LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER LAMENTS LOSS OF YOUNG LIVES IN ST. ANN HOUSE FIRE

Posted on January 13, 2025

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has expressed profound grief at the tragic deaths of three children in a house fire that occurred at Walkers Wood in St. Ann early this morning.

Three children, siblings 2 year old Tavaughno, 3 year old Tashanie and 7 year old Tashana Mattis perished in the fire.

“This is another painful moment that draws sharp attention to the critical importance of fire prevention and fire safety. My heart goes out to the remaining family and friends, and I am especially thinking about the childrens’ grandmother and the lone grandchild, just 5 years old, who survived the fire.

“We have now lost four children to house fires in these first twelve days of 2025. That is the same number of children who died due to fires over the entire year of 2024. The Jamaica Fire Brigade is ramping up its public education activities through the Fire and Life Safety Programme. I must however, make a national call for us to take far greater care of ourselves and each other. Most fires are preventable, and we have the power, through the actions we take every single day, to ensure that we prevent further loss of lives and property through fires.

“Last year, 27 people died, 79 people were injured and 1,600 people lost their homes because of fires. I am urging every Jamaican to use today’s terrible tragedy to decide, once and for all that together, we will prevent incidents like these from happening again.”

NSWMA RESETS FOR 2025

Posted on January 7, 2025

KINGSTON, January 6 (JIS):

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is reviewing its operations over the last year and developing strategies to improve service delivery, at a special meeting now under way at the Courtleigh Hotel in Kingston.

The meeting, which involves directors, regional managers, administrators and other stakeholders across the NSWMA’s four regions, is being held under the theme ‘Operation RESET’:

R– Review of our operations to

E– Ensure that we deliver

S– Service that is

E– Efficient and

T– Timely

Discussions are focused on human-resource capacity, commercial operations, enforcement operations, administrative functions and community relations.

Addressing the opening session, Executive Director of the NSWMA, Audley Gordon, noted that “with the new year, we think it is a great opportunity to reflect on 2024, fix what went wrong and combine this into the theme called Operation RESET, where we review our operations to ensure that we deliver a service that is efficient and timely”.

“It has all the elements to come together to fix the service and make it better,” he added.

He noted the commitment of the leadership and workers to make the service “more fit-for-purpose, more efficient and, therefore, serve our public in a more meaningful way”.

Citing improvements in human-resource capacity, Mr. Gordon said significant strides have been made over the past four to five years in terms of salary, uniforms, and job security, with 500 NSWMA staff receiving permanent positions within the entity.

Discussions concerning the pension arrangement of workers is ongoing, he noted.

“A lot is being done by the executive to try to improve conditions and we have had very good support from the Government in trying to lift the standard and, therefore, the morale of the staff of the NSWMA,” Mr. Gordon said.

 

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CONTACT: ROCHELLE WILLIAMS

BENEFICIARIES OF INDIGENT HOUSING PROGRAMME HAPPY FOR NEW HOUSES

Posted on December 20, 2024

KINGSTON, Dec.  (JIS):

Overwhelmed with emotion, tears of joy flowed down the faces of Ellenor Whyte and Carmel Maxwell when they were handed the keys to their new two-bedroom homes on December 16, life changing gifts just in time for Christmas.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, presented the keys to the furnished houses at a handover ceremony at Beresford Street, Admiral Town, in St. Andrew South, under the Government’s Indigent Housing Programme.

Both women were very appreciative and expressed heartfelt gratitude for their new homes.

“I thank you all so much and I wish for you and me a Merry Christmas,” Ms. Whyte said.

Ms. Maxwell also thanked all stakeholders who played a part in ensuring that she received a new home.

The new beneficiaries, their families and community members erupted into cheers and heartfelt celebration as Ms. Whyte and Ms. Maxwell stepped into their new homes.

Mr. McKenzie said the Government remains resolute in providing housing solutions to people in need. “I am proud to be part of a Government that continues to provide for the less fortunate,” he said.

 

“I am glad that we were able to complete these units and afford both individuals the privilege of spending Christmas in a new home. We not only built these units, but we have gone a step further by furnishing the units, so they have an opportunity of not just a roof over their heads, but we have provided housing solutions in terms of making them comfortable,” he said.

