LOCAL GOVERNMENT ECHOING THE VOICE OF COMMUNITIES

Posted on November 11, 2026

Local Government and Community Month got off to a spirited start with the hosting of the National Church Service on Sunday, November 1 at the Transformed Life Church.

While delivering remarks at the at service, minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie commended the church for their hospitality while recounting their involvement in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

“I want to first of all acknowledge this congregation for the support that you have been giving to us, here at Local Government since you became our neighbours a couple years ago and I want to publicly thank you… I remember going into a number of parishes, Trelawny and St Elizabeth, and your team, pastor, join with us in offering counselling service, assisting the municipal corporations, reaching out” he said.

“I remember we were in Falmouth and a number of staff at the Falmouth infirmary, that was devastated by Melissa, were crying, they felt hurt, and your team, through spiritual guidance, sat, gave counselling, supported the work of the local authorities by ensuring that they were in a frame of mind to offer the service to the people who need it most, and I want to say, how greatly [appreciative] we are for your efforts” Minister McKenzie added.

The Minister also used the opportunity to highlight the importance of youth involvement within Local Government through the Youth Councillors.

“I want to congratulate our youth mayors… I want you to see how local government is moulding the young people of our country to become future leaders of tomorrow… we are the closest form of Government to the people” he said, while inviting one of the Island’s youngest (2026) Youth Mayors, Dre-Arianna Neil of the Portmore Municipal Corporation on stage to stand with him.

For his part, Minister of State within the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Delroy Williams spoke to the important role that Christianity plays in maintaining good governance.

“The entire Western civilization owes its existence to Christianity… Local Government is hard work, its rough work, and there are local government practitioners in the Ministry or by way of the municipal corporations, councillors, the workers, have committed themselves to the work of Local Government and the fruits of that show… and they need your prayers” he said.

In closing, Minister Williams reflected on Matthew 22:21, which speaks of giving Caesar what is due to him. He highlighted the verse’s call to “give onto God, what belongs to God”, urging congregants to dedicate themselves to the Lord.

The National Church Service was also attended by the Custos Rotulorum of Kingston and St Andrew, Hon. Ian Forbes who represented the Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, and read his message, His Worship the Mayor of Kingston and St Andrew, Councillor Andrew Swaby, and several other councillors from within the municipality, including Councillor Phylicia Henry Golding who read the Prime Minister’s message and Councillor Jesse James who read the message from the Leader of the Opposition. The National Church Service is the first event of Local Government and Community Month signalling the start of the month’s activities.

NEW FALMOUTH INFIRMARY TO BE OFFICIALLY OPENED NOVEMBER 19

Posted on November 3, 2026

KINGSTON, November 2 (JIS):

A new infirmary is set to open in Falmouth, Trelawny, on November 19, marking a significant development in efforts to restore facilities damaged by Hurricane Melissa.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, made the announcement during the Local Government and Community Month National Church Service at Transformed Life Church in Kingston on Sunday, November 1.

“I’m pleased to announce today that on the 19th of this month (November), Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister, will officially open a newly constructed infirmary for the town of Falmouth,” he said.

Minister McKenzie noted that Trelawny was among five parishes severely affected by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, which caused extensive damage to local government facilities.

“The Trelawny Municipal Building was totally devastated; so, too, was the Black River Municipal Building [and] the infirmary in Falmouth was destroyed,” he said.

Following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, approximately 60 residents and 40 staff members of the Trelawny Infirmary were displaced after the facility sustained severe damage and was deemed unsafe for occupancy.

The displaced persons were initially accommodated at Hague Primary School before being relocated to the Elliston Wakeland Youth Centre in Falmouth, to facilitate the resumption of classes.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY MONTH

Posted on October 30, 2026October 30, 2026

JFB TO INTENSIFY PUBLIC EDUCATION ON FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY

Posted on October 26, 2026October 26, 2026

KINGSTON, October 21 (JIS):

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) will intensify its public education efforts on fire prevention and safety during Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week 2026, slated for Sunday, October 25 to Saturday, October 31.

The Week will be observed under the theme ‘Safe Homes, Safe Communities: The Power of Prevention’.

