VOTERS TO ELECT COUNCILLORS FOR MORANT BAY AND AENON TOWN DIVISIONS ON NOVEMBER 22

Posted on October 31, 2024October 31, 2024

MORANT BAY, October (JIS):

Voters in the Morant Bay and Aenon Town Divisions in St. Thomas and Clarendon, respectively, will head to the polls on November 22 to elect new Councillors.

This follows the deaths of former Morant Bay Councillor, Rohan “Washy” Bryan, on May 1, and former Aenon Town Councillor, Marjorie McLeod, on September 1.

The announcement was made yesterday (October 30), during a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, who was accompanied by Mayor of Morant Bay, Councillor Louis Chin and Mayor of May Pen, Councillor Joel Williams.

Mr. McKenzie informed that Nomination Day for the bi-elections will be on November 6.

The Minister urged electorates in both divisions  to “go out and cast their votes”.

MINISTER MCKENZIE TO MAKE CABINET SUBMISSION TO BOLSTER NSWMA

Posted on October 30, 2024

KINGSTON, October 30 (JIS):

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says he will be making a comprehensive submission to Cabinet aimed at bolstering solid waste management initiatives in the country.

“I am now preparing a submission to take to Cabinet that will speak to what is going to be required to give solid waste the kind of injection that is required to make it more effective,” he said.

The Minister was speaking at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) annual board retreat at the AC Mariott Hotel on Tuesday (October 29).

 

He commended the board members for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to ensuring cleaner and healthier communities for all Jamaicans through efficient garbage collection.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting the NSWMA and ensuring that the entity is adequately equipped to carry out its work efficiently.

He informed that since 2016, about 165 trucks have been added to NSWMA’s fleet with an aim to improve garbage collection across the island.

“Lack of public cleansing can have a devastating effect on the country’s economy. It can turn away investors, create serious public health issues and erode confidence and respect. So, it has a domino effect across the country if you don’t have the resources,” he contended.

Minister McKenzie expressed optimism about the future of solid waste management in Jamaica under the leadership of the current NSWMA board.

“The organisation has demonstrated the ability to manage a lot of money and to account for it. Transparency and accountability must continue to be the driving force behind your success,” he said.

 

YALLAHS MARKET TO BE RENOVATED

Posted on October 30, 2024

MORANT BAY, October  (JIS):

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has announced that the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation now has possession of the Yallahs Market and that renovations are slated to take place.

Speaking on Friday (October 25) at the handover of a new two-bedroom unit under the Indigent Housing Programme in Seaforth, St. Thomas, the Minister said that the property was leased to a former Councillor for more than 25 years and was not to be operated as a market.

“The vendors had to sit outside the gate of the market; [they] can’t enter the market. We gave a commitment that when the lease expired, we would not extend the lease to any other individual. That lease has expired… the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation now has possession of the market,” the Minister said.

“As soon as the estimates are completed, the Ministry will provide the funds to renovate the Yallahs Market so that the vendors can finally go back in the market and ply their trade and be better than they are today. It’s a commitment that we made and we are fulfilling that commitment,” he added.

JFB MEMBERS URGED TO EXERCISE SAFEGUARDS WHILE ON DUTY

Posted on October 24, 2024

KINGSTON, October 24 (JIS):

Following the recent tragic loss of several of the nation’s firefighters, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is urging members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) to take heightened personal responsibility for their safety.

He made the remarks during Wednesday’s (October 23) media launch of the JFB’s Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week, at the Ministry’s offices in St. Andrew.

The week is being observed under the theme ‘Embracing Digital Innovation to Improve Fire Safety’.

Mr. McKenzie, who noted the demise of at least three JFB members within recent weeks, expressed condolences to their families and colleagues.

“While death is not something we can question, it is also of importance that we not only talk about the work that you have to do but also your own personal safety [which] is paramount. I want to urge you the men and women of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, who are out there on the front line, to ensure that you take personal responsibility for your own safety,” he said, adding that, “you must ensure that your family is also protected”.

Mr. McKenzie pointed out that the Government is “more than understanding” of the firefighter’s role, adding, “that is why we have, over the last seven years, made the kind of investment in the Jamaica Fire Brigade that we have made”.

Meanwhile, Mr. McKenzie has commended the JFB’s members who were recognised by the Government during the National Honours and Awards Ceremony on National Heroes Day, Monday, October 21.

