KSAMC TO HOST JULY ORIENTATION FOR YSEP PARTICIPANTS WHO MISSED INITIAL SESSIONS

Posted on July 10, 2025July 10, 2025

KINGSTON, July 9 (JIS):

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) will host a follow-up orientation session on Friday (July 11) for Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP) participants who were unable to attend earlier sessions.

The orientation session will take place at the KSAMC’s offices at 24 Church Street in downtown Kingston beginning at 10:00 a.m.

This was disclosed by Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, during the Corporation’s monthly meeting on Tuesday (July 8).

“Three orientation sessions were conducted, with each participant required to attend one. However, unfortunately, no participant attended from the Duhaney Park, Seivwright Gardens, Denham Town, Chancery and Hughenden Divisions,” he said.

Councillor Swaby further disclosed that programme participants must have an active bank account in order to begin their assignments.

“I’ve instructed the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) that no one without a bank account should start working until that bank account is provided to us; and you will not start to work during the week; you will start to work on a Monday. So anyone who doesn’t have a bank account now… please don’t put those persons out to work until you have satisfied that requirement. We have also employed 10 additional persons. Each person has supervision for four divisions,” he said.

Mayor Swaby noted that, this year, 1,200 young people have been assigned to the KSAMC.

He indicated that YSEP participants will be tasked with collecting data on streetlights, dilapidated buildings, signage, and billboards to support infrastructure planning and community development.

Councillor Swaby said the programme offers young people a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing meaningfully to municipal development and public service.

“We believe that YSEP should be seen as more than just a summer employment programme. It’s an opportunity to expose young people to the operations of local government and to help them to identify ways in which they can contribute to the growth and development of their community,” he stated.

The 2025 Youth Summer Employment Programme was officially launched on June 17.

SCHOOL STREET IN BLACK RIVER RENAMED IN HONOUR OF PIONEER LAWMAKER, C.D. WRIGHT

Posted on July 7, 2025July 7, 2025

July 6 (JIS):

Black River, St. Elizabeth, celebrated the legacy of one of its most distinguished sons on Friday (July 4), with the official renaming of School Street to C.D. Wright Road.

The ceremony was led by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie.

The event, which also marked the completion of a $10 million road rehabilitation project, honoured the late Charles D. Wright, the first Member of Parliament for the St. Elizabeth South Western constituency.

Mr. Wright played a pivotal role in Jamaica’s early political journey, including the movement toward independence.

A pastor and nation-builder, he left behind a lasting legacy through his contributions to the establishment of schools, housing schemes, and improved infrastructure across the ‘breadbasket’ parish.

Mr. Wright’s unwavering dedication to the people distinguished him as a selfless servant who consistently made decisions in the nation’s best interest.

In a bid to further honour the pioneer, Minister McKenzie announced plans to elevate the recognition by requesting that the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation pass a resolution to redesignate C.D. Wright Road as C.D. Wright Boulevard.

He also encouraged the citizens of St. Elizabeth to consider establishing additional commemorative initiatives to educate younger generations about Mr. Wright’s contributions to the parish, particularly the parish capital, Black River.

The current Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth South Western, Hon. Floyd Green, noted that Mr. Wright was a monumental figure in Jamaica’s political history.

Mr. Green, who also serves as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, noted that Black River High School—originally established as part of Mr. Wright’s vision—has undergone expansion, culminating in the elimination of the shift system.

The Minister added that the renaming of School Street serves not only as a celebration of the past, but also as a continuation of Mr. Wright’s legacy and the Government’s ongoing commitment to national progress.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Black River and Chairman of the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Councillor Richard Solomon, praised Mr. Wright’s legacy of service, leadership, and compassion.

He stated that the renaming of the street is not only a fitting tribute to Mr. Wright’s enduring impact, but also a call to action for future generations to lead lives of purpose and service.

For her part, Mr. Wright’s granddaughter, Allison Smith—an attorney based in the United States—expressed gratitude to the Government and other officials for their efforts in honouring her grandfather’s memory.

She reflected on her childhood in Black River and underscored the importance of public service and community involvement—values she said her grandfather exemplified throughout his life.

10,000 Jamaicans to Participate in This Year’s Youth Summer Employment Programme

Posted on July 3, 2025

JIS:

Beginning July 7, some 10,000 young Jamaicans will be engaged islandwide through the Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

Now in its ninth year, YSEP offers meaningful summer placements within local authorities, providing participants with opportunities for personal development, skills training, and civic engagement.

The programme aims to strengthen local government services by collecting data to inform targeted policies and improve service delivery.

Since its inception in 2017, the programme has positively impacted more than 50,000 youth, equipping them with vital skills and first-hand experience while contributing to national development.

Participants are assigned to areas such as administration, information gathering, and data collection in support of the Ministry and its agencies.

