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From major earthquakes to hurricanes, volcanic eruptions and widespread flooding, the Caribbean region has experienced it all, sometimes with horrific consequences. Oftentimes, vital communication systems, such as landline telephones and cellular phones fail, as they too become susceptible to the catastrophic events, leaving vulnerable citizens stranded. The need for supplemental or back-up communication systems, therefore becomes vital. Director General of...

Some 9,000 residents of 15 communities in Eastern Hanover are soon to benefit from more reliable supply of potable water. The Government of Jamaica, through the National Water Commission (NWC), is undertaking a $225 million project for the construction of the Cascade/Claremont/Jericho supply system, which will ensure ample supply to residents of the hilly districts, which are currently served by...

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development will be embarking on an anti-litter programme soon, which will include prosecution of those who continue to flout the litter laws. “We are currently reviewing the anti-litter fines and will be moving actively to prosecute those among us, who continue to discard waste in a wanton and careless manner on the streets,...

The Government has reiterated its dedication to strengthening the capacity of Jamaica Fire Brigade to effectively carry out its tasks in fire prevention and ensuring public safety, despite budgetary constraints. “We are taking it step-by-step in working towards expanding the fleet, refurbishing fire stations island-wide and increasing the number of officers,” said State Minister for Local Government and Community Development,...

Thousands are slated to be directly employed under the National Water Commission’s (NWC) K-Factor Programme. Some 5,000 persons are expected to work on the programme which will see the implementation of potable and waste water projects across the island. Speaking at the programme’s launch on Wednesday (January 23) at the Four Seasons Hotel in St. Andrew, Minister of Water, Land,...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) will be ramping up efforts this year to keep the country clean and safeguard public health. Executive Director of the NSWMA, Jennifer Edwards, says that focus will be placed on waste reduction, through a series of public education messages to encourage members of the public to reuse, reduce and recycle. She tells JIS...

A total of $3 billion has been allocated to the National Water Commission (NWC) to undertake a major programme to replace or rehabilitate several of the 445 water storage tanks across the island to bring them to full functionality. Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate, Hon. Robert Pickergsill, who made the announcement during the sitting of the House of...

The city of Montego Bay and by extension, western Jamaica, should benefit significantly from an international partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Emerging and Sustainable Cities Initiative (ESCI), which was launched on January 17, at the Wexford Court Hotel, in Montego Bay. The primary objective of the initiative is to improve the quality of life in selected cities in...

Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Noel Arscott, says Jamaica needs to entrench a culture of recycling and reuse of its solid waste in a bid to preserve the environment. “We generate 1,200 tonnes of waste per day in the Corporate Area alone. Of this, 40 per cent of it is recyclable, which presents a tremendous business opportunity,” the...

The parish of St. Mary has a new Custos Rotulorum. He is hotelier Jeffrey McKitty, who was sworn in on Monday (January 14), during a ceremony at King’s House. Mr. McKitty replaces Hon. Alrick Pottinger, whose retirement became effective on December 31, last year. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, who presided over the brief ceremony, expressed...

Mayor of Savanna-La-Mar, Bertel Moore, is appealing to persons setting illicit fires to cane fields across the parish to desist, as they are harming the industry. "It is high time for citizens of the parish, who are engaged in these unlawful activities year after year, to understand the serious and irreparable damage to the sugar industry and to the livelihood...

The Westmoreland Parish Council has set up a Safety and Security Committee, with the primary objective of facilitating partnerships, collaborations and consultations to improve the safety and security of the citizens of the parish. Speaking with JIS News at the first parish council meeting for the new year, held on Thursday (January 10), Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar and Chairman of the...