SPALDING MARKET TO BE RENOVATE

Posted on May 16, 2025

KINGSTON, May 16 (JIS):

The Spalding Market in Clarendon will be redesigned and renovated to provide a more comfortable shopping experience for vendors and customers.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, who toured the facility on Wednesday (May 14), said that the Ministry will be working with the Clarendon Municipal Corporation to design the framework for the market.

He said the design will be much simpler, using the method adopted for the Buff Bay Market in Portland.

The new-look market will have a spacious, open concept, taking advantage of natural lighting.

“It will eliminate the question of electricity costs, give more ventilation to vendors and it will have a much more open, expanded area for vending. So, we are going to be using that method here,” Minister McKenzie said.

“I am giving the [technical] team three weeks to complete the redesign and the submission so that we can commence whatever needs to be done,” he indicated.

The Minister said the Government recognises the importance of markets to communities like Spalding, where people rely heavily on vending.

He noted that under a programme that commenced in 2024, significant investment has been made in renovating and improving markets, and further announcements of upgrading projects will be made during his upcoming Sectoral Debate presentation.

“May Pen market will be among the markets slated for extensive repairs under the new programme but Spalding is long overdue, and we will find resources once we are satisfied [with] the assessment,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister informed that the Social Development Commission (SDC) is undertaking an islandwide survey of markets.

“We have used them in St. Thomas for the Yallahs Market and I am going to be using them here in Clarendon again to give us some feedback as to what the general vending population is,” he informed, noting that the survey will also gather the concerns of persons, who engage in vending.

 

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CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS

Local Government Minister Reiterates That the Ministry Does Not Own the Houses It Builds Through the Indigent Housing Programme

Posted on May 14, 2025

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is reiterating that the Ministry does not own the houses that it builds for beneficiaries selected under the Ministry’s Indigent Housing Programme. “I am concerned that a level of genuine confusion still exists with regard to how this important Programme works. Indeed, a news item was broadcast early yesterday morning by Radio Jamaica, regarding our most recent official ground-breaking ceremony for a three-bedroom concrete Indigent House in Porus in Manchester. That newscast contained a statement that the “Government maintains ownership of the units under the scheme.”

This is absolutely not the case. The Ministry does not, and is not seeking to own the houses that are built through the Programme.

“I want to re-emphasize the point that persons who are selected as beneficiaries are required first and foremost to be Registered Poor. They also have to be owners of the land, or have verified permission to use the land on which the structures will be built. The Ministry’s construction of these houses is free of cost, and there are no strings attached. The Indigent Housing Programme reflects my commitment and obligation as Minister, to provide Poor Relief to our citizens who are assessed as needing it. The provision of these stylish, practical and modern houses reflects our determination to lift our service to our most vulnerable citizens to a new level, that gives them a tangible experience of dignity.”

 

 

Contact: Communications Unit

Ministry of Local Government and Community Development61 Hagley Park Road

Kingston 10

Tel: 876-618-7360-1

GOV’T IDENTIFIES LAND FOR NEW WATER SHOP IN ST. TOOLIES, MANCHESTER

Posted on May 13, 2025May 16, 2025

KINGSTON, May 13 (JIS):

The Government has identified land for the establishment of a water shop in St. Toolies, Manchester, to serve residents of the community and its environs.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, provided an update on the project while addressing the ceremony to break ground for the construction of a unit under the Government’s Indigent Housing Programme at Line View, Old Porus Road, Manchester, on May 9.

He said the new facility will complement the existing ones built by the Ministry in Manchester, which provide free potable water to residents in Mile Gully, Somerset, Marlie Hill, and Bellefield.

“We are looking to putting one here in this section of Porus, in the Porus division. We ran into some problems with the land that was identified for the construction of the water shop. The National Land Agency has agreed for us to use a portion of the lands that they own for the construction of the long-overdue water shop in St. Toolies,” the Minister informed.

He added that, “once we have concluded the paperwork, we will move expeditiously to commence the construction of that water shop for the residents of those communities”.

Mr. McKenzie assured that the Ministry will continue to identify solutions to address water challenges being experienced by residents.

“We are proud of the efforts that we have been making in the Ministry of Local Government to provide these water solutions,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. McKenzie advised that an audit is under way for all standpipes across the island.

“Once we have completed those audits, the local authorities will be put in a position to take the necessary steps to reduce the waste that is being generated by those who are using the water and using [it] illegally,” he said.