The Minister informed that just under $19 million was spent to construct the units. “We care for the poor and we will stop at no expense to provide suitable, quality and good houses for these people,” he said.

Mr. McKenzie urged the beneficiaries to take care of the units, noting that the Ministry has not received any reports of abuse of units handed over under the programme.

“I am pretty confident that the individuals will take pride in the units, because it is important that it is not just seen as a house, but it is a home, a place of comfort, somewhere you can sit back and relax and give God thanks,” he said.

The Minister further informed that five units have been assigned to the constituency through the efforts of elected representatives, including the Member of Parliament.

Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament for the area, Mark Golding, said the homes will transform the lives of the beneficiaries.

“It is a joyous day to see Ellenor and Carmel getting access to these homes. These homes have been well constructed by our local contractor…he knows the lay of the land here, he does excellent work here, always on time and within budget,” Mr. Golding said.

He recalled the first time he met Ellenor and committed to improving her living condition.

 

BY: CHRIS PATTERSON

JFB URGES CAUTION WITH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TO PREVENT HOLIDAY HAZARDS

Posted on December 20, 2024

KINGSTON, December  (JIS):

As Jamaicans decorate for the festive Yuletide season, the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is encouraging safe usage of Christmas lights.

“The first thing I want to point out is that lights that are made for the inside are not fit for outside. Make sure when you are purchasing the lights, you purchase [those] that are fit for purpose,” JFB Superintendent, Emeleo Ebanks, said during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ on Tuesday (December 10) at the agency’s head office in Kingston.

He further pointed out that when shopping for lights, persons should check for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification label, which confirms the lights have been tested and rated safe for their intended use.

Mr. Ebanks also noted that Christmas lights are designed with built-in receptacles, allowing users to plug multiple strands into a single outlet. However, excessive connections can overload circuits.

“We’ve gone to places to do inspections, and we’ve seen 10 lights plugged into one. You are overloading your circuits when you do this kind of thing, and overloading of circuits can actually lead to fires,” he said, adding that this is especially so if the house is not wired properly.

Persons are also encouraged to do a thorough check of the lights before putting them up within their homes.

Superintendent Ebanks further urged individuals to ensure that, “when you are going to sleep or if you are leaving the house, plug the lights out; do not leave the lights unattended because [they] generate some heat”.

 

CONTACT: SHANNA K. SALMON

ST. ANN MUNICIPAL CORPORATION WINS LOCAL GOVERNMENT MONTH COOK-OFF COMPETITION

Posted on December 11, 2024

MONTEGO BAY, December  (JIS):

The St. Ann Municipal Corporation emerged victorious at the Local Government Month 2024 Cook-Off Competition, held at Pearly Beach in St. Ann, on Friday, November 29.

Dubbed the ‘Garden Elites’, the team claimed the coveted Golden Stove Award for their outstanding culinary creativity and presentation.

The event, which marked the culmination of this year’s Local Government Month, brought together 13 teams from various municipal corporations and government agencies in a display of gastronomic skill and creativity.

Westmoreland Municipal Corporation, known as the ‘Westmoreland Phoenix’, secured second place, while Manchester Municipal Corporation, competing as ‘MMC Blazin Kitchen’, placed third.

The competition challenged participants to showcase their culinary prowess with sausage as the primary ingredient.

In the drink category, callaloo was the main ingredient. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, dubbed the ‘Hurricane ODPEM’, clinched first place, with St. James Municipal Corporation’s ‘Sausalloo’ team securing second.

A tie for third place went to the National Solid Waste Management Authority’s (NSWMA) ‘Solid Waste Culinary Warriors’ and St. Ann Municipal Corporation’s ‘Garden Elites’.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, Jennifer Brown-Cunningham, told JIS News that she feels “overjoyed” having won the coveted title.

“We have been working at this for more than two years, and we are just ecstatic that it is our turn. We really worked hard at it. The team has been practising, and we are so happy that our hard work has paid off,” Mrs. Brown-Cunningham said.

She added that events such as this are vital for fostering camaraderie among teams and building a sense of community within the sector. In fact, these gatherings offer an opportunity for staff from the 14 municipalities and various agencies under the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development to connect and collaborate, she said.

