YSEP ORIENTATION – PARTICIPANTS INTRODUCED TO NEW DATA COLLECTION SOFTWARE

Posted on July 20, 2026July 20, 2026

Orientation has begun for the 7000 Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP) participants, who will be working within the Municipal Corporations and affiliated agencies this summer. This year, participants will primarily gather information on streetlights, old and dilapidated buildings, trade licenses, GIS Road Mapping, garages, hairdressers and barbershops using the Survey123 Application.

During Clarendon’s orientation, Mayor of May Pen, His Worship, Councillor Joel Williams, encouraged participants to approach their assignments with diligence and professionalism, noting that the programme offers a valuable foundation and early exposure to the world of work.

“As a training exercise, as a training programme, some of you are going back to school and a programme like this you’ll be able to put on your resume… so I want you to take the matter very seriously,” he said.

While speaking after the evening orientation session in Manchester, Human Resource Manager Damion Chen said that the use of the digital platform to gather the data is step in the right direction as it allows the Municipal Corporation to track the data in real time.

“We will see the students using online portal of the YSEP programme instead of the paper-base, so this has cut out the use of paper for the corporation… it is easier for the participants to get the information instead of them bringing the paper base to us so that’s good [for] the corporation and the Ministry of Local Government,” he stated.

“Regarding the online portal, it is Survey123, this online application will give the corporation a real-time upload of data so once the student or participant goes out and gather that information, it will automatically upload in real time…the corporation is also aware of what the students are doing in real time,” he continued.

Meanwhile, the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation wrapped up their series of orientation exercises last Friday (July 17) with more than 800 participants across 40 divisions.

Participants will work with the local authorities for four weeks and the batch of 200 participants who will be working alongside the Disaster Risk Management team are expected to begin training and field work in August.

YOUTH SUMMER EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME (YSEP),EXPANDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPANTS

Posted on July 17, 2026July 17, 2026

Over the last 10 years, the Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP), an initiative under the Ministry, has been providing employment for young people during the summer holidays; the participants are assigned various task within the Fourteen (14) Municipal Corporations.

Speaking at the National Solid Waste Management Authority headquarters last month, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, announced a shift in the programme’s focus. He said 200 participants would be selected to support Parish Disaster Coordinators in strengthening disaster preparedness throughout the hurricane season.

“Since 2016, the Administration started what we call the Youth Summer Employment Programme, and since 2016 that programme has provided employment for more than 100,000 young people… this year we will commence the Youth Summer Employment Programme in the month of July but there is one component of the programme that will be different from the previous years,” he said.

“There are some lessons that we learned from Melissa, that we are going to be strengthening the Municipal Corporations. So, one of the aspects of the Youth Summer Employment Programme this year is that we are going to [be] providing 200 jobs out of the Youth Summer Employment Programme where we’re going to be providing 10-15 Youth Summer employees to each Municipal Corporation through the SDC… right through the hurricane season and their responsibility is to work with Disaster Coordinators in each Municipality across the country to deal with some of the issues that the disaster response needs”

This move is expected to significantly intensify disaster preparedness and response at the local level. Participants will be tasked with data collection, which will include hazard and drought mapping, providing administrative support and data entry.

The YSEP programme, over the last 10 years have given many young Jamaicans the opportunity to use the initiative as a capacity building pathway, with several participants matriculating into long-term employment within the Local Government fraternity.

WORK COMMENCES TO CLEAR GULLIES AND DRAINS UNDER KSAMC DISASTER MITIGATION PROGRAMME

Posted on July 16, 2026

KINGSTON, July 14 (JIS):

Work has commenced to clear 27 gullies and drains across nine coastal divisions at a cost of more than $23 million, under phase one of the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) 2026 Disaster Mitigation programme.

Deputy Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Lorraine Dobson, made the announcement during the KSAMC’s meeting on Tuesday (July 14), in downtown Kingston.