Mr. McKenzie added that the Government will continue investing millions of dollars in both minor and major water support for residents across the country.

 

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CONTACT: CHRIS PATTERSON

MASSIVE WEST KINGSTON CLEAN-UP UNDER NSWMA’S PASS DI BROOM CAMPAIGN

Posted on May 12, 2025

KINGSTON, May 12 (JIS):

Residents of West Kingston are now enjoying a cleaner, more pleasant environment following the removal of bulky waste, derelict vehicles and backlogged garbage from several communities on Thursday (May 8).

The major clean up activity was done by the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) under its new ‘Pass di Broom’ campaign.

Several truckloads of household garbage and bulky wastes such as old cars and refrigerators were removed from Upper and Lower Regent streets, Bond Street, Spanish Town Road, Golden Heights, Beeston Street, North Street, among other areas.

West Kingston is the first community to benefit from the Pass di Broom initiative, which aims to promote environmental responsibility and community pride, by engaging residents in cleaning their surroundings.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, who joined residents and volunteers in the clean-up exercise, said the campaign was started in West Kingston because of the large volume of waste generated by the bustling commercial activities in the area.

“West Kingston is the centre of the commercial life of the country. Of the 19 markets in Kingston and St Andrew, 13 are in West Kingston. We have the May Pen Cemetery, we have the oil refinery, we have the Bank of Jamaica, we have the Parliament, we have the courts. It is the commercial life of the country, and that is why we generate so much garbage in the constituency – commercial and residential,” he pointed out.

He said that while there have been improvements in efforts by residents and businesses to properly dispose of garbage, there is still room for improvement.

He made an appeal for residents of West Kingston and the wider Jamaica to containerise their garbage.

“As a Member of Parliament, I am willing to provide the bags for you to contain your garbage because once you do that it makes the work of your fellow Jamaicans much easier,” Minister McKenzie said.

He encouraged Jamaicans to support the initiative, which, he noted, will continue across the island in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, NSWMA Executive Director, Audley Gordon, outlined the cultural significance of the Pass di broom initiative.

“We used to cut broom weed and use it to sweep the yard and everybody enjoyed sweeping up. Nobody saw it as offensive because sweeping up was godliness. We saw it as something good. We want to bring back some of the good things of the past, and one was that every yard had a broom, and we went out and we cleaned up our space,” he pointed out.

The NSWMA head stressed that the programme is not just about the removal of bulky waste and derelict vehicles but is geared towards raising awareness about proper waste disposal practices and encouraging long-term community stewardship.

“We are trying to impact attitude [and] we are trying to change behaviour, because unless all of us come together, it’s going to be awfully difficult for the 4,000 men and women at the agency to clean Jamaica. It has to be a partnership and this morning we are here in West Kingston to court a partnership with the people of the area,” Mr. Gordon said.

Symbolically handing the broom to Minister McKenzie, he informed that “we intend to pass the broom to all public officials who will accept the broom. So, if you are on the side of a clean Jamaica, we will be giving you a broom at some point in time”.

MODERN $23M STATE-OF-THE-ART KITCHEN OFFICIALLY OPENED AT ST. JAMES INFIRMARY

Posted on May 5, 2025

MONTEGO BAY, May 5 (JIS):

The St. James Infirmary now boasts a modern state-of-the-art kitchen, which was built at a cost of $23 million.

The facility was officially opened by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, on Friday (May 2).

The new kitchen, for which ground was broken in 2022, comprises two pantries, a dining area and the latest in commercial-grade appliances and equipment, including a modern exhaust ventilation system.

The project was completed within budget and now stands as a fully equipped space, designed to enhance efficiency and improve the quality of life for the infirmary’s residents.

Minister McKenzie emphasised that the improvements are about raising the quality of service. He stated that the residents will sit in comfort and eat well, because they deserve the very best.

He praised the staff, noting their dedication and efficiency in managing one of Jamaica’s best-run infirmaries, while highlighting other services administered at the institution.

These, the Minister pointed out, include physiotherapy, dietitian consultations, and recently graduated psychiatric nurses—a new initiative under the Government’s infirmary improvement programme.

“Let us ensure that we preserve the dignity and the pride of this facility and allow the residents to feel that they are not just residents, but they are part of a greater family,” Mr. McKenzie said.