In the meantime, Director of Corporate Communication in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Dahlia McDonald, said the cookoff served to educate the wider public about the work and contributions of local government.

“Our recently published Citizen’s Charter was distributed to members of the public, so the event was also used for promotional purposes. It was free and open to the public, and so we used the opportunity to educate them and provide information about Local Government and our services,” Ms. McDonald explained.

The day featured teams from the Manchester, Westmoreland, St. Ann, St. James, Trelawny, and Portmore Municipal Corporations, along with participants from the Ministry, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, ODPEM, NSWMA, and the Social Development Commission, among others.

An electronic version of the Citizen’s Charter is also on the Ministry’s website. www.localgovjamaica.gov.jm.

JFB URGES JAMAICANS TO PRIORITISE SAFETY THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

Posted on December 4, 2024

KINGSTON, December (JIS):

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is urging citizens to take extra precautions in the home and on the roads during the Christmas season.

Commissioner, JFB, Stewart Beckford, told JIS News that based on the data, it is important for persons to be extremely aware of the potential risks associated with this time of year.

“When it gets to Christmas, we usually see an uptick in fires in the home and motor-vehicle accidents on the road… and so we are asking and pleading with members of the public to be safe,” said Commissioner Beckford.

He pointed out that during the festive season, there is increased travel and social gatherings and there are persons who often drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“If you have to drink, find a designated driver who doesn’t drink,” Commissioner Beckford emphasised, adding that persons should be safe on the roads and “drive within the speed limit.”

Regarding home safety for the season, Commissioner Beckford advised that those planning to decorate should do so safely.

“Make sure that you use the appropriate lights – those that are certified by our Bureau of Standards – and also ensure that you don’t overload your circuit,” he said.

Commissioner Beckford also warned that if using an extension cord, people should ensure that they do not plug too many appliances into a single extension.

Additionally, he cautioned against leaving cooking unattended, to prevent fires. “If you feel tired and you feel like you want to sleep, it’s best to turn the stove off and go to sleep,” he said.

ST. ELIZABETH JUNIOR COUNCILLORS ENGAGE IN VIGOROUS DISCUSSIONS

Posted on December 2, 2024

MONTEGO BAY, December (JIS):

Junior Councillors representing the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation’s 14 Divisions engaged in vigorous discussions during their meeting in the parish capital, Black River, on Tuesday (November 26).

The Junior Council meeting, which formed part of activities marking Local Government and Community Month 2024, featured presentations from the young representatives who addressed longstanding community issues and proposed innovative solutions in a bid to further improve the breadbasket parish.

The presentations were divided into two segments, with Head Girl of Lacovia High School, Natoya Williams, who represented the Lacovia Division, topping the senior category.

Representative for the Black River Division and student of Black River Primary and Infant School, Shanoy Malcolm, was adjudged the most outstanding junior presenter.

Ms. Williams highlighted concerns in her Division relating to sanitation, drainage and public safety and citizen security.

She urged the Municipal Corporation to address these issues by ensuring regular garbage collection, proper drainage maintenance and increased police presence.

“All this can be solved if we follow the proper protocols. We need to act now. We need to work together to ensure the future is a beaming success,” Ms. Williams emphasised.

Meanwhile, Mr. Malcolm noted concerns regarding road safety for school children, deteriorating old buildings and overgrown vegetation.

He proposed the installation of traffic signs near schools, the restoration of historic structures and regular debushing in key areas across the Black River Division.

Mr. Malcolm also called for expansion of the resources of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) in the parish to improve emergency responses by the entity in the town and adjacent areas.

He welcomed the Junior Council initiative, pointing out that, “[it] is… helping us, as youth, to face the future”, adding that “we have learned a lot, and I thank you”.

In his message, read by Junior Mayor of Black River, Kishnan Bennett, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, underscored the crucial role of local government in national development.

“Together, we have elevated the image and, therefore, the credibility of the local government system. We have expanded and completely transformed our public offerings. We have built up an impressive record,” the Minister outlined.

Mr. McKenzie urged young leaders to continue innovating and meeting the evolving challenges of their communities.

Local Government and Community Month 2024 is being observed throughout November under the theme ‘Local Government at Work: Facing the Future Together’.