“We have commenced work on the first phase of the 2026 Disaster Mitigation programme. Under this phase, we will be focusing on critical gullies and drains. This proactive intervention forms part of the KSAMC’s ongoing effort to strengthen flood mitigation measures, improve the capacity of our drain infrastructure and reduce the risk of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall,” she said.

The Deputy Mayor said these works are critical to protecting lives, safeguarding property and improving the resilience of communities throughout the hurricane season.

She appealed to all citizens to observe responsible disposal practices to keep drains and gullies free of debris to prevent flooding.

“While the KSAMC remains committed to maintaining the municipality’s drainage network, I must appeal to residents, contractors and developers to exercise greater responsibility in the storage of building materials, particularly sand, marl, gravel and other aggregates,” Councillor Dobson said.

The Deputy Mayor emphasised that these materials should never be stored along the roadside or in locations where they can be washed into drains and gullies during rainfall.

“Far too often the Corporation is forced to divert scarce resources from essential road maintenance and other infrastructure work to remove silt, gravel and other debris that unnecessarily block the drainage system. This is a preventable problem and one that, ultimately, places an additional financial burden on already limited resources,” she said.

“I, therefore, urge every resident to play his or her part in protecting our drainage infrastructure by adopting responsible construction and waste management practices. We can reduce flooding, make more efficient use of public funds and build a cleaner, safer and more resilient Kingston and St. Andrew for all,” she added.

Councillor Dobson pointed out that all divisions will benefit from the mitigation programme.

NSWMA RECEIVES FOUR NEW WATER TRUCKS

Posted on July 6, 2026

On Tuesday morning (June 30) The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) officially added four water trucks to their fleet, allocating one unit to each region (MPM, WPM, SPM, NEPM). The units were acquired by the entity to bolster the agency’s resilience building exercise.

The trucks, which will be used for day-to-day operations such as transporting water to regional offices and outstations will also be used for wetting drylands to prevent fires and washing town centres, while also playing a key role in preparing and responding during times of disaster.

During the handing over ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said that these trucks will add to the current complement of vehicles that the National Solid Waste Management Authority has in their taskforce.

“We have given to the organization, more than 130 trucks in various forms over the last 10 years… these four new additions, comes on the heels of the 10 tipper trucks that was provided last year,” he said.

“When Catherine Hall was covered by mud, if we had these trucks, in Catherine Hall, it would have made a significant difference in the time that we spent cleaning Catherine Hall and so these trucks will be provided to the four regions, each region will have one” he added.

The Minister also stated that an additional four trucks will be procured in the new financial year as the agency continues to ramp up their manpower, heavy equipment and public education efforts.

“In the new financial year, we’re going to be making provisions for another four trucks” he said.

The National Solid Waste Management Authority has been the driving force is removing bulky waste, derelict vehicles and debris since the passage of hurricane Melissa. The agency recently launched Operation CALM, as they continue to do their part restoring and maintaining Jamaica’s beauty.

THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FRATERNITY ON DISPLAY IN THE 11TH BIENNIAL JAMAICA DIASPORA MARKETPLACE

Posted on July 3, 2026July 3, 2026

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and its agencies participated in the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade from June 14–17 under the theme, “Diaspora Partnerships: Rebuilding a More Resilient Jamaica.”

This marked the Ministry’s inaugural participation in the conference and provided an invaluable opportunity to showcase the work of the Ministry and its agencies in the Diaspora Marketplace. Through meaningful engagement with Jamaicans living overseas, the Ministry sought to foster strategic partnerships and strengthen connections with the diaspora.

JAMAICA FIRE BRIGADE

For the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), the conference presented an opportunity to reposition the organisation in the minds of the public as an agency whose responsibilities extend far beyond firefighting. The Brigade highlighted its diverse range of services, including its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations through its Drone Unit, its Emergency Medical Services, its humanitarian assistance services, and other specialised emergency response capabilities.