He pointed out that since 2016, the Government has invested more than $1 billion in improvement projects, and partnered with organisations such as the National Housing Trust (NHT) and Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund to enhance the quality of life for residents under their care.

“I would also urge Jamaicans [generally] not to dismiss the call to unite around persons who are in need,” Mr. McKenzie added.

For his part, Montego Bay Mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon, said the kitchen expansion represents a significant upgrade to the infirmary’s infrastructure and service delivery.

He noted that the institution has been playing a longstanding role as a place of care and compassion for persons in need, adding that this latest development underscores a commitment to ongoing improvement.

Councillor Vernon highlighted recent efforts by the St. James Municipal Corporation to address homelessness in the parish.

He noted that, in partnership with Food For the Poor, five formerly homeless individuals were provided with homes.

“Also, we (Municipal Corporation) provided opportunities for 15 persons who were homeless, and they are now in a home that they rented because they are employed and able to pay rent,” he added.

Meanwhile, Matron Jacqueline Wilson expressed deep appreciation for the key stakeholders involved in the St. James Infirmary’s transformation, including Minister McKenzie, Mayor Vernon, and the Municipal Corporation.

She highlighted Mr. McKenzie’s dedication to modernising the facility and ensuring a comfortable environment for the residents.

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CONTACT: OKOYE HENRY

JIS REGIONAL OFFICE

MONTEGO BAY

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTRY TO ADDRESS COLLAPSED DRAIN IN TEXAS AVENUE, PORTMORE

Posted on April 28, 2025April 28, 2025

KINGSTON, April 28 (JIS):

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development is moving quickly to undertake drainage remediation in Texas Avenue in Portmore, St. Catherine, to address a collapsed channel wall, which is impacting several homes.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, gave the pledge during a site visit to the area on Tuesday (April 22).

He stopped at the home of Adrian Parnell, where he observed shifting floor tiles due to water from the collapsed drain running beneath the house.

Minister McKenzie said he had visited the area a couple years ago “because of the complaints of the residents about a drain that runs adjacent to the premises and now we’re discovering that it even probably is running underneath the building”.

He informed that a team was put together to rectify the issue, which he noted, requires a lot of engineering support.

Minister McKenzie said that investigations show that the drainage issues originate where the culvert begins in the neighbouring Arizona Avenue.

“It is compromised in many ways where the boundary walls [of Mr. Parnell’s house] were constructed on top of the drains. So, what it does, it brings unnecessary pressure and then these [drain] walls collapse and what we are seeing now is the result of the collapsing infrastructure that is now affecting the residents, and this gentleman here (Mr. Parnell) has been paying the price for it,” he pointed out.

He added that the Ministry will be funding the project to resolve the issue, and the procurement process is currently under way. He said he has asked that the process be expedited, noting that will take between four to six weeks.

“Once the procurement exercise has been concluded, then we will be working closely with the National Works Agency, the Portmore Municipal Corporation, and the Ministry to ensure that the project is done and done properly,” Mr. McKenzie declared.

He added that with the assistance of the NWA, a structural engineer will be asked to do an assessment of the affected house to see what damage has been done.

“Because, once we go in and do the work, then we want to be in a position that we are sure that there is nothing else that is going to be posing a challenge as it relates to the residents here,” the Minister said.

Assistant Parish Manager for St. Catherine, NWA, Courtney Mullings, noted that visual assessments indicated significant erosion due to the constant flow of water, which compromised the culverts.

However, he said a report from the structural engineer will provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Mayor of Portmore, Leon Thomas, or his part, said there are other communities in the municipality with similar issues.

“We have several of these drains that run through premises such like Passage Fort, Independence City [and] Edgewater. These are some of the conditions of the drains and over the years, we have seen a lot of the sewage lines collapse because they were made from asbestos pipes, and they are giving way now. So, these structures within these communities, we know that they are getting bad but this is the worst one we ever really come up on, so we have to assess it properly,” Mayor Thomas said.

Councillor for the Independence City Division, Courtney Edwards, who represented Member of Parliament for St. Catherine South Eastern, Robert Miller, thanked Minister McKenzie for his intervention in the drainage issue.

Meanwhile, Minister McKenzie said that as the Government moves to make Portmore the 15th parish, increased focus will be placed on improving the physical infrastructure of the community to ensure that residents can live in comfort.

These include roads, water systems and drains, which fall under the Ministry’s jurisdiction.