Speaking at the official media launch at the JFB Headquarters in Kingston on October 21, Commissioner, JFB, Stewart Beckford, underscored the importance of the theme.

“This theme is not just a slogan. It is a formula for saving lives. A safe community is built in our homes through deliberate action, vigilance, and prevention because the sobering reality is that we have lost too many Jamaicans to the ravages of fires,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner in charge of Fire Safety, Prevention and Investigation at the JFB, Kevin Haughton, outlined several activities planned for the Week.

“This year’s observance will feature a series of activities designed to engage the public, strengthen community partnerships, promote fire prevention, and demonstrate the Jamaica Fire Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property,” said Mr. Haughton.

He indicated that the Week will commence with a National Church Service at the International Worship Centre in Mt. Salem, Montego Bay, St. James, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 25.

This will be followed by the publication of an eight-page newspaper supplement on Monday, October 26, highlighting fire and life-safety information, the work of the Brigade and practical measures that individuals, families and businesses can take to reduce fire risks.

Deputy Commissioner Haughton further informed that a major highlight of the observance will be four regional fire and life safety expositions, where members of the public will have opportunities to interact directly with firefighters, observe practical demonstrations and learn about fire prevention.

The Area 4 Expo will be held on Tuesday, October 27 at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland; the Area 2 Expo on Wednesday, October 28 at Claude Stewart Park, Port Maria, St. Mary; the Area 1 Expo on Thursday, October 29 at Emancipation Park in Kingston; and the Area 3 Expo on Friday, October 30 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Linstead, St. Catherine.

Each expo will begin at 10:00 a.m.

“These expositions are particularly important because they allow us to take fire-safety education directly to the people. We want Jamaicans to understand that fire safety is not simply about knowing what to do when a fire starts. It’s about recognising hazards and taking action before an emergency occurs,” said Mr. Haughton.

In addition to the regional expositions, Deputy Commissioner Haughton said the Brigade’s divisions will also undertake community-based activities throughout the Week.

“These engagements will be supported by public education messages through traditional and social media platforms. Our emphasis will be on practical fire-prevention measures, including electrical safety, safe cooking practices, the importance of smoke alarms, emergency preparedness, and the development of home fire-safety plans,” he said.

ST. JAMES MUNICIPAL CORPORATION PRESENTS BUDGET OF $2.86 BILLION

Posted on October 12, 2026

MONTEGO BAY, October 9 (JIS):

The St. James Municipal Corporation has proposed an operational budget of $2.86 billion for the 2027/2028 financial year.

This includes allocations for road repairs, street lighting, garbage collection, public order, disaster preparedness and social services across Montego Bay and the wider parish.

Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the St. James Municipal Corporation, Councillor Richard Vernon, made the announcement during the Corporation’s first public city hall budget consultation, held at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre on  October 8.

“This 2027/2028 budget is not predicated on any increased fees nor is it built upon the introduction of a single new municipal fee,” Mr. Vernon stated.

The plan comes a year after Hurricane Melissa caused $750 million in damage to municipal assets and cut the Corporation’s own revenue collection by 85 per cent.

Mr. Vernon outlined that largest allocations include $709 million for administration, $476 million for solid waste management, $337 million for streetlighting, $335 million for public order, $251 million for social development, $190 million for disaster management and $172 million for road works.

The Corporation will also allocate $141 million for markets, $64 million for minor water supplies, $49 million for parking facilities, $47 million for community engagement, $38 million for beautification, $34 million for divisional projects and $17 million for cemeteries.

Mr. Vernon, however, pointed out that the road allocation would not be enough to address all the parish’s needs, given the Corporation’s responsibility for more than 500 kilometres of parochial roads.

“This allocation is significantly less than what is required to truly transform the road network of St. James. We cannot fix every road at once but we will make this $172 million work strategically by prioritising the worst roads first, guided directly by community consultations,” Mr. Vernon explained.

The Mayor indicated that public order is another major focus with plans to expand the Municipal Police Force from 25 to 50 active officers as well as introduce regulated permit parking along busy commercial corridors, including Barnett Street, Lightbody Avenue, St. Clavers Avenue and Lazaretta Drive.

