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, 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 Transform 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, 2026August 26, 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

JFB Receives Firefighting and Rescue Equipment

Posted on August 20, 2026

JIS: The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) has received firefighting and rescue equipment valued at more than $12 million from National Safety Limited (NSL), with contributions from global emergency services leaders, Rosenbauer and Holmatro.

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s emergency response capabilities following Hurricane Melissa, the equipment was handed over to the JFB at its facility in Angels, St. Catherine, yesterday (August 13).

The donation includes 100 HEROS NFPA firefighting helmets from Rosenbauer, along with accessories, spare parts, helmet-mounted lighting systems and other related components. They are intended to provide enhanced protection for firefighters operating in hazardous environments. Rosenbauer, a global provider of firefighting technology, has been serving fire departments for 160 years and has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

Holmatro has donated nine specialised lifting bag systems and supporting rescue equipment.

The hydraulic equipment is designed to help emergency responders lift, stabilise and move heavy objects during rescue and recovery operations, including incidents involving collapsed structures, trapped persons and motor-vehicle crashes. Holmatro, founded in the Netherlands in 1967, is a global supplier of hydraulic equipment used in rescue, special tactics and industrial applications.

Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Stewart Beckford, said the donation represents an important show of solidarity with the Brigade following the significant losses it suffered during Hurricane Melissa. He said the Brigade lost a fire truck in Black River and sustained damage and equipment losses at several stations.

Mr. Beckford said the contribution would enhance the safety of firefighters and strengthen their ability to respond effectively to emergencies.

Acting Deputy Commissioner, Julian Davis-Buckle, said the contribution comes at a critical time, particularly as the Brigade continues to respond to motor-vehicle crashes and prepares for other major emergencies.

She noted that between January and June this year, the JFB responded to 480 motor-vehicle crashes, many of which required extrication operations.

She said the specialised lifting equipment would strengthen the Brigade’s capacity to respond to complex rescue situations, while the firefighting helmets would provide front-line personnel with enhanced protection.

“When emergency occurs, with the right equipment in the right place at the right time, we can make a difference between life and death,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer of National Safety Limited, Granville Gayle, said the company was pleased to facilitate the donation through its long-standing relationships with Rosenbauer and Holmatro.

He said the Brigade had been seeking lifting equipment for about two years and that the donated systems would significantly improve its rescue capabilities.

Mr. Gayle explained that the lifting bags range in capacity from five tonnes to as many as 300 tonnes, making them useful in dealing with collapsed structures and heavy vehicles.

He also described the Rosenbauer helmets as state-of-the-art equipment, noting that they include integrated lighting capabilities and are an essential component of firefighters’ personal protective equipment.

National Safety Limited, Jamaica’s leading provider of safety, firefighting, rescue and industrial protection solutions, is the sole authorised representative in Jamaica for Rosenbauer and Holmatro and has represented the companies locally for more than 40 and 30 years, respectively.

SDC HONOURS SCORES OF STAFF MEMBERS

Posted on August 13, 2026August 13, 2026

The Social Development Commission (SDC) has recognised 173 members of staff, retirees, Board members, executive leadership and other stakeholders for their dedicated service to the agency.

They were honoured at the Commission’s Legacy and Resilience Luncheon 2026, held at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston, on August 12.

Categories recognised were112 long service, 25 retirees, 16 special awards, and 20 executive awards.

The event formed part of the SDC’s staff development initiative, which is designed to recognise dedicated service, promote employee wellness and strengthen staff morale.

In his address, Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said staff members have played an integral role in the development of the SDC, which has made significant strides in improving the social landscape of Jamaica.

“No one can erase what the SDC has done within the last 10 to 15 years to develop the social landscape of this country… . You can measure the commitment and strength of an organisation through its [resourcefulness and impact],” he said.

The overarching strategic direction of the SDC is to advance the economic development of communities through an Integrated Community Development Strategy (ICDS).

The ICDS is based on a strong community governance mechanism, reliable data for evidence-based planning and community responses through projects aimed at addressing priority issues. The main national priority for this period is that of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

Minister McKenzie noted also that the Commission’s work in communities across Jamaica has been instrumental in informing government directive.

For his part, Executive Director of the SDC, Omar Frith, said the event recognises the tireless service and dedication of scores of staff – past and present – who have shaped the present structure of the organisation.

“To our retirees we thank you. You have given years of your life to this institution. The SDC we see today stands as it is in part based on the foundation you would have set. To our long service and special recipients, your recognition represents your commitment, your sacrifice, your professionalism and, of course, your service. We appreciate you,” he said.

The SDC is the principal community organisation working with Jamaica’s 775 communities.