Their work includes auditing streetlights, billboards, dilapidated buildings, garages, car marts, and cemeteries – activities that generate critical data to improve service delivery across the local government sector.

To date, YSEP participants have collected more than 350,000 data points on streetlights and contributed to the mapping of parochial roads across Jamaica.

The information gathered continues to inform the development and implementation of policies and programmes that enhance community infrastructure and governance.

Participant and Junior Mayor of Port Maria, Akili Hall, praised the programme as commendable, not just for its scale and reach, but for its bold vision of empowering Jamaica’s future leaders.

“As I embark on this journey, I do so with clear expectations and a strong desire to grow. I hope to deliver a greater sense of independence by managing my responsibilities and time in a professional setting. I aim to strengthen essential workplace skills, such as communication, adaptability, team work and problem solving,” she said

Ms. Hall, a student of Westwood High School in Trelawny, said she hopes to gain valuable insight into public administration and community development – knowledge that will be instrumental in her journey to becoming a lawyer.

“Most importantly, I wish to expand my capacity for emotional intelligence, self-discipline and resilience as I engage with new challenges and diverse experiences. I view this programme as more than just a summer engagement; it is a platform for transformation; it is an opportunity to expand perspectives, contribute meaningfully to my community and prepare myself for the rigorous path ahead in law and public service,” she further stated.

Ms. Hall extended sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, as well as to the facilitators and coordinators whose dedication makes the programme possible.

“Your commitment to youth empowerment is not only admirable, it is essential to the future of our country. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in YSEP 2025, and I am committed to making the most of this experience. I look forward to learning, growing and representing my school and municipality with excellence,” she said.

Youth Mayor for Kingston and YSEP participant, Tyrone Smith, also expressed appreciation for the opportunity.

“We promise to make our families, communities, leaders and municipalities proud. In doing so, we will take the words of First Timothy Chapter Four, verse 12 seriously: ‘Let no one despise you for your youth; but set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity’. We are all happy for this opportunity to earn while we learn,” he said.

Speaking during the recent launch of this year’s renewal, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, expressed gratitude to the youth for their dedicated service and meaningful contributions to the programme.

“The Government appreciates your efforts over the years, and we continue to look forward to improved performance from you this year in the programme,” he said.

Mr. McKenzie noted that since the programme’s inception, approximately 1,000 individuals have secured full-time employment across various government entities.

“Your skills will help to continue to develop Jamaica, to make our country a prosperous one. This is the start of being good workers… contributing to the growth of the country,” he said, while urging the participants to use the funds they will receive from the programme wisely.

This year’s participants – young men and women aged 16 to 29 – will each receive $17,000 tax-free per week throughout their four-week employment period.

The income earned is designed to empower participants on their path to financial independence, equipping them to support themselves and contribute to their households.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, encouraged the participants to embrace the opportunity and cultivate intangible yet invaluable qualities such as strong character and a solid work ethic.

“The value of the experience is what you should appreciate and take away. That experience is going to make you a better person, a more knowledgeable person, a more rounded person, a more prepared person, and it is going to give you the edge in the world of work over others who would not have the similar experience.

“I want you to approach your job with this zeal for knowledge, this zeal for gaining the experience because, ultimately, the purpose of this exercise is to provide you with a transitioning bridge from the world of school to the world of work,” he said.

Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, noted that the programme has evolved beyond a typical summer job, serving as a meaningful introduction to public service and the workings of local government.

“You will get a first-hand experience as part of a team that gets our community running, and your contribution matters. You’ll be involved in a wide range of assignments from assisting in administrative support and community outreach to field work and data collection. Each of these tasks is important in how we serve our people in our respective municipalities,” he said.

In highlighting the importance of data collection, Councillor Swaby pointed out that, “every policy we put forward, every plan we implement must be based on accurate, up-to-date information, whether it’s about infrastructure, public health or service delivery. Good data gives a clear picture of what is happening on the ground and allows us to respond in a way that’s timely, targeted and effective”.

NEARLY 400 GRASSROOTS BUSINESSES BENEFIT ANNUALLY FROM SDC’S LEDSP

Posted on July 2, 2025July 1, 2025

KINGSTON, June 28 (JIS):

Nearly 400 grassroots businesses are receiving vital support annually to grow, formalise and thrive through the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP).

Director, Local Economic Development at SDC, Avril Ranger told a recent JIS Think Tank that the programme began in May 2015 and has since become a vital source of technical assistance and capacity-building for entrepreneurs seeking to enter and thrive in the formal economy.

“We started out with 50 grassroots-based businesses, providing hand holding services to help them to matriculate in the formal sector, and at present I must say that we are hovering around 400 on an annual basis where we are providing business development support services,” said Ms. Ranger

“Our objectives include identifying and strengthening grassroots-based businesses, allowing for them to benefit from compliance training, business regulations, business registration and of course, we assist them to write grant proposals,” she continued.

