Gov’t to Strengthen Waste Systems, Climate-Resilient Facilities and Social Aftercare Services

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development will continue to strengthen solid-waste systems, rebuild climate-resilient municipal facilities, and upgrade shelters and social-care services to foster safer, more resilient communities in the 2026/27 fiscal year, according to Governor-General (G-G), His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.

He stated that these build on a successful 2025/26 fiscal year, during which the Ministry significantly enhanced disaster response, social protection, and community-level emergency services infrastructure.

The G-G was delivering the Throne Speech during the ceremonial opening of Parliament for the 2026/27 Financial Year at Gordon House, on Thursday (February 12).

He noted that, both before and after Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry, its agencies, and all Municipal Corporations spearheaded national preparedness, shelter management, and coordinated mobilisation across government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community groups.

“The National Solid Waste Management Authority executed islandwide clean-up and debris-removal operations, while the Social Development Commission (SDC) activated its National Community Coordination Network – deploying officers across all parishes, especially the most affected areas, and supporting damage assessments and temporary accommodation surveys,” the G-G informed.

He further noted that, over the past year, the Ministry achieved significant expansion of social-care infrastructure.

“The Board of Supervision upgraded several infirmaries, installed a therapeutic park in St. Catherine, built new matrons’ quarters in Hanover, and completed major repairs at the St. Thomas female ward. A new Drop-In Centre and Night Shelter in Portland now accommodates 28 homeless persons, and eight indigent houses were delivered to vulnerable households,” the Governor-General shared.

He further informed that the nation’s emergency-response capability was enhanced through the renovation of four fire stations, representing an investment of $77 million.

The G-G added that significant legislative advances were achieved, including passage of the Counties and Parishes (Amendment) Act, granting Portmore parish status; readiness of the NSWMA Validation Bill for tabling; and continued consultations on the Human Services Bill to modernise social-care delivery.