A major allocation of $270 million is in place to fully repair the hurricane-battered St. Elizabeth Infirmary in Santa Cruz, over the next five months as the Government moves to restore comfort and safety for the facility’s 46 vulnerable residents. Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, told journalists that approximately $250 million has been allocated for...

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) has awarded approximately J$32 million to 11 humanitarian and community‑based organisations, supporting education recovery and community‑led development efforts in Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The organisations were recognised during a Spotlight Event at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew on Thursday (January 22), held under the theme ‘Rebuilding Futures:...

The Social Development Commission (SDC) is advancing citizen participation in governance as a catalyst for social change. Executive Director, Omar Frith, says a central feature of the Commission’s programme offering is its emphasis on participatory governance. “When we speak of democracy, we speak of citizens’ empowerment. The SDC has a significant role in ensuring that there are structured mechanisms available...

More than 170 applications have been received and are currently being processed by the Social Development Commission (SDC) under the Government’s Community Church Clean‑Up and Restoration Initiative. The initiative, announced recently by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, forms part of the post‑Hurricane Melissa National Clean‑Up Programme and provides $75 million in grant funding to support clean‑up activities...

Transportation will be provided free of cost for persons wishing to attend this year’s staging of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) Best Practice Symposium on Social and Community Renewal. The event is scheduled for January 27 and 28 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. Speaking during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’, Technical Specialist for...

Shelters across Jamaica are to be improved as the Government moves to strengthen national disaster preparedness ahead of the upcoming 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said the condition and readiness of emergency shelters are now at the top of the agenda. Addressing journalists during a visit to view work being done...

Past students of the Manning’s School in Westmoreland are being urged to contribute to the institution’s wellness centre rebuilding project. The facility, which was destroyed during the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, will benefit from the proceeds of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB) held on January 15 at the Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Andrew. Speaking with...