Ms. Ranger noted that the SDC has developed a comprehensive suite of business development support services, which has enabled them to provide a variety of technical assistance to entrepreneurs.

The SDC also works in partnership with organisations such as HEART/NSTA Trust, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and the Companies Office of Jamaica to ensure that local economic initiatives (LEIs) are equipped to meet regulatory standards and achieve long-term sustainability.

“When they (LEIs) come in, we interview them, we find out w here the gaps are and we assist them from their business idea to actually producing or having their services up to scratch and meeting the criteria of all the operating entities across the island,” said Miss Ranger

She indicated also that each LEI benefits from a tailored work plan – Local Economic Development Support Plan – that maps out the path for their business to become formally established.

“We also have our capacity building, which is a whole package of different areas that we train our LEIs in, which include things like pricing, selling and how to be more confident as a businessperson,” she added, noting that LEIs also benefit from financial management training.

Ms. Ranger further highlighted capacity building as a major success of the programme.

“The area of capacity building has been one of our strengths where we have much success in how our LEIs have developed over the years and have become so confident that they are now taking the lead… They are the ones saying that we have seen this opportunity and we’ll be advancing, we need your support we need your coaching and mentor,” she said.

MONTEGO BAY TO BENEFIT FROM HOSTING CARICOM MEETING

Posted on July 1, 2025July 1, 2025

MONTEGO BAY, June 29 (JIS):

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, says the city stands to benefit significantly from hosting the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), slated for July 6 to 8 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.

The meeting will bring together regional leaders to engage in high-level policy discussions on a range of issues, including regional security, climate change and trade.

In an interview with JIS News, Mayor Vernon said Montego Bay’s selection as host city, solidifies its position as a leading Caribbean destination for events of this magnitude.

“It places [Montego Bay] not only as a strategic location, but a viable option across the Caribbean for events of this nature. We are indeed setting ourselves apart as that place to host high-level regional discussions,” he said.

Highlighting the city’s track record, Mayor Vernon noted that Montego Bay has hosted several CARICOM events in the past, including the landmark 2003 meeting where the Rose Hall Declaration on Regional Governance and Integrated Development was adopted.

“[It] tells a story. It positions us as a key meeting place for important regional policy discussions,” the Mayor said.

He added that the upcoming conference is expected to tackle critical matters such as transportation, telecommunications, digitalization of the tourism industry, regional security, climate financing, food and nutrition security, external trade negotiations, and Haiti.

“Montego Bay is positioned to facilitate these discussions within its space, and that is also key for Jamaica as we look to expand in these areas,” Councillor Vernon outlined.

The Mayor also underscored the importance of regional integration.

“We hope that these discussions will deepen the integration process, because we can indeed benefit from regionalism, especially in light of what is happening globally,” he stated.

Referencing his earlier proposal for a regional disaster response hub, Councillor Vernon said the discussions around climate change and public safety could further promote coordinated approaches among CARICOM member states.

He also expressed confidence in the city’s readiness to host the event.

“We are putting all the necessary things in place to ensure that we not only have a safe event, but a great experience for our visitors,” he assured.

Mayor Vernon also took the opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who will assume chairmanship of CARICOM on July 1.

The CARICOM conference will be held under the theme ‘People, Partnerships, Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future’.

SDC PRIORITISES SUPPORT FOR LOCAL ECONOMIES THROUGH LEDSP

Posted on July 1, 2025July 1, 2025

KINGSTON, June 27 (JIS):

The Social Development Commission (SDC) is placing emphasis on alignment with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting the resilience of local economies through its Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP).

Executive Director of the SDC, Omar Frith, told a recent JIS Think Tank that the impact of the flagship programme, now in its 10th year, reflects the power of entrepreneurship in Jamaica.

“It reflects our commitment not only to spark enterprise but to transform lives, to build resilience and, of course, to stimulate the local market. The SDC is the principal community development agency working with over 775 communities across the country. We are seeking primarily to advance local economic development,” he said.

He further noted that the Commission has a mandate to enable the advancement of social, cultural and economic development for the country, in keeping with global standards.

“I cite that because many people may know about sport and other social components of the organisation, but not many people are aware of the depth of our local economic front. And so, while local in scale, this mission is deeply aligned to global imperatives, particularly the UN Sustainable Development Goals, most notably, our LEDSP advances SDG 8, which is decent work and economic growth by creating avenues for entrepreneurship, productive employment and, of course, inclusive employment within communities,” Mr. Frith noted.

He added that the programme also advances Sustainable Development Goals 1, 9 and 11.

