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...

Employees of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) are being commended for their unwavering dedication and resilience in maintaining sanitation services across the island, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Executive Director of the NSWMA, Audley Gordon, praised the workers for their loyalty and commitment, while addressing the Long Service Awards Ceremony for staff of NEPM Waste Management...

As the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season approaches, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is urging Jamaicans to heighten their level of preparedness and take proactive steps to safeguard lives and property. “Preparedness is shared responsibility. Government has its role. But readiness begins in households, communities, farms, schools, clinics, police stations and fire stations. “It also begins in the...

As the country prepares for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is strengthening the country’s disaster risk financing framework to bolster recovery efforts and respond to the needs of citizens. Addressing the National Disaster Risk Management Council Meeting, he said that these instruments, which include catastrophe bonds, have enhanced Jamaica’s...

The Norwood Community Centre in St. James has been improved following a painting exercise on Labour Day (May 25) and the commissioning of a $4.5-million solar unit, which will provide electrical power to the facility. The project was completed by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF). In an interview with JIS News, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security...

Scores of persons turned out to participate in the clean-up of the Barry and Lloyd Cemetery in Kitson Town, St. Catherine on Monday (May 25). The Labour Day Parish Project, spearheaded by the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation, focused on the removal of overgrown shrubs and general cleaning. Ground was also broken for the construction of sanitary facilities. “Today, we are...

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) marked Labour Day on Monday (May 25) with three major projects, highlighting the theme: ‘Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safer Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goal of Agenda 2063’. The project sites were Franklin Town Primary School in the Allman Town Division, the St. William Grant Monument in the Brandon Hill Division,...