MINISTER DESMOND MCKENZIE MOURNS TRAGIC DEATH OF FIREFIGHTER SHAHINE NELSON

Posted on September 9, 2024

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is expressing great shock at the untimely death of Firefighter Shahine Nelson.

Ms. Nelson, who was assigned to the Stony Hill Fire Station, was killed in a single-person, motor vehicle accident at 10:03 on Friday night.

“She had just completed her shift when this happened. The preliminary report is this accident happened at the intersection of the Angels Main Road and the off-ramp coming from the North-South Highway. She crashed into the off ramp and her car ended up under a  tractor trailer with a container attached, which was parked nearby. We do not yet know what caused this accident, but it is unquestionably a terrible tragedy.

“I remember Firefighter Nelson very well. I presided over her Graduation Ceremony in 2022 and recall speaking with her about her training experiences. This tragic news is even sadder for me, as she was the step-sister of Firefighter Larenzo Douse, who was killed while on duty in Ocho Rios in 2022. Once again, this family of firefighters, and the wider JFB community is enveloped in mourning.

“ I share that deep sense of loss and disbelief. I trust that her loved ones and friends will experience solace, peace and personal strength as the days progress.”

30 ENTREPRENEURS IN WESTERN JAMAICA BENEFIT FROM SDC SOAPMAKING WORKSHOP

Posted on September 3, 2024

KINGSTON, Sept. (JIS):

Thirty entrepreneurs in western Jamaica have benefitted from a recent soapmaking workshop, which was hosted at Rusea’s High School in Hanover by the Social Development Commission (SDC).

The workshop formed part of the SDC’s Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP), which aims to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners with practical and marketable skills to boost local economic resilience.

The workshop, which was attended by entrepreneurs from Hanover and St. James, incorporated theoretical and practical components.

It was conducted by owner of a successful Local Economic Initiative (LEI) in St. James, Dorceen Jennings, and covered wide-ranging topics.

These include: the definition, history and categories of soaps; types of processes used to make soap; the importance of Total Fatty Matter in the soapmaking process; raw materials and basic equipment used in the soapmaking process, and safety gears and measures for soapmaking.

Director of Local Economic Development at the SDC, Avril Ranger, tells JIS News that the session’s staging underscores the effectiveness of community-centred approaches towards economic development.

“By fostering entrepreneurship through skill-building workshops, the SDC is not only creating businesses, but also cultivating a sense of economic independence that will benefit communities for generations,” she informs.

Ms. Ranger commends the workshop’s facilitator, noting that she provided “an engaging and interactive training experience”, which ensured that participants, not only learned the craft, but also gained the confidence to apply the skills in their businesses.

She informs that the soap-making workshop is among several planned for the financial year.

“We’ll be covering essential business development areas, such as bookkeeping, modern marketing, taxation, packaging, and product standardisation in upcoming sessions. These initiatives are crucial to our broader strategy of fostering self-reliance and reinforcing economic resilience within communities,” Ms. Ranger says.

Meanwhile, three of the participants received grants totalling $50,000, a demonstration of the SDC’s commitment to economic empowerment.

To qualify for the grants, participants had to be registered as an LEI with the SDC, completed at least two other SDC capacity-building sessions and show a clear intent to use their newly acquired skills to expand their businesses.

Owner, West Jamaica Sea Moss, Andrew Parkes, who was one of the grant recipients, expresses gratitude, noting he is happy to have participated in the workshop.

“I attended to learn how to incorporate sea moss into soap bars, and I am excited to expand my product line with this new skill. The grant I received will help kickstart this venture, and I am eager to see where it takes my company,” he says.

The LEDSP is funded by the Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

Over 400 LEIs in 273 communities across Jamaica are being supported under the programme.

 

BY: SHANNA K. SALMON

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MINISTER MOURNS PASSING OF COUNCILLOR MARJORIE McLEOD McFARLANE

Posted on September 2, 2024

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is expressing shock and sadness at the passing of Councillor for the Aenon Town Division in the Clarendon Municipal Corporation, Marjorie McLeod-McFarlane. Ms. McFarlane died unexpectedly on Sunday.