“One of the things that we are going to be doing in moving Portmore forward as the 15th parish is to have a look at the physical infrastructure; the ones that fall under local government because communities like these were built decades ago and we are seeing changing conditions and people have invested a lot in these homes.

“It is going to be the responsibility of the Government to ensure that the infrastructure that takes away the water, the infrastructure that allows them to live in comfort is in good working condition,” Mr. McKenzie said.

 

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CONTACT: VANESSA JAMES

REHABILITATED ROADWAY OPENS IN TRYSEE, ST. ANN

Posted on April 22, 2025June 27, 2025

MONTEGO BAY, April 17 (JIS):

Residents of Trysee in St. Ann are celebrating a significant event in their community, as the official opening of a newly rehabilitated roadway took place on Monday, April 15.

The event was marked by a brief ceremony hosted by the St. Ann Municipal Corporation.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, and other officials participated in the  ribbon-cutting ceremony to declare the road officially open.

“The opening of this road is not just about improved transportation. It symbolises progress and development for the entire community of Trysee. Investing in our infrastructure is crucial for fostering economic growth and providing residents with better access to essential services,” the Minister said.

The rehabilitation of the main road was made possible through a $22-million contract signed in February of last year with FSC Construction Works Limited.

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work of numerous individuals, from the engineers and labourers at FSC Construction Works to the local government officials who advocated for this improvement,” Minister McKenzie said.

The upgraded road is expected to significantly reduce travel time for residents and improve access to nearby towns and essential services such as healthcare, education, and commerce.

Several local residents expressed their enthusiasm for the new development, noting that the road will enhance their daily lives and contribute to the overall prosperity of the community.

“I can’t express how grateful we are for this new road,” said businessman and resident, Peter Hibbert.

“For years we struggled with potholes and uneven surfaces. It was challenging to travel, especially during the rainy season. Now, we can move around with ease and confidence,” he said.

Following the road-opening ceremony, Minister McKenzie visited the St. Ann Infirmary, where he presided over the opening of a state-of-the-art kitchen facility. The  upgrade is part of a broader initiative to enhance healthcare services at the facility, ensuring that patients receive nutritious meals prepared in a modern and hygienic environment.

“This kitchen upgrade at the St. Ann Infirmary is a significant investment in the health and well-being of our community. Access to quality nutrition is vital for patient recovery and overall health, and I am proud to see these improvements being made,” the Minister said.

For his part, Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Michael Belnavis, said the dual celebrations for the road opening and the new infirmary kitchen mark a pivotal moment for St Ann, showcasing the Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and healthcare services in rural communities.

 

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CONTACT: GARWIN DAVIS

JIS REGIONAL OFFICE

MONTAGO BAY

ST. ELIZABETH MUNICIPAL CORPORATION URGED TO PARTNER WITH TAJ FOR IMPROVED PROPERTY TAX COLLECTION

Posted on April 15, 2025

MONTEGO BAY, April 15 JIS:

The St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation is being encouraged to partner with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) to enhance property tax collection in the parish.

This urging comes from Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, who addressed the Corporation’s monthly meeting in Black River on April 10.

Mr. McKenzie noted that while St. Elizabeth’s collection target was surpassed last year, “it still doesn’t represent the capacity that you have for property taxes.”

“It’s important that [for] the new [tax] season, which started a couple days ago, the efforts of the Municipality be doubled to ensure that you work closely with the TAJ to go significantly above where you ended in the last financial year,” he emphasised.

The Minister also encouraged the Corporation to improve service delivery to persons doing business with the Municipality.

“It is important that we pay attention to the areas of weakness in the system that need to be improved. It is important that we respond when persons express concern or have complaints about situations. Even if we can’t respond in terms of dealing with it, persons can feel comfortable [knowing] that, ‘yes, I sent a message to the Municipal Corporation about a road or a park or something… [and] I have gotten a response’…that is what people are clamouring for,” Mr. McKenzie said.

“Local government, as I have always said, is front and centre of every aspect of the daily lives of the Jamaican people. The services that we offer, local government is critical to those,” he pointed out.

Minister McKenzie’s address during the Municipal Corporation meeting formed part of his two-day working visit to St. Elizabeth.

 

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CONTACT: SERENA GRANT

JIS REGIONAL OFFICE

MONTEGO BAY

ST. ELIZABETH INFIRMARY RECEIVES AMBULANCE VALUED OVER $17M

Posted on April 15, 2025June 27, 2025

MONTEGO BAY, April 15 (JIS):

The St. Elizabeth Infirmary has received an ambulance valued more than $17 million.