The JFB also underscored its indispensable role in the country’s development process. Without its building inspections and approvals, construction projects across Jamaica would come to a standstill. As the agency responsible for assessing fire safety compliance and aspects of infrastructural integrity, the Brigade plays a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and property. Fittingly, the venue that hosted the Diaspora Marketplace itself required approval from the Jamaica Fire Brigade before the conference could proceed.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

While rebuilding physical infrastructure is essential, Jamaica’s recovery, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, also depends heavily on social and psychological intervention. Central to this effort is the work of the Social Development Commission (SDC), one of the few government agencies with representatives serving all 775 communities across the island.

Throughout the conference, the SDC’s knowledgeable team engaged visitors by providing detailed insights into the agency’s programmes and initiatives designed to empower individuals and strengthen communities.

Among the featured initiatives was the Sport for Community Development Programme, which includes the National T20 Cricket Competition. This programme promotes community engagement while encouraging healthier lifestyles and positive social values. The agency also highlighted its Participatory Governance Framework Programme and the Local Economic Initiative, both of which equip grassroots entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to establish, manage, and grow sustainable businesses.

To complement these presentations, the SDC showcased products created by local micro-enterprises supported through its programmes and generated additional interest by raffling a National T20 cricket ball autographed by portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie.

NATIONAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) used the conference to shine a spotlight on its Plants and Gardens Division. While demonstrating the agency’s contribution to Jamaica’s beautification efforts, representatives also educated visitors on the environmental and economic benefits of composting. They shared practical guidance on how households can safely convert organic waste into valuable, reusable resources, reinforcing the importance of sustainable waste management practices.

BOARD OF SUPERVISION FOR THE RELIEF OF THE POOR

The Board of Supervision for the Relief of the Poor, a department within the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, is tasked with improving the lives of Jamaica’s most vulnerable citizens. Through the Municipal Corporations, the Ministry administers a range of poor relief services, including state-owned homeless shelters, drop-in centres, and infirmaries.

At the conference, Corporate Secretary Ms. Treka Lewis and Regional Manager Ms. Maureen James highlighted the Board’s wide range of services while engaging members of the diaspora on opportunities to support vulnerable Jamaicans. They also discussed avenues through which returning residents and overseas Jamaicans can contribute meaningfully to social welfare initiatives.

All in all, the Ministry’s participation in the conference proved to be a rewarding experience and underscored the value of highlighting the improvements and versatility of what Jamaica is today.

CHURCHES IN CLARENDON AND ST ANN TO BENEFIT FROM AN ADDITIONAL $50 MILLION UNDER THE COMMUNITY CHURCH CLEAN UP PROGRAMME

Posted on June 29, 2026June 29, 2026

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie announced that under the National Community Church Clean-up Programme another $50 million will be allocated to assist churches in Clarendon and St Ann with rehabilitative efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

He made the disclosure during the grant handover ceremony at the Calvary Baptist Church in St James on Wednesday morning (June 24) where 84 churches received their cut of the $75 million allocation that the government earmarked to assist churches that sustained damage during the passage of the hurricane.

“We are going to be turning our attention to the parishes on St Ann and Clarendon and we’re going to be providing $50 million to assist those churches in Clarendon and St Ann”

This, in a bid to support more churches that were impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Meanwhile, churches in St James received some $16 million to offset some of the cost of repair increasing the number of beneficiaries to more than 300 churches so far.

The minister urged religious leaders to continue to be vanguards of hope despite the setback as many churches suffered minor and extensive loss.

He also used the opportunity to again reiterate the government’s position of providing monetary support to churches.

“In every parish there was a vestry, and that is where the seat of government use to take place…When you have family crisis, who do you turn to?… When [are] you getting married, where you want to do it? And when you want your last rights… if the church is there to do all the things that make us happy as a people, why is it that the government can’t do something one time to make the church happy?” he questioned.

“What we have done is to offer churches, a way to clean up, to remove the debris, if you want to put on a roof or repair a window that is what we have provided” he added.

For his part, Mayor of Montego Bay, Richard Vernon commended the Minister for his persistence in ensuring that the initiative came to fruition.