In the meantime, the Corporation has proposed a $1.086-billion capital programme covering 12 projects.

Mr. Vernon said $200 million has been allocated for the Old Shoe Market, $150 million for upgrades to Charles Gordon Market, $100 million for the Montego Bay Transportation Centre and $400 million for urban renewal, including sidewalks and improvements to public spaces.

A further $56 million is earmarked for an early warning system to detect flooding along the Montego River and the North and South Gullies, with Catherine Hall among the areas to benefit.

He stated that the programme will be paid for with $456 million from the Tourism Enhancement Fund and sponsors, $450 million from asset optimisation and $180 million in insurance proceeds.

“The operational budget enables us to manage the parish we have inherited. The capital programme enables us to build the parish we aspire to become,” Mr. Vernon underscored.

Writer: Okoye Henry

ST. JAMES MUNICIPAL CORPORATION PRESENTS BUDGET TO PUBLIC OCTOBER 8

Posted on October 8, 2026October 8, 2026

MONTEGO BAY, October 7 (JIS):

The St. James Municipal Corporation will present its budget directly to the public on Thursday, October 8 as it seeks their participation in the first City Hall Municipal budget presentation, which will be held at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre in Sam Sharpe Square, at 5:30 p.m.

In an interview with JIS News on October 6, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, said the initiative is aimed at making the municipal budget more accessible to the public and helping residents understand how municipal funds are being spent, while fulfilling the mandate of the Local Governance Act.

“It is basically democratising the budget, because now you will hear how every dollar is spent, demystifying the large constructs of the conversation about numbers, and actually giving persons a chance to appreciate how a municipal budget works,” the Mayor said.

“This is important for the community to know, and this is an opportunity for the community to come out and engage the local representatives and the St James Municipal Corporation,” he added.

The presentation will also outline capital projects for the 2027/2028 fiscal year and help residents to better understand the functions of the Municipal Corporation, including services and expenses for which it is responsible.

“This is where you learn and understand what is happening in your community concerning the monies that you pay through property tax and all the fees that you pay to use the commercial services that we offer across the parish,” Councillor Vernon said.

“You will also get the opportunity to know exactly what we are responsible for, and what we are not responsible for, and also things that we are not responsible for, but we pay for, such as solid waste, and Jamaica Public Service Company bill. Those are all on our budget,” he explained.

The City Hall will include a question-and-answer segment, where residents will be able to raise concerns about the proposed budget and discuss matters affecting their communities.

Representatives from ministries, departments and agencies are expected to be present to assist with responding to issues that fall outside the Corporation’s jurisdiction.

Councillor Vernon said feedback from residents will be considered as the budget is finalised, with adjustments being made, where necessary, to reflect the economic realities of the city and municipality before it is submitted to the Ministry for final approval.

Persons who are unable to attend the meeting in person will be able to follow the proceedings online and via Nationwide radio station or the JIS livestream, with comments also being facilitated through the available online platforms.

“Persons can tune in, listen to the conversation, and send their comments, so that we can use it to adjust what we are finalising, and I must say that in the budget we have to take it to the people, make the adjustments, as they should reflect the economic reality of the city and the municipality,” he said.

Writer: Reneek Brown

THE RACE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY MONTH – NOVEMBER 2026

Posted on October 7, 2026October 21, 2026

Two weeks before the first notes of worship rise from the Local Government and Community Month National Church Service, the spirit of the festivities will race across Jamaica, with the start of our annual Cross-Island Run kickstarting in St. James on Wednesday October 14.

Athletes & community members from various schools and communities will carry, from parish to parish, messages from Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen; Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness; Leader of the Opposition Mr Mark Golding; and Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie. These messages will be read at the National Church Service that will mark the official opening of the month’s celebrations. This year, the observance is guided by the theme, “Local Government: Your Voice, Your Community.”

The relay will begin with two sets runners making their way through the parish to the borders of Hanover and Trelawny, respectively where the Messages will be handed over to another set of participants.