“I had the pleasure of sitting beside the Commissioner at the National Heroes Day ceremony, and I did comment to the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner of Police how proud I was of the achievements of the men and women of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, who were acknowledged… for their contributions,” the Minister said.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MINISTER MOURNS UNEXPECTED PASSING OF FIREFIGHTER COREY SPAULDINGS

Posted on October 18, 2024October 18, 2024

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has expressed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of firefighter Corey Spauldings, who died unexpectedly yesterday.

“Initial reports indicate that firefighter Spauldings lost his life as a result of a most unfortunate accident at his home. He appears to have slipped in his shower while getting ready for work, and the resulting trauma claimed his life. He was found unresponsive by his neighbours and colleagues who had visited his house when he failed to report to his base at the Port Royal Fire Station on time.

“Corey Spauldings had a passionate love for the Jamaica Fire Brigade. He joined the JFB in 2013 as part of the Administrative staff, then applied to become a Firefighter two years later. His death by misadventure is a great shock to us in the Ministry, and in the Jamaica Fire Brigade, which has now lost its third member from the Kingston and St. Andrew region this year. In this time of bewilderment and questions, I pray for strength and consolation for his loved ones and colleagues, and that they will find peace even as Firefighter Cory Spaulding rests in peace.”

NSWMA WORKERS GET PERMANENT-EMPLOYMENT LETTERS

Posted on October 16, 2024

KINGSTON, October  (JIS):

The Government has commenced the transitioning of workers at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA)  and its four regional branches into 3,813 new permanent positions.

The transition exercise, which includes drivers, sanitation officers and operational staff, marks a significant step in enhancing the stability and efficiency of solid waste management services across the country, said Executive Director of the NSWMA, Audley Gordon.

He was addressing a ceremony for the presentation of the first set of permanent-employment letters at the agency’s Half-Way Tree Road head office in St. Andrew on Monday (October 14).

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, in his closing Budget Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on March 26, announced that Cabinet gave approval for the new posts across the NSWMA, which includes MPM Waste Management Authority, NEPM Waste Management Authority, SPM Waste Management and WPM Waste Management Authority.

“At the moment, there are only 269 posts; everybody else is on contract. Sanitation workers, truck drivers, route supervisors, enforcement officers, mechanics. All of the working people in the NSWMA and its subsidiaries for the past 30 years, approximately, were… on contract,” he pointed out.

“We will make workers in the NSWMA and their subsidiaries permanent,” he said.

Mr. Gordon told the workers that now that they are on the official establishment of the Government of Jamaica, it is up to them “to keep your jobs, because the Government has done its part”.

Sanitation worker, Ian Rowe, said he is happy to have received this letter of permanent employment.

“I feel so good this morning. Since I got the call, I am feeling so happy. I love my job and I am doing my best to take it to another level,” he said.

Truck driver, Deon Griffiths, also expressed gratitude. “It is a great feeling and I will continue to do my work with excellence,” he said.

Director of Corporate Services at the NSWMA, Sheenique Johnson, said the workers now enjoy life insurance and health benefits, and a pension scheme is being worked on. “We hope it will be finalised in short order,” she said.

Meanwhile, Director of Operations, Aretha McFarlane, said it is an important occasion for the staff, who are on the streets every day keeping the environment clean. “Their long service and dedication have paid off and it is a new reality for them,” she noted.

The NSWMA is an agency of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development that provides solid waste management services to safeguard public health, while helping to create an environment that is healthy and aesthetically pleasing for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

DON’T ABANDON HOMELESS RELATIVES – MINISTER MCKENZIE

Posted on October 15, 2024

KINGSTON, October  (JIS):

Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is appealing to family members to not abandon their homeless relatives and help provide safe accommodation for them.

“Many of our homeless friends and families, they come from homes, but some of their families have abandoned them, turned their backs on them and turned them out… . I call on Jamaicans to take personal responsibility for your family,” he urged.

The Minister was addressing the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) Wellness Day of Care to commemorate World Homeless Day, at the Marie Atkins Night Shelter in Kingston on Thursday (October 10).

Minister McKenzie said there are currently more than 3,000 homeless persons living on the streets.

“Help us to reduce that number. Be responsible, care for them, respect them, and love them,” he encouraged.

For his part, Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, said that many homeless persons are victims of unfortunate circumstances, which have left them without a place to call home.

