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

GOLDEN AGE HOME GETS CENTRALIZED STORAGE FACILITY

Posted on April 8, 2025June 27, 2025

KINGSTON, April 8 (JIS):

In the latest in a series of improvements to the Vineyard Town Golden Age Home in Kingston, the Government-run institution has received a $25 million centralized storage facility.

The newly constructed building with office spaces, archives and rooms for the storage of food and other supplies, was officially opened by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, on Friday (April 4).

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Mr. McKenzie noted that the 3,600 square foot building will ensure that food is stored properly, to prevent contamination.

He explained that the centralized storage facility is among several other improvement projects undertaken recently at the Golden Age Home.

“We have been improving the wards [and] the bathroom facilities. We have put in CCTV (closed-Circuit television) cameras to ensure that the safety of the residents is paramount. And we have also said to the staff, that we are going to provide further training to improve service delivery here at Vineyard Town and right across the infirmaries in the country,” the Minister disclosed.

He said the training will ensure that residents receive the best possible care.

The Minister added that during his sectoral presentation in May, he will be making further announcements as to what “we are going to be doing to continue to build and improve the facility here at Vineyard Town.”

Mr. McKenzie also reiterated the Government’s commitment to the less fortunate in the society, noting “we have now taken poor relief from being poor”.

“It is no longer poor relief; it is service delivery that we’ve been offering to the people since 2016. And I’m proud that I’m a part of a government and the Minister with responsibility that is offering this kind of service to Jamaicans, some of whom have fallen on hard times and some who have been abandoned by their families,” he stated.

He further assured that the government will not abandon those who are in need of support.

Meanwhile, Mr. McKenzie was lauded for the work he has done for the less fortunate in the society by Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby.

Mr. Swaby who is a board member of the Vineyard Town Golden Age Home, said the storage facility is the result of vision and good planning.

“If you can’t store things properly, things might just go missing. You don’t know your inventory and those things. So, it’s a simple act, but it goes a far way,” the Mayor explained.

He thanked the Local Government Ministry for funding the project, while noting that the Minister cares about the poor.

“I want to say Minister, thank you very much for all that you have been doing for the homeless population and for the less fortunate in Jamaica,” Mayor Swaby added.

The Vineyard Town Golden Age Home is the largest care facility for seniors in Jamaica and the Caribbean, housing over 450 residents.

 

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CONTACT: DONIQUE WESTON

PHASE II OF DESMOND MCKENZIE TRANSITIONAL CENTRE 98 PER CENT COMPLETE

Posted on April 7, 2025October 27, 2025

KINGSTON, April 7 (JIS):

Phase two of the Desmond McKenzie Transitional Centre for the Homeless in downtown Kingston is 98 per cent complete.

This was revealed by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, in whose honour the facility is named, during a tour on Friday (April 4).

Mr. McKenzie noted that he was happy with the upkeep of the facility, which was opened in September 2022 as part of the Government’s overall programme to deal with a growing homeless population in the Corporate Area.

“We are almost 98 per cent complete with the second phase of the facility, where an additional 60 spaces will be provided for males and females to put a further dent in the problems we have as it relates to the homeless population,” he said.

The Local Government Minister noted that as soon as the construction works are complete, the new wing of the transition centre will be furnished and opened to the public.

With the new wing in commission, the facility will be able to house 100 persons.

However, even with the added capacity, Mr. McKenzie acknowledged the need for an additional transitional centre in the Corporate Area and indicated he has been having discussions with Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, regarding the matter.

“When I speak in the sectoral presentation in May, I will make further announcements as to the next step that the Government will be making in this direction,” he informed.

Meanwhile, the Minister warned persons against dumping garbage illegally in the area surrounding the Transitional Centre.

“The uglification of the facility by the illicit dumping is of concern. We will be making some adjustments to the area to mitigate…  the continuous dumping,” he indicated.

Mr. McKenzie urged the owner of the empty lot located adjacent to the centre to take charge of the property.

“I want to make an urgent and public appeal to the owner of the facility to come and take charge of the property and to do what is necessary,” the Minister pleaded.

“Get in touch with me or the mayor. Let us have a discussion as to how we can help to eliminate what is taking place over there. Because I would love if the owner would say to me, you can have a piece of it so we can extend this [transitional facility] to take at least another 100 persons who desperately need that bit of comfort in their lives,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Mayor, who participated in the tour, alongside the Minister, thanked Mr. McKenzie for sourcing the funds for the expansion of the transition centre.

“The homeless population is growing. It’s something that we have to deal with every day. We want to see… an even greater dent into the homeless population, and one way we can do it is to find facilities like these,” Councillor Swaby said.

He also reiterated the Minister’s concerns regarding illegal dumping in the area.

“It is ugly. It’s something that can’t continue and we hope that the owner will come in. We have tried to reach out to the owner. I know the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) has reached out to him to see how best we can deal with it. I think we have also given him time, and he has not made use of the time. So, I think further action has to be taken,” the Mayor stressed.

 

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CONTACT: DONIQUE WESTON

JFB RENEWS CALL FOR CITIZENS TO PROTECT FIRE HYDRANTS

Posted on April 2, 2025October 27, 2025

KINGSTON, April 02, 2025 (JIS):

Citizens are, again, being urged to take steps to safeguard fire hydrants and avoid actions that could render them inoperable.

Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Commissioner, Stewart Beckford, says while the entity is committed to protecting life and property, the public must play its part in ensuring that hydrants remain accessible and functional.

“We see people doing construction and they dump the material on these hydrants. We also see where vehicles knock them down, and that poses a challenge,” he told JIS News.

The Commissioner emphasised that hydrants can be the determining factor between saving a life or a property from complete destruction, particularly as damaged or blocked hydrants significantly impact response times.

Earlier this month, the JFB reported an increase in the number of operational fire hydrants islandwide and noted significant improvements in the functionality of existing ones.

Mr. Beckford said the increase is linked to ongoing infrastructure developments, and encourages Jamaicans to take responsibility for maintaining hydrants, particularly those near their homes.

“Protect them because, if there’s a fire and we turn up, the tank of water that we come with… will be pumped out in less than 10 minutes. So what do we do next? If the hydrant is nearby, we connect to that hydrant, run it to the truck and we pump. That [hydrant] is basically an inexhaustible source of water,” he pointed out.

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CONTACT: ROCHEDA BARTLEY

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, 2025November 5, 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