OUTSTANDING STUDENTS RECOGNISED BY POOR RELIEF DEPARTMENT

Posted on March 25, 2025March 25, 2025

MONTEGO BAY, March 25 (JIS):

             The Poor Relief Department has recognised 62 outstanding students for their academic achievements in the 2024 Primary Exit Profile (PEP), Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) tests.

The event was held at Royalton Negril on March 21, under the theme ‘Brilliance in Action: Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders’.

Among the top awardees was Gavin Plummer, the highest PEP scorer, with an average of 90.6 per cent, who now attends Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay. The top CSEC performer, Devonte Walker, also from Herbert Morrison Technical High School, secured seven subjects.

Shanniece Ramdas, who excelled in CAPE with outstanding results in Biology, Chemistry, Communication Studies, and Pure Mathematics, is now pursuing a degree in Biotechnology at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona.

A special award was also presented to Tammoya Legore, who is currently studying Computer Science and Entrepreneurship at UWI.  Her award was sponsored by former Poor Relief Officer, Marlene Dixon, who remains deeply committed to supporting the education of young beneficiaries.

In his address, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, told the students that “success has no limitations” and they should build upon the foundation provided by the Poor Relief Department.

“So, I’m saying to you this morning that Poor Relief can only take you so far. The rest is up to you,” the Minister said.

“I know it’s difficult for some of you, because the things that you really want in life, sometimes you find it challenging and think that you will never be able to achieve it, but you’re wrong, as the only obstacle in your way can only come if you create those obstacles,” he added.

Mr. McKenzie further announced plans to unveil additional government support for children in the poor relief system during his Sectoral Presentation in the House of Representatives on May 28.

In the meantime, he pointed out the critical role of Poor Relief officers and the Board of Supervision, stating that they are instrumental in transforming lives.

“One of the things that you must always remember is the persons who look out for you, the people that were there for you, the Poor Relief Officers. If there’s one group that has created an impact that has far-reaching implications and results for the country, that is the Poor Relief Officers. They are a fantastic set of people,” the Minister said.

For her part, Corporate Secretary of the Board of Supervision in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Treka Lewis, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to empowering young people through mentorship, workshops, and financial support.

She noted that plans are in place to expand youth empowerment workshops across Poor Relief Departments, thus ensuring that students receive the tools they need to overcome their challenges and succeed in life.

“This is a celebration of young minds who, despite challenges, have chosen to ignite the flame of brilliance and lead the way forward for themselves, their families and, of course, their communities,” Ms. Lewis said.

Meanwhile, Devonte reflected on his journey and the economic challenges he overcame. He credited his late mother for instilling in him the belief that he could achieve anything through dedication.

Despite facing financial challenges and skeptics, Devonte said he remained determined to succeed and is now grateful to be recognised for his academic performance.

 

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CONTACT:   OKOYE HENRY

JIS REGIONAL OFFICE

MONTEGO BAY

Thirty-one Participants Graduate From Psychiatric Nurses’ Aides Training Programme

Posted on March 18, 2025

KNGSTON JIS – March 18,2025

Some 31 workers are now better equipped to provide care for individuals in infirmaries and golden age homes diagnosed with mental disorders.

The training for the workers was facilitated by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, in partnership with the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, under the Psychiatric Nurses’ Aides (PNA) Training programme.

This initiative was designed to align with the strategic objectives of both the Ministry of Health and Wellness’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programme and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development (Board of Supervision), which is to strengthen workers’ skills in social agencies that support individuals facing mental health challenges, such as the infirmaries and the Golden Age Homes.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for the workers, held on Friday (March 14) at the Summit in New Kingston, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie said there must be a different approach in how persons are treated, when they are in the care of the state.

“The quality of patient care has improved significantly over the last couple of years, so it shows the kind of commitment, not just by speaking about being committed, but demonstrating that willingness to dirty your hands, to mix and mingle, and to offer the kind of service that is required in the country,” Mr. McKenzie said.

The Minister informed that the poor relief programmes are being expanded, with the opening of a new facility in Portland shortly, and the expansion of the transitional centre at King Street, in Kingston, which is almost 90 per cent complete.

Mr. McKenzie pointed out that the partnership with the Ministry of Health is far reaching.

“I think [this] speaks volume to the vision of any caring Government, because we must never lose sight of the persons who we are going to be offering the services…they didn’t call it down on themselves,” Mr. McKenzie said.

He stressed that anyone caught abusing any resident will “face the full extent of what the law has to give”.