Positioned in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, the SDC continues to execute its legal mandate to promote and oversee programmes and activities that serve the advancement of sport, social, cultural and economic development for the people of Jamaica and workers in particular.

The SDC’s approach to community development is in line with international best practices where communities are involved in identifying and designing strategies aimed at improving quality of life.

NSWMA HEAD URGES JAMAICANS TO HELP KEEP THEIR COMMUNITIES CLEAN

Posted on August 10, 2026August 10, 2026

Executive Director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Audley Gordon, is encouraging Jamaicans to take greater responsibility for the cleanliness of their communities, emphasising that effective waste management requires the collective efforts of residents, community groups and the Government.

Addressing the launch of Operation Clearing, Advising, Leveraging and Maintaining (CALM) in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, recently, Mr. Gordon said the initiative is built on strong partnerships that encourage citizens to become active participants in protecting their communities.

“CALM is also very much understanding of the need for partnership. So, we leverage community leadership… . If all of us look out for our little space [and] our neighbour’s space, with everybody looking out, can you imagine what we would have? A very clean community,” he said.

Mr. Gordon argued that churches, schools, community organisations, fisherfolk and residents all have important roles to play in promoting responsible waste management and disaster preparedness.

He encouraged church leaders to use their influence to promote environmental stewardship among their congregations.

“Being a good steward of the environment doesn’t stop at the church gate. As a matter of fact, we Christians are to lead by example. We are to demonstrate by our conduct, and that’s the best sermon you can preach with the life that you live,” he said.

Mr. Gordon further emphasised that while the Government continues to provide equipment, labour and public education, residents must also play an active role in keeping their communities clean and resilient.

” [The] Government has a role to play; [however], the community also has a role to play, which is why we want community leadership to be part and parcel of the initiative,” he said.

The NSWMA Head maintained that stronger community participation will help reduce blocked drains, illegal dumping and other hazards that contribute to flooding during the hurricane season.

PROMOTING PEACE WITHIN OUR MARKETS

Posted on July 30, 2026August 14, 2026

LIV GUD MOVEMENT TAKES OVER SANTA CRUZ AND MANDEVILLE MARKET

The Ministry of National Security and Peace’s Liv Gud Anti-Violence Market Movement Campaign is taking roots in least Thirteen major markets across the island. Through this collaborative effort countless peace ambassadors have been dispatched into our markets to support peaceful interactions and encourage continued conflict resolution.

The community-based initiative is a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, our affiliate agency Social Development Commission, Jamaica Constabulary Force, Rural Agricultural Development Agency, and the Thirteen Municipalities that has responsibilities for the Markets.

The programme, which is geared towards promoting better problem-solving techniques within the markets, was born out of the need to encourage or maintain amity between vendors and consumers.

It takes a boots-on-the-ground approach, with officers from the partnering Ministry and Agencies visiting and speaking with vendors and shoppers in the market on a one-to-one basis about the campaign and its message of promoting peace, respectful conduct and conflict de-escalation through three simple languages, ‘Dash Weh Di Badness’,’Do Di Right Ting’ and ‘Respect’.

Director of Communication and Public Relations in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, Charnele Henry, during a visit to the Mandeville Market on Saturday the subsidiary campaign is geared towards reminding vendors and patrons about the role they play in crime reduction.

“The Liv Gud Market Movement is a subsidiary initiative of the Liv Gud Anti-violence Campaign of the Ministry where we go into this community spaces and we are talking to patrons and vendors of market spaces reminding them that they too have a responsibility when it comes on to crime reduction and for Jamaica to achieve that goal a peaceful, more secure, more safe society,” she said.

Meanwhile, vendors such as Ms Ruby Forbes who ply her trade in the Santa Cruz Market welcomed the initiative, commenting that the programme is a step in the right direction.

“For me [its] excellent… I live good with just about everybody, I am the peacemaker, but if they would just take a picture of my book, I think it would be more unified, or you’d have more peace in the market”

Mandeville Market Manager, Special District Constable, Robert Masters, said the Municipality will continue to support the campaign’s message after the official programme ends. He noted that this ongoing commitment will help vendors and patrons maintain harmony within the market space.

“You teach what you preach, being a part of this tour, I realize the positiveness and the atmosphere that it gives to the vendors so we now as the municipality we will do our part to continue promoting this ‘Liv Gud’ and have a safe environment, not just for vendors but for shoppers also,” he said

The Liv Gud Market Movement initiative is expected to run from July to September 2026. During the movement, vendors will be positioned as ‘Liv Gud’ Ambassadors to further reinforce the campaign’s message throughout day-to-day interactions. So far, seven markets have been impacted by the programme.