“I am shocked and devastated. These same emotions are being deeply felt in the Aenon Town Division, in the Clarendon Northern Constituency and in the Clarendon Municipal Corporation. “Councillor McLeod-McFarlane was not just a dedicated elected representative. She was a trailblazer. She made history in the Local Government Elections earlier this year when she won the Aenon Town Division, a feat never before achieved by a Jamaica Labour Party candidate. Having caused this political earthquake, she went on to be an outstanding Councillor.

“Her family and friends have lost a beautiful soul. We, her colleagues in the local government system and in the Jamaica Labour Party, have lost an unrelenting and compassionate advocate for the advancement of community life. No one expected her work to end so shortly after it had begun. Even as I express condolences to her loved ones, I feel the void that has been imposed on us by her sudden departure. We will miss her, even as we pray that God’s light will shine on her, and his comfort will envelop all who knew her, and who mourn her absence.”

RESIDENTS OF ROCKY POINT RECEIVE HURRICANE ROOF STRAPS

Posted on August 29, 2024

KINGSTON, August 29 (JIS):

The Government has commenced the distribution of 10,000 hurricane roof straps to residents of Rocky Point and nearby areas in Clarendon that were severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl on July 3.

Hurricane straps are metal connectors to reinforce the connection between the roof truss and the wall to minimise the risk of roof blow-off during extreme weather events.

They are being distributed to residents through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Clarendon Municipal Corporation.

Speaking at a handover ceremony at the Hugh Lawson Shearer Community Centre on August 26, Minister of Local Government and Community Development,                      Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said the straps are to be used in the reconstruction of roofs that were damaged by the hurricane.

He emphasised that they are free to the residents, and no money should be exchanged for them, and that the Municipal Corporations will be employing more building officers who will be very vigilant in doing “proper inspections” of approved developments.

The Minister said residents in Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover and other parishes whose roofs were destroyed will also receive the straps.

Mr. McKenzie emphasised that the officers will be ensuring that “proper methods are used when it comes to the construction of houses”.

He encouraged the residents to become more disaster aware by heeding information provided by ODPEM.

The Minister also disclosed that his Ministry is providing $20 million for road repairs in the area, and in another week, sections of Clarendon South Western will be getting similar support from the Ministry.

“We can’t do all of the roads, but at least we can make them more comfortable for persons to get access to the communities,” the Minister said, while calling on residents to exercise patience as the Government responds to their needs.

 

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CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS

5,000 HURRICANE STRAPS FOR ROCKY POINT RESIDENTS

Posted on August 23, 2024

KINGSTON,  (JIS):

Five thousand hurricane straps are to be provided for residents of Rocky Point in Clarendon by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, to aid in the rebuilding of houses following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said that the materials will be provided through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Clarendon Municipal Corporation, based on the request of former Mayor, Councillor Winston Maragh.

The Minister was speaking at a handover ceremony for three units under the Indigent Housing Programme, in Clarendon North Central, on Tuesday (August 20).

“Rocky Point was severely affected; almost every roof down there went and we launched a programme with the ODPEM where we are providing hurricane straps. We did a significant amount of that in St. Elizabeth for persons who are in the process of putting on their roofs,” Mr. McKenzie added.

Pointing out that “the hurricane straps work”, the Minister said that many residents of Rocky Point have started the process of building back their homes and are putting on the roofs.

In the meantime, Mr. McKenzie said that the bills being received from the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) following Hurricane Beryl, particularly as it pertains to street lights, which are the responsibility of the Ministry, are being monitored.

“I have advised the Ministry and the Municipal Corporations that we must pay attention to the bills that the JPS will be sending for street lights, because we can’t be paying the same bill and more when several communities are without street lights. This is something that we are going to be monitoring because we are not going to pay for a service that is not there,” he said.

Additionally, he said that he met with Chief Executive Officers of the Municipal Corporations and Mayors on Monday (August 19), where discussions centred around ensuring that all street lights that were affected by the Hurricane are restored.

He further noted that the Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP) workers are being utilised to do assessments of poles in the communities that were hardest hit by Beryl.