“I have no doubt, graduates, that you will not only rise above your expectations, but you will be that vessel, that disciple for more Jamaicans like you to become a part of this new revolution to deal with the problems of mental health. We will never be able to find enough money and to find enough individuals, but the little that we do will go a far way in reducing the problems we face,” the Minister said.

The PNA programme equips participants to provide care for those diagnosed with mental disorders, promoting their mental well-being and helping them achieve optimal functioning.

The programme commenced in September and ran for a total of four months and one week, amounting to 640 hours. The training included both theoretical and practical aspects of mental health care.

 

By: Garfield L. Angus,

LAW STUDENT BENEFITS FROM INDIGENT HOUSING PROGRAMME

Posted on March 7, 2025

MONTEGO BAY, March 7 (JIS):                                                    BY: SERENA GRANT

Twenty-year-old university student, Chelsia Reynolds, and her family are now the proud owners of a new home, thanks to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development’s Indigent Housing Programme.

The Brompton, St. Elizabeth resident, whose family benefits from the Poor Relief Department in the parish, received a fully furnished two-bedroom, one-bathroom home.

Miss Reynolds, who is studying law at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, met Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, in 2023 while receiving the award for being a top achiever in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) from the Board of Supervision that year.

She told the Minister that her family was in dire need of a new home, as their living conditions at that time were less than ideal. On February 27, Miss Reynolds’ wish was granted.

During the handover ceremony held in her community, Miss Reynolds expressed heartfelt gratitude to Minister McKenzie and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth Southwestern, Hon. Floyd Green, for their part in ensuring she received her new home.

She also noted that the unit was a tribute to her mother, as she played the roles of both parents in her life.

“My mother has been both my parents since a young age. She has been finding my school fee, lunch fee, bus fare, every fee. She’s been everything to me and without her I would not be standing here today,” an emotional Miss Reynolds said.

“I always tell her, Mommy, this house is not for me; this house is for you. I want you to live comfortably. I want you to rest. You’ve done enough,” she said.

Miss Reynolds also thanked the Poor Relief Department for all the help they have given to her family over the years.

For his part, Mr. McKenzie lauded the university student for being ambitious and going for her goals the right way.

“This is a young lady who could have chosen other means to get what she wants. She never allowed circumstances to deny who she is, where she’s coming from and where she wants to go, and today she’s a living testimony to that,” he said.

“We must celebrate her achievements because what she has done and will continue to do is pave the way for other young persons like herself and I’m glad that I’m a part of an Administration that understands,” the Minister added.

Mr. McKenzie also underscored that political preferences are not considered when helping persons in need.

“When people come to us in Poor Relief, we don’t ask them which party [they support], or which colour they wear, because poverty has no politics, hunger has no friends and we have never made a determination to [help] any individual based on political persuasion,” he emphasised.

The Indigent Housing Programme was designed to address the housing difficulties faced by the poor and most vulnerable. Applicants for the programme are screened through the Poor Relief Department, investigation and verification procedures are carried out to establish the need. Potential beneficiaries must also demonstrate ownership of the property on which the house is to be built or provide documentation that they are lawfully entitled to tenure on such property.

The Ministry has developed three types of solutions – studio units, one-bedroom units and two-bedroom family units.

YALLAHS MARKET TO BE CLEANED UP

Posted on March 7, 2025March 7, 2025

MORANT BAY, MARCH 7 (JIS):

An extensive clean-up of the Yallahs market in St. Thomas is to be undertaken, with a view to begin accommodating vendors as soon as possible.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, who visited the facility on Wednesday (February 26), disclosed that he has “given instructions to the technical team in the Ministry to work with the Municipal Corporation to carry out an extensive clean-up of the market so a proper assessment can be done on the market to see where we go from here”.

The Minister estimated that in another three weeks he expects to have a full outlay as it relates to costing and the first phase of the cleanup.

Last October, Mr. McKenzie announced that the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation now has possession of the facility, which was leased to a former Councillor for more than 25 years.

“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,” he stated.

Minister McKenzie is encouraging vendors to make use of the facility once it is renovated.

“It is important that we understand that whatever decisions are made after today’s visit and going forward… vendors and those who support the vendors must utilise the market. We can’t budget to spend to retrofit the market and then we find that persons are not utilising the market,” he said.

Furthermore, the Minister informed that he has asked the Municipal Corporation to allow the vendors to occupy the facility temporarily, during the assessment phase and after the clean-up is completed.

This, he said, will provide them with a “proper location” to ply their trade and relieve the sidewalks in the busy Yallahs Bay.