“SDG 1 speaks to no poverty, and we do this by enabling income generation and self-reliance. We also look at SDG 9, which speaks to industrial innovation and infrastructure, and we do this through support to small producers and, of course, enterprise development and yes, SDG 11 is something the SDC is impacting, which speaks to sustainable cities and communities. We do this by fostering resilient local economies, grounded in community assets,” said Mr. Frith.

Through the LEDSP, more than $61.7 million have been disbursed to small business operators across Jamaica over the last 10 years.

Mr. Frith noted that this is in full alignment with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development strategic objectives, which speak to the promotion of local economic development and increased opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

“We would have summarised our own strategic objective to say simply that we aim to increase community participation and economic benefits through initiatives for local economic development,” Mr. Frith said.

“This work represents a strategic intersection of global sustainability goals and national development priorities, ensuring that no community is left behind in Jamaica’s pursuit of inclusive economic, sustainable growth. The milestone of the LEDSP for the last 10 years is not only a celebration of the programme’s endurance but it is a firm affirmation of its relevance and impact in advancing Jamaica’s national development growth,” he added.

SDC EMPOWERS ENTREPRENEURS THROUGH GRANT SUPPORT

Posted on June 30, 2025July 7, 2025

KINGSTON, June 25 (JIS):

The Social Development Commission (SDC) continues to expand economic opportunities for grassroots entrepreneurs through its Local Economic Development (LED) and Special Entrepreneurship Grants.

Together, these grant facilities have disbursed more than $61.7 million to small business operators across Jamaica, with a focus on community empowerment and inclusive growth.

Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, today (June 25), at the agency’s Television Department in Kingston, Director, Local Economic Development at SDC, Avril Ranger, said the entity is committed to empowering small and micro businesses through the various mechanisms that are in place.

She informed that the LED Grant is a competitive facility designed to support local economic initiatives (LEIs) that have demonstrated clear growth potential.

“They would have been able to produce their business plans to the assessment committee, advocate and advance how they have moved their business from obscurity to something that is now known and promoting itself,” said Ms. Ranger.

Since inception of the LED grant, the SDC has awarded sums totalling $15.1 million, supporting grassroots businesses in areas such as marketing, skills training and enterprise development.

Ms. Ranger further pointed out that the Special Entrepreneurship Grant targets individuals operating small, often informal businesses, who may not yet have the resources or capacity to apply for more structured grants.

“Through the Community Development Committees, the Parish Development Committees and Members of Parliament, we identify people who are in desperate need for assistance… to pivot their business to the next level,” she said.

“That grant just started in 2022 and, so far, we have given over 1,021 persons support in this area, valuing $46.6 million,” Ms. Ranger added.

She further noted that 238 entrepreneurship grants are being processed for 2025 and will soon be handed over to beneficiaries.

Both grants are critical components of the SDC’s Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP), which is aligned with national development strategies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The programme fosters inclusive growth by reaching underserved populations and helping to build resilient, community-based economies.

REHABILITATED FIRE STATION REOPENS IN ANNOTTO BAY

Posted on June 13, 2025July 7, 2025

MORANT BAY, May 13 (JIS):

The Annotto Bay fire station in St. Mary has reopened following a $108-million rehabilitation, which positions the facility as a modern, purpose-built emergency response unit.

The renovation was completed in three phases, resulting in several new amenities, including adequate dormitory space, a conference room, a mini gymnasium, dining room, industrial washing machine and a standby generator for continuity of operation in the event of power outages.

Addressing the reopening ceremony on June 10, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, expressed confidence that the new facility will result in improved service for the 11 communities that depend on the station.

He underscored that the rehabilitation exercise, “[gives] the men and women who are going to occupy this building a place that they can rest comfortably, relax and perform the task at hand in keeping their parish safe”.

“It is a multifaceted station, which is built to facilitate male and females,” the Minister added.

Furthermore, Mr. McKenzie lauded the fact that “significant investment” has been made in the country’s firefighting capabilities by the Government, with five brand-new stations constructed in the last seven years.

First built in 1948, the Annotto Bay fire station had fallen into a state of disrepair and was earmarked for rehabilitation under the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Infrastructural Development Programme.

Meanwhile, Acting Commissioner of the JFB, Kevin Haughton, said  rehabilitation of the fire station “underscores the ongoing commitment to infrastructural development within the Jamaica Fire Brigade and will, no doubt, serve to boost the morale of the men and women that operate from this station”.

He added that the slate of amenities and features of the unit “augurs well for improving service delivery and the safety of the residents of Annotto Bay and other communities that are served by this station”.

For his part, Mayor of Port Maria, Councillor Fitzroy Wilson, described the reopening of the fire station as “timely”, given the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season on June 1.

“We depend heavily on the fire service. With this home that is here, they (the firefighters) will be able to deliver even better-quality service,” the Mayor said.