The provision is the first facilitated under a partnership between the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Santa Cruz-based institution on April 10, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, highlighted that, apart from the facility in St. James, all other infirmaries across the island along with two golden age homes currently lack ambulance services.

He advised that the second ambulance being provided under the partnership will be handed over to the Portland infirmary shortly.

Mr. McKenzie further informed that consequent on the collaboration, each infirmary across Jamaica will, “[for] the first time… be equipped with an ambulance to support the work of the staff and to provide for the residents.”

The Minister underscored the importance of the infirmaries being equipped with the vehicles.

“In an institution where we have 99 per cent of those who reside here [being] elderly… it is not an easy thing if they get sick, to put them in anything that you can find to take them to the hospital,” he highlighted.

Mr. McKenzie urged the staff at the St. Elizabeth Infirmary to ensure the ambulance is properly maintained and only used for its intended purpose.

“[The ambulance] must be driven at a particular speed. The driver who is going to drive it must ensure that he drives it in the way that it must be driven. I don’t want six months after, to hear that it is in the garage because the driver forgot to check the oil. It must not skip a beat when it’s time for servicing. That is one of the things that destroys a lot of government vehicles, because we don’t take pride in them,” he emphasised.

For his part, CHASE Fund Chief Executive Officer, Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven, said the occasion of the handover is indicative of how much the organisation cares.

“It’s an indication of the service that we want to provide for the most vulnerable in our society. As we all know, infirmary residents often live with multiple health issues, multiple health challenges, and depend on timely and specialised care to really bring them back to where they ought to be,” he stated.

“This ambulance is intended to ensure that we provide the service that they need, as the needs arise, in safe, reliable transportation mode… that is available here on spot. Whether it be for diagnostic, whether it be for emergency care or hospital visit, it doesn’t matter, the ambulance is here to provide that service. The CHASE Fund, of course, is always pleased to play roles like these to help the less fortunate in our society,” Mr. Heaven added.

In her remarks, Acting Matron of the Infirmary, Bianca Mitchell – Smith, thanked the Ministry and CHASE Fund for the vehicle which, she said, was greatly needed.

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CONTACT:   SERENA GRANT

JIS REGIONAL OFFICE

MONTEGO BAY

RESIDENTS OF ST. CATHERINE INFIRMARY GET THERAPEUTIC PARK

Posted on April 10, 2025April 22, 2025

KINGSTON, April 10 (JIS):

Residents of the St. Catherine Infirmary in Spanish Town are now benefiting from a Therapeutic Park, which was officially opened on April 7 by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister described the facility as a place of comfort, adding that the residents should not feel that they are in a prison while in the care of the State.

“It allows the residents the opportunity to sit outside under the gazebo, take in the cool evening, read, laugh, play and enjoy themselves. This is something that will help to ease their mind, relax them in an environment that is conducive for care, because this is what we are offering here,” Mr. McKenzie said.

He pointed out that many of the persons who live in infirmaries have contributed to the growth and the development of the country, and the Administration is committed to ensuring that the necessary resources are available to meet the needs of the residents.

“We do everything to uplift them and to allow them to continue to be a part of the society because they have played their part for Jamaica, and it is time now we play our part,” Mr. McKenzie said.

“The residents must find comfort with us. We must never allow them to lose sight of that love,” he added.

The Minister also reported that over the last three years, more than 50 residents in infirmaries across the island have been reunited with their families, and that there are residents who are at universities “improving their education, despite their circumstances”.

“This Government continues to provide the financial assistance for those persons to help them to change their lives, and to make them able to contribute more to the country,” he said.

Lauding the persons who care for the residents at infirmaries, Mr. McKenzie said those who work at the facilities must have compassion and a heart to care.

“There are times you have to bite your lip and mash your toe, because of the circumstances that exist, and I want to commend you,” the Minister said.

“The report of abuse in our infirmaries right across the country is very minimal, and one thing I have maintained since I came into the job in 2016 is that despite what happened, nobody has any right to abuse any of the residents that are in our care, and I am happy that we have been able to maintain that over the years,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Spanish Town, Councillor Norman Scott; Minority Leader, Councillor Theresa Turner Flynn, and Matron at the infirmary, Moesha Jones, welcomed the opening of the park.

 

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CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS