind of service that...

Community groups planning to paint pedestrian crossings for Labour Day are being urged to check with the National Works Agency (NWA) before embarking on such projects. Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Dr. Janice Lindsay, said it is the responsibility of the works agency to scientifically map out the locations for the placement of...

The act of bravery by Jermain and Jamauno Riley and their friend Ramone Peart, in saving five members of one family during the recent flood rains, is something that will be spoken about by residents of Sunnyside, St. Catherine, for decades to come. The three young men rescued Nordia Lewin; her young twin sons, Daleik and Daleel Ebanks; their sister...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has signed a $190-million contract for the construction of a modern administrative building for the Portmore Municipal Corporation. Speaking at the signing ceremony at his Hagley Park Road offices in St. Andrew, on Thursday (May 18), Minister McKenzie said the project will provide the Corporation with its own space from...