“We are going to be engaging the JPS in this discussion,” the Minister said.

 

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CONTACT: MICKELLA ANDERSON-GORDON

 

THREE INDIGENT HOUSING SOLUTIONS DELIVERED IN CLARENDON NORTH CENTRAL

Posted on August 21, 2024

KINGSTON, August 21 (JIS):

Three deserving residents of Clarendon North Central are Jamaica’s newest homeowners, thanks to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development’s Indigent Housing Programme.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, delivered the keys for furnished two-bedroom units to Marlene Stewart of Pennants and Alberta Henry of Coxswain, while Allan “Jah Lloyd” Edwards of Tanarchy received a one-bedroom unit.

These bring the total number of houses built under the Programme to 87, with another 13 under construction.

Speaking during the handover ceremony on Tuesday (August 20), Mr. McKenzie said some $27 million was spent to construct the units, while giving the undertaking that the Government “will continue to do what we are doing when it comes on to the needs of Jamaicans for housing”.

He pointed out that the units built are furnished “so that the [recipients] not only have a roof [over their heads] but they have what it takes to make a decent home”,  while encouraging the latest beneficiaries to take pride in their new homes.

Mr. McKenzie informed that indigent housing solutions have been built in all parishes except St. James.

He indicated, however, that the Ministry is on track “to put down at least four units there”.

For his part, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with Responsibility for Works and Member of Parliament for Clarendon North Central, Hon. Robert Morgan, noted that “every one of these beneficiaries is deserving”.

“That’s one of the most important things about this programme… you will not hear that someone got a benefit who did not deserve it,” he said.

Mr. Morgan highlighted the thorough assessments undertaken for all the beneficiaries by partner stakeholders, including the Clarendon Poor Relief Department.

The new beneficiaries and their families were all smiles and cheers as they walked into their new homes.

Beryl Stewart-Brown, who spoke on behalf of her daughter, Marlene Stewart, told JIS News that, “I am very, very happy for the benefit granted onto us”.

“This will make our lives happy and satisfactory. It is so wonderful that we were remembered by the Government. I don’t have the words to say how grateful I am,” Mrs. Brown said.

Community icon, Allan “Jah Lloyd” Edwards, was a picture of glee, opting even to say his own word of prayer following the official dedication of his one-bedroom unit.

The upbeat visually impaired and physically challenged resident, upon taking a seat in his brand-new sofa, was moved to belt out the lyrics “Happiness… mi nuh inna nothing wid stress!”.

The Indigent Housing Programme was designed to address challenges experienced  by the poor and most vulnerable citizens in acquiring homes.

Potential beneficiaries must 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 houses are concrete structures and feature sloped roofs that enable rainwater harvesting.

BULKY WASTE AND DERELICT VEHICLE REMOVAL IN ST. JAMES BEGINS

Posted on August 13, 2024

MONTEGO BAY,  (JIS):

To improve public health and environmental conditions, the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has launched the Bulky Waste and Derelict Vehicle Removal Programme for St. James, beginning in the Catherine Hall area and expanding to other communities.

The initiative, which commenced on Thursday (August 8), forms part of a broader national clean-up effort, aimed at mitigating the risk of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Executive Director of the NSWMA, Audley Gordon, emphasised the importance of the clean-up exercise in battling the threat of dengue.

“So, part of what we are doing is to fight the disease through the medium of the bulky waste clean-up exercise. Catherine Hall is a very populated community, and it doesn’t sit well if we have things like these just tossed around,” Mr. Gordon said.

He noted that Catherine Hall has long been plagued by the presence of discarded bulky waste and derelict vehicles, which serve as prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Additionally, they also harbour rodents and other pests, further worsening the health risks to the community.

By targeting these vehicles for removal, the NSWMA aims to disrupt the mosquito life cycle and reduce diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya,              Mr. Gordon said.

“Today, we have 14 trucks, such as the crane trucks, tippers, compactors, everything, which is a combination of government and private trucks, that will be taking part in the operation around Montego Bay and the general St. James area,” he noted.