In addition to provisions for the vending of fruits and vegetables, the Minister said that the market should also include a haberdashery and “all the facets of a market”.

He assured the people of St. Thomas that, “the Government has been listening, and we are taking the actions that are necessary right now.”

 

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CONTACT: MICKELLA ANDERSON-GORDON

JIS REGIONAL OFFICE

MORANT BAY

NEW ST. THOMAS MUNICIPAL CORPORATION BUILDING PROJECTED FOR COMPLETION IN SIX MONTHS

Posted on March 4, 2025

MORANT BAY, March 4 (JIS):

The new St. Thomas Municipal Corporation building, being constructed at the Morant Bay Urban Centre, is projected to be completed within six months.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, provided the update during a tour of the facility on Wednesday (February 26).

“We are looking at a possible six months to fully conclude and occupy this building. There are still some minor works to be done. [But] those works would not impede the progress that we expect to make in making this facility ready before the end of this year,” he indicated.

Mr. McKenzie commended the Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ) for the “excellent job” in bringing the new building to its present, while advising that more than 140 employees from the Municipal Corporation are expected to be relocated to the facility when completed.

Consequently, the various services provided by the Corporation will be available at one location.

“I know that the people of St. Thomas, especially the Councillors, are eagerly awaiting the use of this facility. We are at a point now where the necessary costings [for the rest of the project] have been completed, and once we have submitted those costings, then we would now start to look at the source of funding, which will definitely be provided,” Mr. McKenzie said.

He assured citizens, “By the end of this year, you will have your spanking new municipal building that will be responsible to deliver service to the people of St. Thomas.

“We still have a couple hurdles to cross. But those hurdles are much easier than the ones we were crossing many years ago,” the Minister said.

Mr. McKenzie was accompanied on the tour by a Ministry team, Councillors and staff at the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation as well as representatives of the FCJ, led by Chairman, Lyttleton Shirley.

 

CONTACT: MICKELLA ANDERSON-GORDON

JIS REGIONAL OFFICE

MORANT BAY

JFBUrges Citizens To Desist From Making Prank Calls

Posted on February 27, 2025February 27, 2025

With an increase in the number of malicious false alarm calls in 2024, the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is once again urging Jamaicans to stop making prank calls to the emergency services.

Commissioner, JFB, Stewart Beckford, told JIS News that last year the JFB received 1,759 malicious false alarms, a 24.4 per cent increase when compared to the 1,413 calls received in 2023.

“The truth is that we continue to see these increases mainly because of the issues we have been experiencing with the bomb threat incidents that we have been responding to,” said Commissioner Beckford.

He noted that last year, the JFB responded to several bomb threats at schools, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies, ministries and agencies of government.

Commissioner Beckford also pointed out that the increase in prank calls is also prevalent during the summer months when children are out of school and more likely to use cell phones.

“There is a proliferation of cell phones, four [and] five-year-olds are carrying [them]. The truth is that a lot of these children, when they are home in the summer, if they are not occupied, they use these phones to call the fire brigade,” said Commissioner Beckford.

“While we encourage persons to give these children the phone so that in case there is a genuine emergency, they can call or they can contact you the parent, you must discourage them from using it to make calls that are not real,” he added.

The Fire Chief further emphasised that prank calls divert the JFB’s resources from real emergencies.

“It ties up valuable resources that could be deployed elsewhere. We have seen in the past where our units, either on its way to or returning from such a call that we thought was genuine, have been involved in accidents,” said Commissioner Beckford, noting that when this happens, some areas are left without fire coverage for an extended period.

The Commissioner informed that while Jamaica is not yet at a point where those who make such calls can be identified and prosecuted, a project is being worked on to remedy the situation.

“You will have one central number, and that system will be able to identify where callers are,” he said, adding that the system will also be helpful during genuine emergencies when a caller gets disconnected, as the location would be known.

 

CONTACT: SHANNA K. SALMON

MINISTER WANTS VENDORS TO BE IN NEW BUFF BAY MARKET BY AUGUST 6

Posted on February 24, 2025February 24, 2025

MORANT BAY, February 24 (JIS):

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is eyeing the Independence period as a timeline for the completion and reopening of the Buff Bay market in Portland.

The Minister visited the facility recently, where he reminded that the market was one of those chosen to be renovated when Jamaica had celebrated its 50^th year.

“So, we want to see if in this year’s Independence, we will be able to fully open back the Buff Bay market for the use of vendors in this area,” Mr. McKenzie said.

He also revealed that phases one and two of the project have been completed. “We have demolished the whole structure which existed, and we have replaced it with a brand-new structure,” the Minister noted.

