LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER CALLS OUT PNP COUNCILLORS’ CAUCUS FOR MISLEADING STATEMENTS ABOUT THE MINISTRY’S POST HURRICANE BERYL RECOVERY EFFORTS

Posted on July 23, 2024

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has strongly criticized the comments of the “National Caucus of PNP Councillors” which were published earlier today, claiming that Councillors’ efforts to assist the people in their Divisions were hampered by an “absence of clear communication, funding and logistical support from the Ministry…”

“According to media reports, the Mayor of Spanish Town, Councillor Norman Scott is the President of this entity, and he is well aware, as he admits in his news release, that I have recently met with the Mayors and outlined the next steps as the recovery process continues. I want to make it very clear that this PNP Caucus is speaking for itself, and cannot credibly claim to be representing the Councillors across the country. More importantly however, I wish to advise and remind our citizens that the Government is addressing the recovery effort in an organized way. This involves not only Members of Parliament and Councillors as elected representatives, but also the critical Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the National Disaster Risk Management Council, such as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS).

“I can only hope that at least some members of this PNP Caucus listened carefully to the Most Honourable Prime Minister’s Statement to Parliament last Tuesday, where he outlined very clearly the roles of the elected representatives in helping State Agencies to identify where assistance is needed, and the role of these Agencies in delivering services including the distribution of building materials among other items. The Government is carrying out a national effort to provide relief to our citizens in which the duplication of functions is minimized, and in which all the representative and administrative arms of the state work together.

“The news release issued by this Caucus stated that “emphasis has been placed on giving support to Members of Parliament, but it is the Councillors who residents find more easily accessible and to whom they readily look for support at this time.” The Prime Minister has declared and I am repeating that resources are being allocated to Constituencies, not to Parliamentarians or other elected representatives, and access to these resources is governed by clear accountability systems. The entire focus of the Government is on getting help to our people, and helping them to build back better. This Administration will not be drawn into any attempt to create envy or discord between Members of Parliament and Councillors over resources which are meant for Jamaicans who have been adversely affected by the passage of Hurricane Beryl.”

SMALL BUSINESSES TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE

Posted on July 15, 2024

KINGSTON,  (JIS):

Some 250 small businesspersons in South Manchester, who have been severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl, are to receive support to restart their businesses.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, made the disclosure during a tour of several communities in the area on Friday (July 12).

“Persons whose small businesses were destroyed by the hurricane, the SDC (Social Development Commission) will shortly commence the investigations of those persons and will be providing grants of substantial nature to restart their businesses, and get them back on track,” Mr. McKenzie said.

The Minister further noted that the devastation seen in communities such as Alligator Pond were “quite telling”, while adding that most roofs had no reinforcement.

He informed that the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), has been advised to ensure that going forward, provisions are made for hurricane straps.

“As part of the toolkit that will be provided across the country, we are going to be making hurricane straps an important component of our messaging, and we are to be providing persons involved in the process of reconstruction of their homes and business places with the straps,” he said.

The Minister further stated that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security will be provided with 200 persons from the Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP), to “beef up” the hurricane relief efforts.

In addition, the Municipal Corporations will join in the relief response, with their YSEP intakes.

In the meantime, Minister McKenzie said that with the hurricane season underway, persons should always be conscious of what disasters can do, and what it has already done to dislocate communities from normal life.

He also underscored that care must be taken when building houses, as Jamaica is hurricane prone.

During the tour, several relief supplies were provided to affected families.

500 Municipal Roads Impacted By Hurricane Beryl

Posted on July 10, 2024

KINGSTON, July 10 (JIS):

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has advised that some 500 municipal roads were affected during the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

Addressing Wednesday’s (July 10) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, he shared that the parishes of St. Thomas, Portland, Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth experienced the greatest road infrastructure damage.

“Bridges that are under the direct control of local government were also affected and, in some cases, the National Works Agency and the local authorities worked to ensure restoration of a number of roads across the country,” he said.

Mr. McKenzie estimated that 70 per cent of municipal roads have either been cleared or access has been made possible by way of single-lane traffic.

“There are still major challenges in St. Thomas and in sections of St. Elizabeth and Clarendon, and I know the efforts are being made to create more access to many of these community roads that are still impassable. It is important that the country recognises that the reason why we have been able to respond in such an effective way is because of the collective response of government,” Mr. McKenzie noted.

ODPEM Commences Post-hurricane Beryl Damage Assessments

Posted on July 8, 2024July 8, 2024

KINGSTON, July 5 (JIS):

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and its partner agencies have commenced initial damage assessments of sections of the island damaged by Hurricane Beryl.

Acting Director General, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson.Acting Director General, Richard Thompson, told JIS News that information received by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) indicates that some homes and public infrastructure have sustained damage resulting from flooding and storm surge, adding that there have been reports of downed trees and utility poles, broken power lines, and blocked roads in several communities.