These messages will be relayed across 14 parishes over a span of 14 days before culminating in Kingston on November 1, 2026, at the Transformed Life Church where the National Church Service will be held this year.

Leading the charge is the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development in collaboration with the Social Development Commission (SDC) who will be spearheading the Cross Island Run along with the Municipal Corporations, the Jamaica Fire Brigade and other stakeholders.

The run, theme and other events during the month symbolize an echoing call for residents to participate in community programmes, activities and volunteerism while highlighting the work and opportunities within the Local Government fraternity.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER COMMISSIONS FIRST-EVER WASTE TRANSFER FACILITY IN JAMAICA…

Posted on September 17, 2026September 30, 2026

GEORGES PLAIN IN WESTMORELAND UNVEILED AS THE FIRST LOCATION, WILL ENSURE VASTLY IMPROVED GARBAGE COLLECTION IN WESTMORELAND AND HANOVER

 

Two decades ago, the idea of a transfer station for solid waste was conceptualized to optimize garbage collection in Western Jamaica. Last Friday, those plans materialized with the opening of the National Solid Waste Management Authority’s (NSWMA) Temporary Holding Facility in George’s Plain, Westmoreland.

The $29-million investment, which will primarily serve Westmoreland and a section of Hanover further signals the Government’s thrust to enhance garbage collection efficiency in these parishes especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

While speaking at the ceremony on Friday, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie emphasized the significance of the Holding Area in clearing the backlog of garbage in the parish.

“What this location means for Westmoreland, is that it is going to significantly reduce the number of hours that the trucks are missing” he said.

Previously, garbage collectors had to commute to the landfill in Retirement St. James after each collection in Westmoreland to offload waste and debris. With the implementation of the Holding Area, garbage will be temporarily stored at the George’s Plain site, allowing for more waste to be collected across the parish per day before moving to the Retirement Disposal Site.

“Hurricane Melissa did extensive damage to this country, some of what we experienced was because, our drains and our gullies were blocked…. even though the municipalities did cleaning. We need to develop a culture of civic pride in this country,” Minister McKenzie added, as he urged the public to play its part in curbing littering.

For his part, Mayor of Savanna-la-mar, Councillor Danree Delancy explained that the facility is a necessity, and cited the extensive build up of garbage in the parish.

“It is indeed an important project. It is indeed a very wanted or a very necessary project, we all know the situation with garbage collection and disposal in the parish. We all know that there are many challenges and these challenges they have ripple effects. Challenges relating to road conditions, challenges related to traffic congestion, challenges relating to the distance from Westmoreland to the disposal site in Retirement in St James. And this facility, I am sure will go a very far way in alleviating some of those challenges,” he said.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland, Dwayne Vaz said the facility will help to curtail illegal dumping and littering in Westmoreland.

“We are really hoping that when this holding station is up and running, that the level of illegal dumping with stop… we are really hoping that a combination of things will happen from this holding station being implemented here… that will of course increase the frequency of trucks coming into the various communities,” he added.

He also used the opportunity to call for interagency collaboration to assist with discouraging improper waste disposal.

“The fact is, when people are used to dumping at these illegal sites, it won’t change overnight. So I think we will have to collaborate with the JCF officers to see how best we can have some patrolling of some of those areas to discourage some persons from continuing to dump because what we have seen so far, even when the truck goes to those areas and removes the garbage, by tomorrow morning you pass, you see some more thrown there because people just wait on the opportunity to go and throw it,” he said.

The Temporary Holding Facility is the first of its kind in Jamaica, and is expected to be operated on a 24-hour basis to optimize its efficiency.

WESTMORELAND AND TOTTORI PREFECTURE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP

Posted on September 3, 2026September 30, 2026

A decade ago, the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation and the Tottori Prefecture secured a twinning agreement at the Westmoreland Parish Church Hall. Last Monday (Ausgust 31) that relationship was further strengthened by the signing of the Jamaican National Track and Field Team World Athletics Championships Beijing 2027 Training Camp Agreement.

While speaking at the celebratory ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued support and investment in Jamaicans.

