Young persons are being encouraged to participate in the country’s political process, starting at the local government level. Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, made the call while voicing his disappointment that Jamaica’s youth continue to shy away from this important aspect of the nation’s development. He was addressing youth mayors during a luncheon he hosted...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is urging householders to have their wiring checked by a licensed electrician, before putting up decorative Christmas lights in order to prevent fires. Senior Deputy Superintendent and Public Relations Officer at the JFB, Emelio Ebanks said his organisation will be increasing its public education activities during the Christmas season to encourage safety within the homes...

Residents in the community of Pennants, Clarendon, are welcoming the construction of a $10-million pilot ‘water shop’, which is expected to serve some 1,000 persons in the area. On completion of the project early next year, residents will benefit from three months free water. Thereafter, a cost will be applied. The ‘water shop’ concept will see facilities being established island...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is appealing to residents, particularly those in urban centres, to properly dispose of garbage generated during the Christmas season. Speaking in an interview with JIS News, Technical Director at the NSWMA, Audley Gordon, is urging persons to package their garbage properly so it can be easily taken up by the work crew. “We...

The governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has won the Local Government Elections, which were held on Monday (November 28). Preliminary results indicate that the JLP won nine of the Municipal Corporations, while the People’s National Party (PNP) won three. There was a tie in St. Thomas, with both parties taking five divisions. The Corporations won by the JLP include Kingston...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, broke ground on November 23 in Pennants, Clarendon, for the construction of a $10-million pilot ‘water shop’, which is expected to serve some 1,000 residents. On completion of the project early next year, residents will benefit from three months’ free water. Thereafter, a cost will be applied. The ‘water shop’...

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is advising the motoring and general public to avoid using the Bog Walk Gorge as a number of incidences of rockfall have been reported as a result of the current heavy rains. Persons are urged to use the alternate routes via Barry and Sligoville