He said that phase three will “turn attention to the office of the market manager and complete the flooring”, while noting that an additional $25 million will be provided to the Portland Municipal Corporation to complete the renovation.

The Minister asked residents for their patience in the matter, as he pointed out that once completed, the market will be of a high standard with several new features.

Citing an example, he noted that recent fires affecting markets islandwide due to electrical short-circuit should not be a problem for the new Buff Bay market.

“When you look at this market, there will be no need for light because it is open and we have put in sky lights so this is one market we don’t have to worry about the cost of electricity and people stealing light to endanger the facility,” Mr. McKenzie said.

In the meantime, Member of Parliament for Portland Western and Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, stated that he was pleased with the progress of the market.

Mr. Vaz pointed to the “lots of fresh air” and the spacious and comfortable environment for the vendors.

“I think this is a model that we can use in other townships,” the Minister said.

 

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CONTACT: MICKELLA ANDERSON

JIS REGIONAL OFFICE

MORANT BAY

House Approves Bill to Grant Parish Status to Portmore

Posted on February 14, 2025

JIS  February 14, 2025,

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday (February 11), passed the Counties and Parishes (Amendment) Act, 2025, which seeks to grant parish status to the Portmore City Municipality, making it the 15th parish of Jamaica.

In his opening remarks, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said this is the first time in the history of post-colonial Jamaica that a new parish is being created.

He noted that parishes are the main unit of local government in Jamaica, having been created following the English settlement of the country in 1655.

The Minister informed that there were originally seven parishes, and by early 1867 that number increased to 22, adding that it was reduced by law in 1867 to create 14 parishes.

“Jamaica has had 14 parishes since May 1, 1867. Today, therefore, nearly 158 years later, we are beginning the process of giving formal recognition and further empowerment to the people of the largest community in the Caribbean,” Mr. McKenzie said.

“We are providing, through this Bill tabled in this House, the civic and the practical developmental opportunities that will allow Portmore to achieve this outstanding milestone,” he added.

The Minister further noted that passage of the Bill would increase the economic, social and political opportunities for the people of Portmore.

“This Administration diligently worked to change the total architecture of Jamaica into a fully modern economic, social and political country that our people here and abroad are proud to live in and proud to refer as their own,” he said.

Among the key provisions of the Bill is the official designation of Portmore as a parish, to include Hellshire Hills, Goat Island, and the City of Portmore, which will be the parish capital.

It excludes specific areas, such as Lakes Pen, Grange Lane, Lime Tree Grove, and Quarry Hill from the Parish of Portmore. The legislation also provides for the creation of a map for the parish of Portmore and a description of the city.

In his remarks, Member of Parliament for St. Catherine South Eastern, Robert Miller, in support of the Bill, said with Portmore becoming the 15th parish, it has the capacity to chart its own affairs, while adding that the “people of Portmore deserve quality representation”.

Following its passage in the Lower House, the legislation will now go to the Senate for its approval.

 

By Latonya Linton

JAMAICA’S EARTHQUAKE/TSUNAMI RESPONSE REMAINS ROBUST

Posted on February 11, 2025

KINGSTON, February 11 (JIS):

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), says Jamaica’s tsunami response protocol was triggered at the weekend.  However, it said data supplied by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not indicate a threat that warranted the issuance of a tsunami watch or warning.

The tsunami response protocol followed an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.21 miles), which occurred some 209 kilometres SSW of George Town, Cayman Islands, on Saturday (February 8).

There was concern that the quake would trigger a tsunami – which is a wave generated after a coastal earthquake.

Speaking to JIS News, Acting Director General at ODPEM, Richard Thompson, explained that any earthquake that takes place at sea has the potential to create waves that can be destructive if they hit the shoreline.

He noted that there are three types of tsunamis – localised, regional and distant.

“A localised tsunami would be one that the earthquake happened within our territorial waters, and it was large enough to generate a tsunami wave. For a regional tsunami, it would be a tsunami caused by an earthquake within the region, like within the Caribbean or within the Americas.

“And then you have tsunamis that are further afield, that can happen within the international space but are large enough to generate a tsunami wave that might affect areas outside of that geographic space,” he said.

Mr. Thompson explained that the type of tsunami anticipated determines the response from the ODPEM.

He noted that regional/distant tsunamis, which usually take hours to reach a country’s shoreline require a different response from a localised tsunami, which could see impact occurring within minutes of the earthquake that triggered it.

In a situation where there is the possibility that the island could be impacted by a regional tsunami, such as the case on February 8, the Acting Director General indicated that there are four levels in the national response protocol.