“The information that is coming to us, based on the communities and the local governance setup, is that, to date, the most impacted parishes are St. Elizabeth, Hanover, parts of Clarendon, and Portland,” he informed, while citing reports of minor damage in St. Thomas.

“We are looking at all the parishes that have been impacted to pull any information to see what is happening, and to see the kind of post disaster (assistance that is required). We are looking at the parishes that, based on the reports coming into the NEOC, have been heavily impacted,” the Acting Director General said.

Mr. Thompson added that agencies represented on the National Disaster Risk Management Council are involved in the post-hurricane recovery process.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is leading the humanitarian effort in providing welfare packages to persons in the affected communities.

ODPEM Urges Persons To Adhere To Post-severe Weather Safeguards

Posted on July 6, 2024

JIS (July 5, 2024):

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is encouraging members of the public to observe critical post-sever weather safeguards.

After a severe weather system, citizens should continue to monitor updates from reliable, government-approved official communications channels.

Acting Director General, ODPEM, Richard Thompson, said the environment may be unsafe following a severe weather event, underscoring the need for members of the public to remain vigilant.

“Immediately after the event, if you’re going outside, wear hard boots or water boots… don’t go outside barefooted. [Where] there may be downed [or] broken power lines or broken water mains, call the relevant authorities. Don’t go touching power lines, this is dangerous,” he advised.

Mr. Thompson also pointed out that piped water may be compromised and urges persons not to use it for drinking or preparing food until it has been established that the amenity is not contaminated.

“Ensure that you use bottled or purified water to drink or prepare food. If you don’t have bottled water, you can boil [the water] or purify [it] with bleach, using the Ministry of Health’s recommended bleach/water ratio. Persons can also use water purification tablets,” he informed.

The following are additional safety tips:

– Persons should wait until roads are declared safe before entering, as corridors may be closed for their protection.

– Avoid weakened bridges, washed out roads and flooded areas.

– Avoid walking through standing water, as this may be electricity-charged by downed power lines.

– Stay on firm ground.

– Do not walk through moving water.

– Check gas, water, electrical lines and appliances.

– Avoid using candles and other open flames indoors; use a flashlight instead to inspect for damage.

– Do not use generators indoors or in enclosed spaces as this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

– Use emergency lines to report life-threatening emergencies.

Emergency Communication System Proves Effective During Hurricane Beryl

Posted on July 6, 2024July 6, 2024

JIS (July 5, 2024) –

The Disaster Emergency Communication System has proven effective in coordinating the activities of the national emergency management process.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said the system, which was developed by the Government of Jamaica in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has allowed emergency responders to concentrate their efforts in those areas where these are urgently needed.

He was speaking with JIS News at the National Emergency Operations Centre at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Kingston on Wednesday (July 3).

“We saw earlier on where information has been coming into the radio system about events taking place, and we were able to communicate in a meaningful way,” Mr. McKenzie said, noting that the technology has placed the ODPEM in a good position.

Noting the anticipated increase in severe weather events from climate change, Minister McKenzie said the Government’s investment in the national disaster resilience infrastructure remains a top priority.

The National Disaster Fund now totals more than $500 million.

“This is just a portion. We have the bonds, the various insurance policies that the Government has… that [will help] to safeguard us,” Mr. McKenzie said.

He advised that the Government’s overseas partners also stand ready to assist.

“There are the entities that [have indicated] they are willing to come in to help. Help is necessary. But I want to say that we are in a better place as a country to respond to disasters, and that has been demonstrated during the last couple of days into today,” Mr. McKenzie said.

In terms of shelters, approximately 488 persons across Jamaica have reported to established shelters, Acting Director General of ODPEM, Richard Thompson, informed.

“We have persons still making their way to the shelters. So these numbers will increase as we go on through the response operations,” he said.

FIRE BRIGADE PREPARED FOR HURRICANE BERYL

Posted on July 2, 2024

KINGSTON, July 2 (JIS):

Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Stewart Beckford, is assuring the public of the entity’s preparedness for Hurricane Beryl and the entire hurricane season.

“I am pleased to say that the Jamaica Fire Brigade is ready. We are in the best place that we have ever been in our history, in terms of our state-of-readiness,” he said, while addressing a National Disaster Risk Management Council meeting at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development in Kingston on Monday (July 1).

Commissioner Beckford informed that JFB has approximately 2,000 staff members and those on leave could be called back if required during the hurricane period.

Pre-emptive measures have also been taken to mitigate potential flood risks.

“We have pre-positioned certain assets such as rescue rafts in those areas that we know are likely to be flooded; our firefighters are on standby,” Mr. Beckford informed.

He emphasized the importance of personal safety, urging citizens to heed all hurricane warnings and evacuate from flood-prone areas.

