The Government will invest $200 million this year to expand capacity at care facilities, thereby easing overcrowding and freeing up bed space. Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, explained that the issue of social cases occupying hospital beds has been long-standing. He noted that a special effort will be made this year to address the matter...

The requirement that buildings must be constructed to withstand Category Five hurricanes is a critical feature of the revised Building Code. Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said the revised Building Code will be rolled out in this financial year. “There will also be stronger enforcement powers for Municipal Corporations, mandatory compliance checks, and stricter penalties for...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has announced a $35 million renovation project for the Marie Atkins Night Shelter downtown Kingston this financial year. The project is the latest in a series of initiatives by Government to strengthen services for the homeless population. “Over the last decade, we have been building a growing number of drop-in...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is urging students to play an active role in keeping their communities clean. Addressing a public education session organised by the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) at the Salt Savannah Primary and Infant School in Clarendon on Tuesday (June 2), the Minister told students that maintaining clean surroundings is...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) will play a key role in the national reconstruction phase of Hurricane Melissa recovery as a major actor in the Development Approvals process. This was disclosed by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, in his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (June 3). “The...

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...