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The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is developing a welfare plan, which will address the needs of children affected by the police/military operation in West Kingston. Deputy Director General at ODPEM, Richard Thompson, told JIS News that the agency has contacted the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in an effort to assist the children. He informed that...

At least 10,000 children and adults affected by the security operation in West Kingston have been receiving food supplies along with medical assistance since Wednesday (May 26). Assistance is being provided to residents in Tivoli Gardens, Denham Town and Hannah Town by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Jamaica Red Cross and St. John's Ambulance. Deputy Director...

A new dormitory was opened at the Brown's Town Fire Station, in St. Ann, on Thursday, May 27. It was constructed at a cost of $1.5 million. Speaking at the official opening, Deputy Commissioner in charge of operations at the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Errol Mowatt, commended fire fighters across the island for the way in which they continue to carry...

Effective today (May 29), the Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) has activated a hotline dedicated to assisting persons in Tivoli Gardens and its environs, who have been affected by the recent civil unrest in West Kingston. Persons are invited to call 1888-429-LIFE (5433) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day for assistance. The JCC expresses deep...

Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding, has received the appointments of the members of the Emergency Powers Review Tribunal, which will look into the cases of detention and restriction of citizens by the security forces under the State of Emergency. The three-member tribunal will be chaired by Mrs. Pamela Benka-Coker Q.C, who was appointed by Chief Justice, Zalia McCalla. The two...

Prime Minister Bruce Golding has received the appointments of the members of the Emergency Powers Review Tribunal. The appointments satisfy the requirements for such a panel under the Emergency Powers Regulations. The Tribunal will review the cases of detention and restriction of citizens by the security forces under the current State of Emergency in the parishes of Kingston and St...

President of the Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC), Rev. Dr. Paul Gardner, has called on the leadership of congregations across Jamaica to respond to the needs of persons affected by the civil disturbance in West Kingston. "It is a time for volunteerism and we call upon our people, inside and outside the church, to assist those people who have been...

On Sunday, May 23, a State of Emergency, limited to Kingston and St. Andrew, was declared by the Government of Jamaica. The State of Emergency does not prevent people from going about their lawful businesses unless the security forces impose a curfew in an area, which would curtail movement including public gatherings. During this State of Emergency, certain rights and...

A permanent unit of the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) will be set up in West Kingston as the Government moves to ensure that the rights of residents in the areas of the operation are protected. Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, made the...

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) is pleased that members of the media were allowed access to Tivoli Gardens on a guided tour today (May 27). Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, had announced during a press conference at the Hilton Kingston hotel yesterday (May...

Local and overseas media will have direct access to information in the conflict zones in West Kingston, including Tivoli Gardens, as of today (May 27). Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, the Hon. Daryl Vaz, explained that following a meeting with the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ), arrangements have been made to allow the press to enter...

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, has disclosed that six anti-crime Bills, which have been delayed passage in the House of Representatives, will be debated soon. Mr. Golding informed that he has asked the Leader of Government Business in the Lower House and Minister of Education, Hon. Andrew Holness, to make arrangements for early debate on the Bills. "We will present to...