“ Today is very important day because the church plays more than a spiritual role in our life, the church is the secondary institution of socialization… when we have our challenges, we run to the church, and it within this context that I must commend our Minister, despite all odds, stood up, when persons challenged him about contributing to the recovery of churches and said that they must be assisted,” he said.

Collectively, close to 500 churches across five parishes (St Elizabeth, Hanover, Trelawny, St James and Westmoreland) have benefited from the $75 million allocation.

NSWMA APPLYING LESSONS FROM MELISSA EXPERIENCE AS THE 2026 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS

Posted on June 26, 2026June 26, 2026

The National Solid Waste Management Authority is implementing new mitigation strategies to manage the current Hurricane season and beyond. In making the revelation during this year’s Sectoral Debate on June 3, Minister of Local Government and Community Development Hon. Desmond McKenzie stated that the public cleansing Agency is taking specific steps to ensure faster and more comprehensive responses to land slippages and flooding incidents that threaten pedestrian and commuter movement.

“These include the prepositioning of equipment and personnel in strategic areas, 48 hours prior to a potential disaster, and the retention of a 30% Fuel Reserve as well as essential supplies, to ensure full operations for 72 hours after a disaster. Agreements are also being developed with suppliers and contractors to provide additional fuel and heavy equipment for disaster response. The NSWMA is also identifying alternative Disposal Sites for emergency use if access to official Sites is cut off in a disaster.”

The Minister stated that the Agency is still working to improve its public cleansing performance while ensuring optimal hurricane preparation. In this respect, he disclosed that 80 garbage trucks will be repaired to shorten waste collection schedules.

“Jamaica is divided into 4,275 collection districts, and the intention is to ensure that regular waste collection is done every 7 – 10 days right across the country. This is in addition to a specific project to collect 8-thousand tonnes of bulky waste”

“I am also making a special appeal to our citizens to practice the NSWMA’s motto in their daily lives: Jamaica’s Beauty is our Duty. The Agency’s target of collecting 1.2 million tonnes of waste this year, will be far easier to achieve if practices such as illegal dumping and the casual throwing of garbage onto the streets are significantly reduced.

Last year alone, over 2,300 anti-litter tickets were issued, and over 9-thousand litter removal notices were issued. However, we recognize that a unique intervention is needed to ensure greater levels of civic responsibility. Accordingly, the NSWMA will be implementing a special public education programme in this Financial Year, at a cost of $200 million.”

 

OVER J$400 MILLION IN PAROCHIAL INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES AMONG HURRICANE PREPARATION MEASURES FOR 2026

Posted on June 23, 2026

Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie says additional measures are being taken to ensure maximum levels of readiness for this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season. In noting that he was contributing to the Sectoral Debate at the start of the Season (June 3), the Minister said thoroughness in preparation as well as rapid, co-ordinated responses to incidents as they arise, are the fundamental objectives of these measures. “This year, 200 participants in the Youth Summer Employment Programme will be deployed to work specifically with the Disaster Co-ordinators in each Municipal Corporation. At least 10 YSEP workers in each MC, will be assisting with Shelter arrangements, and public outreach activities such as Town Hall Meetings. These 200 YSEP participants who will assist the Disaster Co-ordinators will be working for six months, beginning on the first of July. In keeping with the instructions of the Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who is Chairman of the National Disaster Risk Management Council, we will also be implementing emergency drills island-wide, to ensure far more efficient, co-ordinated responses to incidents in real time.

The Minister also announced new initiatives to ensure that parochial infrastructure is ready for the Season. “We will be implementing a Special Drain Cleaning Programme at a cost of $70 million. Under this Programme, each Division will be allocated Three Hundred Thousand ($300,000) for drain cleaning. This is in addition to the drain cleaning allocations given to the Municipal Corporations for the months of May and June through the Parochial Revenue Fund. We are also rolling out a Priority Parochial Road Programme, which will target badly damaged roads that connect communities, and roads that lead to critical places like Hospitals and schools. This Programme is valued at $350 Million, and I wish to emphasize that this is separate from the monthly allocations that the Corporations receive for road maintenance. “