In the meantime, Mr. Gordon outlined that the Government-mandated national clean-up has been yielding significant results, with the NSWMA removing more than 2,000 loads of bulky waste from various communities across Jamaica.

Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the St. James Municipal Corporation, Councillor Richard Vernon, expressed his gratitude for the NSWMA’s efforts and emphasised the importance of a clean and safe environment for the city’s residents.

He said the clean-up operation will target specific areas, including Barracks Road, Railway, Paradise, Norwood, Perry Street, and other communities where illegal dump sites and bulky waste accumulation have been identified as contributing to mosquito breeding.

“Some time ago, we launched the STEP-UP programme, and we started to eradicate some illegal dump sites. We also met with several people who we believe contribute to the illegal dumping, and the groups that contribute in such a way that would produce the buildup of derelict vehicles across the city,” Mr. Vernon added.

“We gave them a reasonable time to get their house in order before we carry out further operations. Now, that time has expired and we are now in full gear to carry out the enforcement exercise,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, and Member of Parliament for St. West Central, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, underscored the Government’s commitment to providing reliable waste management services to its citizens.

She urged the public to dispose of waste properly and refrain from illegal dumping that not only creates an eyesore but also fosters the breeding of rodents and mosquitoes.

The programme will systematically expand to cover other parishes in Western Jamaica.

 

 

CONTACT:   OKOYE HENRY

JIS REGIONAL OFFICE

MONTEGO BAY

 

 

Gov’t Looking to Ramp Up Post-Hurricane Relief Efforts in St. Elizabeth

Posted on August 12, 2024

By: Okoye Henry (JIS)

The Government is looking to ramp up post-Hurricane Beryl relief efforts in St. Elizabeth, sections of which are still without electricity. 

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says there are plans to intensify and expand assistance to residents over the coming weeks, until the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) fully restores electricity to the affected areas.  

He advised that the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Social Development Commission (SDC), and St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation will coordinate these efforts. 

“I want to give the people the assurance and say to them to bear with us and work with us, as we traverse the various challenges they are facing since the hurricane,” Mr. McKenzie said. 

He indicated, however, that “under the most difficult and trying circumstances, they have been good, respectful and understanding, and we appreciate their efforts and [resilience].” 

Minister McKenzie was speaking with JIS News on Saturday (August 10) during a visit to several communities in St. Elizabeth, one of the parishes hardest hit during the hurricane’s passage on July 3, to assess the damage and distribute essential supplies to residents. These communities included Flagaman, Parottee and Hill Top.  

He said Saturday’s undertaking was also in response to the prolonged power outages being experienced in several communities. 

“As such, we came into the parish to donate a couple hundred igloos, ice, water, care packages, blankets and solar lighting to the residents that have been affected,” Mr. McKenzie informed.   

Councillor for the Mountain Side Division, Derrick Sangster, expressed gratitude for the Government’s intervention, noting that the provisions would significantly help to alleviate challenges being experienced by affected residents. 

He said the loss of electricity and water has not only affected the daily lives of the citizens, but also disrupted their livelihoods.  

Councillor Sangster pointed out that the Government’s relief effort is deemed crucial in helping the communities recover and rebuild. 

Meanwhile, residents benefitting from the provisions also expressed their appreciation. 

Janice Johnson of Flagaman said the ice and igloos will help to mitigate the intense heat being experienced, while Stacy Ann Myers of Parottee similarly welcomed the gesture. 

GOV’T URGES USE OF HURRICANE STRAPS DURING ROOF CONSTRUCTION

Posted on July 29, 2024

MONTEGO BAY, July 28 (JIS):

As Jamaicans begin to rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the Government is encouraging the use of hurricane straps during roof construction.

A Hurricane Roof Strap Expo, organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, was held at JAG Myers Park in Black River, St. Elizabeth on Friday (July 26).

It involved collaboration with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

Hurricane straps are metal connectors that are installed during the construction of roofs to minimise the risk of blow-off during extreme weather events.

In an interview with JIS News, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, underscored the importance of sensitising citizens, particularly those hardest hit by the passage of Hurricane Beryl, about the use and benefits of the straps.