The first level involves the notification of relevant governmental stakeholders through a bulletin.

“Once we picked up the information from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center that there’s an earthquake in the region and that it has the potential to create a tsunami, the notification went out straight away to all the players in the process,” Mr. Thompson said.

“So, within that notification process, you’d have the ODPEM within its capacity at the National Tsunami Warning Centre and the head of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC). You have the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, which is the national focal point for tsunami warnings, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the local authorities, the port authorities, fisheries, the Ministries of Local Government and Health, and other agencies,” he noted further.

The second level in the process is the issuance of a tsunami advisory, followed by a tsunami watch, and finally, a tsunami warning.

The public would be notified at level 3 when the data from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirms that a tsunami was, in fact, generated.

“So, the notification on Saturday, those tsunami messages that we were getting, there was no information that a tsunami had been generated. The data indicated that an earthquake had happened and there was a possibility that it could generate a tsunami,” Mr. Thompson stressed.

He explained further that the authority with the responsibility to issue a tsunami warning for Jamaica is the ODPEM in conjunction with the Meteorological Service and supported by the JCF, after the assessment of data provided by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

Mr. Thompson also noted that an all-clear bulletin was issued in keeping with the protocols once the possibility of a tsunami no longer existed.

“We take our messages from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and those come in the form of bulletins. The Center takes their data from tidal gauges that are in the ocean all over the world. The tidal gauges can give you real-time information. The Center processes data and then they send the information to each member state in the form of a tsunami bulletin. It is now the responsibility of the member state to process that bulletin based on the information that is given, to determine how best you respond,” he explained.

“So, they (the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center) don’t give a warning… and no other country can give a warning for a particular country,” he added.

The Acting Director General stressed that had it been warranted, the ODPEM would have issued a tsunami watch and subsequent warning, accompanied by evacuation notices and other relevant safety tips to citizens.

“We understand that the public always wants information, but if the situation does not reach the level where a tsunami has been generated, then there is really no need for a public advisory,” he added.

 

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CONTACT: DONIQUE WESTON

LOCAL GOV’T MINISTER UNDERSCORES KSAMC’S ROLE

Posted on February 7, 2025

KINGSTON, February 7 (JIS):

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says councillors and administrators of the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) have a vital role to play in the Corporate Area’s development and the delivery of services to residents.

“Your responsibility over the capital city, as well as townships and communities in urban and rural St. Andrew, is critical. As councillors and administrators, I am sure that you are seeing and feeling, not only the demands for various services for which you have responsibility but you are also realising on a daily basis that the expectations are rising. People are looking more to you, as their local representatives, to deliver,” Mr. McKenzie said.

He was addressing the KSAMC’s strategic planning workshop at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in Mona, St. Andrew, on Thursday (February 6).

Mr. McKenzie reminded the Corporation’s representatives that the Local Governance Act, particularly Section 21, outlines the specific area of responsibility for local authorities.

These include regulation of specific local economic and social activities; identifying, collecting and optimising revenue in order to finance operations; service delivery mandates, and developing and implementing local sustainable development plans.

Mr. McKenzie said strategic planning and urban development are critical areas that must be implemented for the smooth functioning of the Municipality.

“There are no winners or losers at the KSAMC. The winners are the people that elected you to serve, and I am glad, despite some hiccups here and there, that there is a clear direction of what is important, and what is important is the people that we represent [and] the service that we offer to the people. The importance of this approach is clearly defined in the Local Governance Act,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Minister McKenzie praised the KSAMC for organising the strategic workshop.

“I think what you are doing today and over the next two days speaks volumes to the vision that is required to move local government,” he said.

Mayor of Kingston and KSAMC Chairman, Councillor Andrew Swaby, said the workshop provided an opportunity for the participants to examine their operations, identify areas of weaknesses and strengths as well as commit to making the necessary changes.

“As the largest municipal corporation in Jamaica, KSAMC must lead by example. The way we manage Kingston and St. Andrew directly impacts the quality of life of our residents and the ease of doing business in our city.

“If Kingston is well-run, if our systems are efficient, if we deliver our services properly, it builds confidence in our governance and strengthens the city’s role in Jamaica’s economic and cultural capital. That is why we cannot afford to be complacent,” he said.

Councillor Swaby emphasised that planning and innovation are critical to delivering quality service.

“If we are serious about delivering quality service, we must have a business-minded approach to governance. Successful companies do not react to problems; they plan, adapt and innovate,” he said.

During the session, laptop computers were presented to councillors.