The Governments of Jamaica and South Korea will be collaborating to establish a training school for surveyors, draftsmen, readers, checkers, and other land-related professionals, excluding lawyers. “We thank the Government and people of South Korea for signing off and funding this US$9 million project. The impact of this partnership will be enormous as the bulk of the funds will be...

The Government is looking at establishing a revolving fund where land holders of two acres and less, can apply for loans to pay surveyor fees. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with Responsibility for Land Titling and Settlements, Hon. Robert Montague, made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the...

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is putting several emergency measures in place for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Making his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (June 3), Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said this is in response to lessons learned from the impact of Hurricane Melissa...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has announced the allocation of an additional of $60 million to assist Municipal Corporations with improving emergency shelter accommodations across the island. He made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday (June 3). Mr. McKenzie said the allocation will assist...

The Government will invest $200 million this year to expand capacity at care facilities, thereby easing overcrowding and freeing up bed space. Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, explained that the issue of social cases occupying hospital beds has been long-standing. He noted that a special effort will be made this year to address the matter...

The requirement that buildings must be constructed to withstand Category Five hurricanes is a critical feature of the revised Building Code. Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said the revised Building Code will be rolled out in this financial year. “There will also be stronger enforcement powers for Municipal Corporations, mandatory compliance checks, and stricter penalties for...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has announced a $35 million renovation project for the Marie Atkins Night Shelter downtown Kingston this financial year. The project is the latest in a series of initiatives by Government to strengthen services for the homeless population. “Over the last decade, we have been building a growing number of drop-in...