“While we will risk a lot to save lives, it will be difficult for us to connect our fire fighters in situations where the risk to them outweighs the benefits. So, please adhere to those warnings issued by Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and other state agencies,” Mr. Beckford urged.

JAMAICA PREPARED TO RESPOND TO HURRICANE BERYL – MINISTER MCKENZIE

Posted on July 2, 2024

KINGSTON, July 1 (JIS):

Jamaica is the best prepared it has ever been to respond to a natural disaster, says Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie.

Addressing a meeting of the National Disaster Risk Management Council (NDRMC) at the Ministry’s offices on Hagley Park Road in Kingston on Monday (July 1), Mr. McKenzie said the Government’s investment in strengthening Jamaica’s disaster preparedness and response infrastructure has placed the island in a good position to handle severe weather events.

“Jamaica has never been in a better place to respond to a disaster than we are today. The country is not short of resources – human and other forms – to respond to the crisis that is pending. We have been very proactive,” he said.

Noting that the National Disaster Fund totals over $500 million, Mr. McKenzie said this now enables the country to act quickly in cases of emergency.

“Never before has the country had that level of resources to respond. The insurance policies and programmes that have been implemented by the Government, that will give the country the cushion to respond to various crises, are at an unprecedented high level,” he pointed out.

Minister McKenzie noted that significant resources have also been channelled to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) to respond effectively.

“We have taken the issue of disaster, especially leading up to this hurricane, very seriously,” he emphasized.

The NDRMC meeting was convened to coordinate response activities among emergency agencies in preparation for the anticipated impact of Hurricane Beryl.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER HAILS 2024 CLASS OF SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES FOR BEING OUSTANDING EXAMPLES OF SUCCESS

Posted on June 11, 2024

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Hon. Desmond McKenzie has hailed the Board of Supervision’s 2024 batch of Scholarship Awardees, for their hard work, tenacity, and determination to overcome adversity.

In greeting this year’s Awardees at a special ceremony held in their honour recently under the theme “Celebrating Triumph Over Adversity”, Minister McKenzie noted that through this Scholarship Programme, the Board of Supervision and the Poor Relief Departments in the Local Authorities, the life chances of children of less fortunate families across the country have significantly improved. “You are not just successful students, working in your classes and exams, but also ambassadors for success. You are highly motivational and influential examples, who are showing everyone in your communities and beyond, that hard work and discipline bring success…that their dreams are possible because of what you have done and are still achieving.”

At this year’s ceremony, 61 students at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels were given awards valued at a total of J$3,070 million, based on:

• PEP passes with an average of 85 and above.
• CESC passes 5 or more subjects including English Language and at least one numerical subject.
• CAPE passes at least 3 subjects with grades 1 to 4.
• At the Tertiary Level – A minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0

Secretary to the Board of Supervision, Ms. Treka Lewis, noted that the Annual Scholarship Awards Programme represents a formal acknowledgment of the trials and triumphs of the children who are enrolled in the Poor Relief Programme. “This form of recognition is a crucial component within our overarching mission to elevate the Poor Relief Programme into a distinguished entity within the realm of Human Services. We are deeply committed to reshaping perceptions surrounding Poor Relief, thus embarking on various initiatives aimed at amplifying awareness about the invaluable contributions made by the Poor Relief Department and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development towards enhancing the lives of our most vulnerable citizens. The Poor Relief Departments have nurtured and encouraged the potential of the children of less fortunate families, and they have witnessed several success stories, from doctors, lawyers, teachers and astute businessmen and women.”

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER CALLS FOR END TO ILLEGAL POWER CONNECTIONS AFTER FIREFIGHTERS ELECTROCUTED IN GREENWICH TOWN

Posted on April 16, 2024

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is calling for greater levels of compliance with the law and social responsibility, after six firefighters were injured, three more seriously, while responding to a fire at Greenwich Town in St. Andrew in the early hours of this morning.

“Firefighters from the Trench Town Fire Station responded to a call at 2:17 this morning, when one member of the team came into contact with a wire that was illegally connected to the main power grid, and was thrown to the ground. On seeing what was happening, other firefighters tried to assist him and were themselves electrocuted. Three of the firefighters have been admitted to Hospital, where they are being monitored for irregular heartbeat among other symptoms. I am extremely thankful that they were clad in their protective equipment including rubber boots, otherwise their injuries would have been severe or fatal. Our firefighters are critical to the protection and development of our communities, the wider society and economy, and the Government through the Ministry, will ensure that their welfare is secured.

“I must make a public appeal for the practice of illegal throw-ups to cease. It is a clear fire and electrocution risk to those who make these illegal connections, as well as to all the people who inhabit the structures that are attached to them. Our firefighters are doing a dangerous job, and we should not do anything to increase their risk of injury or death.”