A total of 1,377 applications valued at $68.8 billion were submitted under the development approvals process and the revised building code between January and March this year. Making his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (June 3), Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said that the number of building...

The Government has launched Operation CALM (Cleaning, Advising, Leveraging and Maintaining), a nationwide clean-up and public sensitisation programme aimed at strengthening the resilience of flood-prone communities across Jamaica. Spearheaded by the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), and involving partnership with local stakeholders and community representatives, the programme is focused on removing bulky waste and educating residents on proper garbage...

The United States-based, Caribbean-owned restaurant chain Golden Krust has pledged to rebuild the canteens of seven schools across Jamaica that were damaged by Hurricane Melissa. The beneficiary institutions include Rusea’s High in Hanover, Crawford Primary in St. Elizabeth, Port Maria Infant in St. Mary, Munro College in St. Elizabeth, Westwood High in Trelawny, Providence Heights Infant in St. James, and...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says that 95 per cent of the island's fire stations are now equipped with generators. “We acquired four more in the last financial year at a cost of $33 million, and two more will be installed this year,” the Minister said in his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in...

Scores of female students at Paul Bogle High School in St. Thomas have been treated to an engaging session on menstrual health and oral hygiene, thanks to a new initiative of the Social Development Commission (SDC), St. Thomas branch. Dubbed ‘It’s a Girl’s Thing’, the initiative was launched at the school on May 29 and was designed to alleviate some...

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (left) and Minister of Local Government and Community Development, the Hon. Desmond McKenzie (centre) view a proposal with city engineer for the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), Zacia Chevannes during a tour of West Kingston on May 29. The Government of Jamaica in partnership with the KSAMC are working on...

Jamaica’s disaster risk management system remains strong, coordinated and response capable, says Director General, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Commander Alvin Gayle. “The country has functioning national coordination arrangements, experienced emergency response agencies, established emergency operations systems, trained personnel, active public information channels and improving restoration capacity across critical sectors. Disaster management and readiness is a whole-of-government...