He noted that the Poor Relief Department continues to work with various partners and stakeholders to extend a helping hand to assist these individuals to improve their circumstances.

“Whether it is caused by unemployment, mental illness or poverty, no one wants to live on the streets where they have no shelter or proper facilities. We, at the KSAMC, are aware of the challenges experienced by members of the homeless community and we are trying our best to do what we can with what we have,” he said.

The KSAMC partnered with several entities to stage the Wellness Day of Care.

The day’s activities served to highlight and to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness and included the distribution of care packages, provision of a hot meal, grooming services, medical checks, and more.

Posted on October 10, 2024

KSAMC STAGES WELLNESS DAY OF CARE FOR THE HOMELESS ON THURSDAY

 

KINGSTON, October (JIS):

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) will be hosting a Wellness Day of Care for the Homeless on Thursday (October 10), at the Marie Atkins Night Shelter, 65 Hanover Street, downtown Kingston.

The event, under the theme ‘Advocate, Rehabilitate, Reintegrate… The Journey Home’, is in observance of World Homeless Day.

“Homelessness continues to be a major concern and is one of the main responsibilities of the KSMAC,” said Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby.

He was addressing the monthly meeting of the KSAMC held on Tuesday (October 8) at the organisation’s headquarters in downtown Kingston.

Organised by the Poor Relief Department, in collaboration with key partners, the day of care will highlight the KSAMC’s efforts to improve the welfare of persons experiencing homelessness and provide coordinated care and access to resources to help restore stability to their lives.

It will include the distribution of care packages, provision of a hot meal, grooming services, and medical checks.

Entities Such as the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), HEART NSTA/Trust, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), and the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) will be on hand to provide services.

Noting that World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day are both observed on October 10, Mayor Swaby said this overlap is no accident as many homeless individuals face significant mental health challenges.

“Studies have shown that mental health illness is both a cause and a consequence of homelessness. The lack of stable housing can worsen existing conditions like depression and anxiety while untreated mental health issues can often lead to or extend homelessness,” he added.

“Our objective is to get them off the streets and into stable homes. We have established a committee that is focused on doing this,” he noted.

The committee is comprised of representatives from the Board of Supervision in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Ministry of Labour and Social Security, South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) Mental Health Department, Kingston Public Hospital, Bellevue Hospital, National Council for Drug Abuse, Red Cross, Open Arms Drop-in Centre, the  East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, among others.

PLANS UNDER WAY FOR REPAIR OF BROWN’S TOWN TRANSPORTATION CENTRE

Posted on October 8, 2024

MONTEGO BAY, October (JIS):

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says repairs on the Brown’s Town Transportation Centre in St. Ann will get under way in short order.

“Once I have received the estimate and the Ministry has signed off we will be making the funds available to commence the work,” he said.

Minister McKenzie was addressing the official opening of the newly refurbished male and female bathrooms at the Ocho Rios Market in St. Ann on Friday (September 27).

He said that the transportation centre remains a priority for the Government, which is committed to delivering on the promise to upgrade the facility for the benefit of both commuters and operators.

The impending improvement is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry to assess and address the condition of transportation centres, markets and other public facilities across the country.

“We are getting there gradually and better things are ahead of us. We are committed to the purpose,” Minister McKenzie said.

Meanwhile, he announced additional funding of $20 million for further improvements to the Ocho Rios Market. Moreover, the St. Ann’s Bay Market will get $15 million for upgrades.

 

“We are committed because we want to provide the atmosphere for [everyone] to carry on their business,” the Minister said.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER ANNOUCES ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR REPAIRS TO MARKETS IN ST. ANN

Posted on October 2, 2024

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Hon. Desmond McKenzie,has announced that greater resources will be provided to ensure that vital repairs are carried out at Ocho Rios Market in St. Ann.

In officially opening the newly constructed bathroom facilities at the Market recently, the Minister noted that in addition to the original $15 million that he had pledged for emergency repairs to the St. Ann’s Bay Market at the end of September, the money to be spent at both Markets will be more than doubled.

“We’re going to be providing an additional $20 million for further works to be done at the Ocho Rios Market. Therefore, between the Ocho Rios Market, and the St, Ann’s Bay Market, your Government, the Government of Prime Minister Hon. Andrew Holness is giving $35 million in less than one week for further improvements, to ensure your comfort and safety.”

The allocations will be made by the Ministry to the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, and works are scheduled to begin shortly.