YOUTH LEADERS EMPOWERED TO FOSTER CHANGE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES

Posted on November 28, 2024

KINGSTON, November 28 (JIS):

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development staged its inaugural Youth Councillors’ Forum in Manchester recently, where youth mayors and councillors got the opportunity to learn about the local government process and the operations of agencies under the Ministry.

The forum, held at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, was part of activities in observance of Local Government and Community Month in November under the theme ‘Local Government at Work: Facing the Future Together’.

 

It included presentations from a panel, which included  Permanent Secretary, Marsha Henry-Martin, and representatives of key agencies under the Ministry such as the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Board of Supervision, Social Development Commission (SDC), and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

Topics covered included strengthening participatory governance, local economic development initiatives, community disaster preparedness, environmental sustainability, and standards for better governance.

The objective of the forum was to empower the young mayor and councillors, selected from schools across the island, to become catalysts for change in their communities.

Deputy Executive Director, SDC, Omar Frith, who highlighted the agency’s focus on community development through sports, and social, economic and cultural initiatives, encouraged the youth leaders to seek guidance and mentorship from persons who are working in the local government space.

“Learn from them how they relate to their constituents; learn from them how they craft responses, because the policy measures will [develop], will come from the consultations you would have had with the people,” he noted.

Acting Director General of the ODPEM, Richard Thompson, advised the young people to build their leadership and organisational skills by getting involved with clubs and groups within their schools.

He encouraged them to share what they learn during the forum with their peers so that they can also have a better understanding of the local government process and help to influence their communities as well.

 

CITIZENS ENCOURAGED TO GET INVOLVED IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE

Posted on November 14, 2024

KINGSTON, Nov. 14 (JIS):

November is Local Government and Community Month, and citizens are being encouraged to use this year’s observance to deepen their understanding of local government functions and their impact on communities.

The Month is being observed under the theme: ‘Local Government at Work: Facing the Future Together’.

“I’m going to use this medium to encourage Jamaicans to get involved – call the Ministry of Local Government [and] call the Municipal Corporations,” said Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, in an interview with JIS News.

Several activities geared towards expanding and strengthening people’s knowledge about local governance are slated throughout the month.

Chief among these is a local government expo on November 20 at the National Indoor Sports Centre, beginning 10:00 a.m.

The event will showcase interactive booths, displays and demonstrations from all agencies under the Ministry’s purview, as well as the Earthquake Unit.

“This expo will provide a wide range of opportunities on the workings of local government,” Mr. McKenzie said.

A local government cookoff competition takes place on November 29 at Pearly Beach in St. Ann, beginning 11:00 am.

Another key feature of the Month is highlighting the work of the Junior Councils. These comprise Youth Mayors and Junior Councillors for each parish.

The Junior Council Programme provides an avenue for young people to play their part in their communities’ transformation and educate citizens about the importance of local government.

“What we will be doing this year is not just using November to feature the work of the Junior Councils, they will be [highlighted] right through the year until their tenure ends,” Minister McKenzie informed.

Youth Mayors from all parishes recently paid courtesy calls on the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition.

For more information on all the activities for Local Government and Community Month, persons may visit the Ministry’s website at https://www.localgovjamaica.gov.jm/ or connect with them on Instagram and X @localgovja or via their Facebook page.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MINISTER URGES HIGH PUBLIC VIGILANCE AS JAMAICA BRACES FOR WEATHER SYSTEM

Posted on November 4, 2024

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, Is urging continued vigilance as Cyclone #18 continues developing and Jamaica remains under a Tropical Storm Warning.

“I am asking everyone to take due care, and to heed the Advisories being published. I also want to assure everyone that the Government has taken the necessary measures to secure lives and property. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management is ready to respond to any incidents that may arise, and the network of Shelters and Disaster Co-ordinators is available to all who may require them. Our public utility and telecommunications companies, which are partners in the National Disaster Risk Management Council, have indicated their readiness for this event. While this is not projected to be a Hurricane, I am pleading for the exercise of every preventive measure as we endure this experience.

“We are just over three weeks away from the end of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, but I ask that we do not relax our guard, as this very active period draws to an end.”