“I believe that today is important in many ways because the relationship with the people of Japan and the people of Jamaica, especially in the area of Local Government, has been an outstanding one,”

“So today, as we celebrate 10 years of real achievements, when I listen to some of what Mayor Delancy spoke about, the exchange students, and the race, I am wondering, how can we extend this to the other Municipalities across Jamaica.  This is something that, as the Minister, I am exceedingly happy to be here this afternoon and to commend Westmoreland for maintaining this relationship,” he added.

For his part, Mayor of Savanna-La-Mar and Chairman of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation, Councillor Danree Delancy spoke to the longstanding friendship between the two countries, citing the 1964 diplomatic relations.

“Although this relationship is 10-years old, the relationship between Japan and Jamaica is way past 10 years old, Jamaica and Japan established diplomatic relations from way back in March 1964 and, we have been having good relations since. Relations that have enhanced trade, that has enhanced cultural exchanges… whenever we have people come in from Japan to Jamaica, it is always a joy,”

Meanwhile, Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, His Excellency Kohei Maruyama recalled his experience in Westmoreland in the wake of Hurricane Melissa last October.

“I was deeply moved by the strength and determination of the people, working together to rebuild their communities, following hurricane Melissa… I looked at the beaches of Negril, I was reminded of the white sands and green pines of my own Prefecture Tottori, the green hills of Westmoreland also brought back memories of mountains of Western Japan… What began through athletics have expanded into exchanges among young people,” he said.

Through the Jamaica-Japan (JJ) Partnership, programmes such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that made a $2-billion investment in 2024 following hurricane Beryl under the ‘Implementation of Emergency Communications System Improvement Project in Jamaica’, and the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) initiative geared towards encouraging internationalized exchange between Japan and other countries including Jamaica; the relationship between the two countries continues to grow from strength to strength.

To further reaffirm their solidarity to Jamaica, residents of the Tottori Prefecture, donated USD $3750 to support Westmoreland, to assist in their recovery efforts following the devastation left by hurricane Melissa.

MLGCD PARTNERS WITH MNS&P TO BRING THE MESSAGE OF PEACE IN OUR MARKETS

Posted on August 26, 2026October 31, 2026

An inter-ministry collaboration between the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development (MLGCD) and the Ministry of National Security and Peace (MNS&P) is the engine behind the LIV GUD Market Movement, an Anti-Violence Campaign conceptualised by the MNS&P and implemented in 13 Markets across the country.

The partnership which channelled through support from the Social Development Commission (SDC), the country’s largest community-based organisation, the respective Municipal Corporations, which are the local authorities with responsibility for the operation of markets, the Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) began on July 17, 2026, and ended on August 22, 2026.

Principal Director of the Corporate Services in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, Elaine Oxamendi Vicet, while on a visit to the Savanna La Mar market explained that the partnership was meaningful, especially in assisting vendors who were adversely affected by Hurricane Melissa.

“As part of the Liv Gud initiative, as we partner with RADA, we partner with the Municipal Corporation, we partner with Local Government…we are also giving out seeds and seed trays so persons can help themselves in that build back…”

She further added that, the Campaign has resulted in the forging of other valuable relationships, one such being with the new Ambassadors of Peace identified in the market.

“Our partners now, who are the peacekeepers… part of the initiative for market movement, the Liv Gud Market movement, is that we are creating Liv Gud ambassadors so we want to make sure that when the Municipal Corporation point us in a direction, that this person is already doing the work that we give to them, we want you to do more,” she said.

The Liv Gud Ambassadors were selected by colleague vendors and the Parish Market Manager.

Meanwhile, SDC Community Liaison Officer, Andrew Mark Jones said that the SDC will propel the Liv Gud message further into the communities through the various community groups and sporting activities.

“We are basically the government agency that is mandated to carry out community development, so we normally work with community groups with initiatives or programmes that will be beneficial to everybody who is within a particular space… we know what sports does, so I guess that would be the role we play in ensuring comradery among different communities and that encourages everybody to live good as well,” he said.

Over the course of five weeks, the officers visited 13 markets and shared effective problem-solving techniques with vendors and patrons to help with building better relationships within the space