“What we are doing here in Black River is the first in a series [to show] what the Government is doing and what the residents themselves can do in order to prevent certain damage during the hurricane season,” he said.

Minister McKenzie told JIS News that in 2008, ODPEM commenced a Resilient Roofing Project, which included the use of hurricane straps,  and the exercise was being relaunched to “encourage Jamaicans who are going to be rebuilding their roofs …to ensure that they use the proper tools.”

He said citizens must be cognisant that Jamaica is prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, land slippage and drought “so we must become more disaster conscious [in terms of] where we live, how we build and the risks that we take.”

Acting Director General of ODPEM, Richard Thompson, noted that the Resilient Roofing Project, which started after the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav, not only focused on hurricane straps, but also resilient roof design.

“In terms of hurricane resilience, using hip or gable roof is better to minimise the impact of wind damage,” he pointed out.

“So, you will have a flat roof and what will happen is that the wind will be able to get under the roof itself and lift the zinc sheeting. The hip roof, depending on the degree of slope, gives you better resilience as the wind blows onto the roof itself and does not get under the roof,” Mr. Thompson outlined.

Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth South West, Hon. Floyd Green, hailed the expo as a “wonderful initiative” and commended Minister McKenzie and his team for bringing the information “directly to the people”.

“Clearly, to bring intervention directly to the people in the hardest hit parish is something that we truly appreciate. A number of our citizens are looking to rebuild, are looking to recover, but they need some support and what we want is to ensure that when they rebuild, they build back better,” he told JIS News.

He noted that over 2000 households were impacted by Hurricane Beryl  in terms of roof damage.

“So, it’s critical that as they seek to rebuild, they do it in a different manner, they do it in a more sustainable manner, so if another event of this nature comes, we can fare a little better,” Mr. Green said.

During the expo, citizens were given hurricane straps and tarpaulin.

Participating entities included Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), HEART/NSTA Trust, Social Development Commission (SDC) and Sherwin Williams.

 

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CONTACT:   SERENA GRANT

JIS REGIONAL OFFICE

MONTEGO BAY

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER CALLS OUT PNP COUNCILLORS’ CAUCUS FOR MISLEADING STATEMENTS ABOUT THE MINISTRY’S POST HURRICANE BERYL RECOVERY EFFORTS

Posted on July 23, 2024

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has strongly criticized the comments of the “National Caucus of PNP Councillors” which were published earlier today, claiming that Councillors’ efforts to assist the people in their Divisions were hampered by an “absence of clear communication, funding and logistical support from the Ministry…”

“According to media reports, the Mayor of Spanish Town, Councillor Norman Scott is the President of this entity, and he is well aware, as he admits in his news release, that I have recently met with the Mayors and outlined the next steps as the recovery process continues. I want to make it very clear that this PNP Caucus is speaking for itself, and cannot credibly claim to be representing the Councillors across the country. More importantly however, I wish to advise and remind our citizens that the Government is addressing the recovery effort in an organized way. This involves not only Members of Parliament and Councillors as elected representatives, but also the critical Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the National Disaster Risk Management Council, such as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS).

“I can only hope that at least some members of this PNP Caucus listened carefully to the Most Honourable Prime Minister’s Statement to Parliament last Tuesday, where he outlined very clearly the roles of the elected representatives in helping State Agencies to identify where assistance is needed, and the role of these Agencies in delivering services including the distribution of building materials among other items. The Government is carrying out a national effort to provide relief to our citizens in which the duplication of functions is minimized, and in which all the representative and administrative arms of the state work together.

“The news release issued by this Caucus stated that “emphasis has been placed on giving support to Members of Parliament, but it is the Councillors who residents find more easily accessible and to whom they readily look for support at this time.” The Prime Minister has declared and I am repeating that resources are being allocated to Constituencies, not to Parliamentarians or other elected representatives, and access to these resources is governed by clear accountability systems. The entire focus of the Government is on getting help to our people, and helping them to build back better. This Administration will not be drawn into any attempt to create envy or discord between Members of Parliament and Councillors over resources which are meant for Jamaicans who have been adversely affected by the passage of Hurricane Beryl.”