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As the world witnesses the earthquake horror in Haiti, the problem of informal settlements in Jamaica, has again come to the fore. Addressing a JIS Think Tank this morning (January 20), Executive Director of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Ronald Jackson, pointed to the similarities between Jamaica and Haiti where informal settlements are concerned, and how...

Executive Director of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Ronald Jackson is appealing to all Jamaicans to seek information on what to do in an earthquake, from legitimate sources such as local agencies, and media houses. "Pay attention to your local media houses and your agencies that are mandated to give this information. Seek out the knowledge,...

The Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Ministry of National Security are currently mapping out an operational plan to deal with a possible influx of Haitians to the island, in the wake of the devastating earthquake of January 12. Addressing a post-Cabinet press briefing held at Jamaica House today (January 20), Minister with responsibility for Information, Hon. Daryl Vaz, informed that...

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is partnering with Well Heeled Jamaicans, a local charitable organisation, to undertake a shoe collection drive this weekend as part of the agency's relief response to Haiti in the aftermath of last week's devastating earthquake. "We have gotten their support to assist us with collecting new and slightly worn shoes that...

Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Ronald Jackson, has said that raising the necessary funds is a crucial aspect in providing support to earthquake-ravaged Haiti. "We would like to play a role where we can, in seeing that Jamaica makes some kind of contribution to the recovery facility ...(and) cash (is) a critical element...

As the outpouring of assistance continues to come from all across Jamaica for Haiti, another corporate company has joined the long list of donors to the Help Haiti effort. On Monday (Jan.18) Juici Patties made its donation to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to go toward the relief efforts in the earthquake-devastated island. In handing over...

The Constituency Development Fund (CDF), through Assistant Director, Mrs. Pauline Scott-Blair, stated that it is not in discussion with any financial organisation for the overall management of the Constituency Development Fund, (CDF). The matter was clarified today (January 20) during the Post Cabinet Press Conference where Mrs. Scott-Blair corrected an article in the Jamaica Observer (Jan. 20) which said that...

Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (right), converses with Rev. Dr. Ralph Hoyte of the St. Andrew's Scots Kirk Church in Kingston, during a courtesy call at King's House on January 18. Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (right), peruses a document presented to him by Rev. Dr. Ralph Hoyte, of the...

Acting Disaster Co-ordinator for St. Catherine, Carmen Bartley (right); Chairman of the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Committee, Councillor, Ralston Wilson (2nd right); and Councillor for the Gregory Park division Camille Buchanan, (3rd right); participate in a church service in recognition of Earthquake Awareness Week, held on January 17 at the Word of Life Worship Centre in Rhodens Pen, Old...

A number of initiatives, including an early retirement incentive package, is to be implemented to assist persons, who transition out of the public sector. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Public Sector Transformation Unit (PSTU), Mrs. Patricia Sinclair-McCalla, who was addressing a Think Tank at the JIS' Half-Way-Tree Road offices in Kingston today (January 19), said that the incentive package...

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Public Sector Transformation Unit (PSTU), Patricia Sinclair-McCalla, is dispelling the notion that the body is a "cutting unit", noting that the work of the entity is part of a long-term plan to address public sector issues and increase efficiency. She was speaking at a Think Tank held this morning (January 19) at the JIS'...

Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Ronald Jackson, has said that the agency's post-earthquake relief efforts in Haiti have been going well. "We have been collecting quite a bit from our side (ODPEM), and from the points of collection that we've outlined within the parishes, and we have been packaging and distributing those to...