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.”

VOTERS TO ELECT COUNCILLORS FOR MORANT BAY AND AENON TOWN DIVISIONS ON NOVEMBER 22

Posted on October 31, 2024October 31, 2024

MORANT BAY, October (JIS):

Voters in the Morant Bay and Aenon Town Divisions in St. Thomas and Clarendon, respectively, will head to the polls on November 22 to elect new Councillors.

This follows the deaths of former Morant Bay Councillor, Rohan “Washy” Bryan, on May 1, and former Aenon Town Councillor, Marjorie McLeod, on September 1.

The announcement was made yesterday (October 30), during a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, who was accompanied by Mayor of Morant Bay, Councillor Louis Chin and Mayor of May Pen, Councillor Joel Williams.

Mr. McKenzie informed that Nomination Day for the bi-elections will be on November 6.

The Minister urged electorates in both divisions  to “go out and cast their votes”.

MINISTER MCKENZIE TO MAKE CABINET SUBMISSION TO BOLSTER NSWMA

Posted on October 30, 2024

KINGSTON, October 30 (JIS):

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says he will be making a comprehensive submission to Cabinet aimed at bolstering solid waste management initiatives in the country.

“I am now preparing a submission to take to Cabinet that will speak to what is going to be required to give solid waste the kind of injection that is required to make it more effective,” he said.

The Minister was speaking at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) annual board retreat at the AC Mariott Hotel on Tuesday (October 29).

 

He commended the board members for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to ensuring cleaner and healthier communities for all Jamaicans through efficient garbage collection.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting the NSWMA and ensuring that the entity is adequately equipped to carry out its work efficiently.

He informed that since 2016, about 165 trucks have been added to NSWMA’s fleet with an aim to improve garbage collection across the island.

“Lack of public cleansing can have a devastating effect on the country’s economy. It can turn away investors, create serious public health issues and erode confidence and respect. So, it has a domino effect across the country if you don’t have the resources,” he contended.

Minister McKenzie expressed optimism about the future of solid waste management in Jamaica under the leadership of the current NSWMA board.

“The organisation has demonstrated the ability to manage a lot of money and to account for it. Transparency and accountability must continue to be the driving force behind your success,” he said.

 

YALLAHS MARKET TO BE RENOVATED

Posted on October 30, 2024

MORANT BAY, October  (JIS):

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has announced that the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation now has possession of the Yallahs Market and that renovations are slated to take place.

Speaking on Friday (October 25) at the handover of a new two-bedroom unit under the Indigent Housing Programme in Seaforth, St. Thomas, the Minister said that the property was leased to a former Councillor for more than 25 years and was not to be operated as a market.

“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,” the Minister said.

“As soon as the estimates are completed, the Ministry will provide the funds to renovate the Yallahs Market so that the vendors can finally go back in the market and ply their trade and be better than they are today. It’s a commitment that we made and we are fulfilling that commitment,” he added.