Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says the launch of a national clean-up programme just one month after the country was struck by a powerful hurricane speaks volumes about the strength and resilience of the Jamaican people. The programme aims to remove debris, clear drainage systems, and address environmental hazards that have compounded residents’ vulnerabilities in...

After serving almost 2,000 patients in Montego Bay, St. James, the People’s Republic of China’s advanced navy hospital ship, the Silk Road Ark, has docked at the Port Royal Cruise Pier. It will serve patients from the Corporate Area and surrounding communities over the next three days. The vessel was met at the pier by a delegation, including Minister of...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says emergency work is to begin immediately at the Westmoreland Infirmary, as the Government moves to restore critical sections of the facility heavily damaged by Hurricane Melissa. The Minister made the disclosure after a tour of the facility on December 3, where he examined structural damage to the male and...

Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, says the Government is focused on “building forward” in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The strategy is not just aimed at restoring damaged infrastructure but strengthening the country’s climate resilience. “We must build forward colleagues. We cannot just think...

Justices of the Peace (JPs) in St. Mary will be adopting a community in Westmoreland  to provide long-term support to the residents. Westmoreland is among the parishes hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa, which impacted the island on October 28. The announcement was made by Custos of St. Mary, Hon. Errol Johnson, during a commissioning ceremony for 27 new JPs for...

The National Housing Trust (NHT) has expanded the range of documents it will accept to verify identity and property ownership for persons seeking assistance under its Hurricane Melissa relief initiatives. Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Dwayne Berbick, noted that, in addition to traditional proof, the NHT will now accept property tax records, land diagrams, and notarised...

Nearly 500 persons are currently deployed across the hardest‑hit communities, conducting damage and needs assessments following the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October. Chief Technical Director (CTD) in the Ministry, Audrey Deer‑Williams, made the disclosure during a Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs virtual sensitisation session on Thursday (December 4). The session was convened to update Justices of the Peace...