Jamaica Fire Brigade gets 103 new members

Posted on December 15, 2023

TOWER ISLE, St. Mary: The 103 new recruits of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) have been tasked with increasing the value of the special agency to the people of Jamaica.

“You have taken on a tremendous responsibility, to maintain and enhance the esteem in which the JFB is held, and to increase the value of this,” read remarks from Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Honourable Desmond McKenzie.

“Your value, however, goes beyond firefighting and fire protection. You are now members of a noble profession, and of an institution that has built up high traditions and public respect over the last 151 years. Your uniform is a powerful symbol of discipline, efficiency, and credibility – qualities that the Fire Brigade is associated with all over this country.”

Minister McKenzie was represented by Mr. Junior Rose, the Ministry’s Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Policy Research.

The new firefighters- 86 men and 17 women- were officially presented during a graduation ceremony on December 9 at the Madge Saunders Conference Centre in Tower Isle, St. Mary.

The Minister also reassured the new firefighters that they will be able to respond to the challenges of the profession with confidence, as the leadership of the JFB and the Government are investing in the agency’s transformation to include the construction and renovation of fire stations.

“More equipment is being obtained to continue the modernization of the Brigade. Your ability to prevent fires through building inspections, public education, fire investigations, and hydrant maintenance is being expanded,” noted Minister McKenzie.

“The new structure of the JFB approved by the Ministry of Finance, is facilitating a new level of service through the Fire Safety Prevention and Investigation Division.”

He also underscored that the graduates are entering the JFB Jamaica at one of the most exciting points in its history.

“You will become part of the change that is taking place, and I am confident that you will make your mark. You have made a highly consequential career choice,” the Minister stated.

“I am grateful to you for your decision to give national service through the Jamaica Fire Brigade. I pray that you will achieve every success, as you give your all in the service of your fellow citizens.”

The new cohort of firefighters were also exposed to disciplines such as Nuclear and Radiation Emergencies; Water Rescue; Electric Hybrid Motor Vehicle Response; and Emergency Medical Technician Training prior to their graduation.

They represent the 25^th Intake of recruits into the Brigade.

 

Ocho Rios Fire Station renamed Lorenzo Garnet Douse Memorial Building

Posted on December 4, 2023

OCHO RIOS, St. Ann:  The Ocho Rios Fire Station has been renamed and rededicated as the Lorenzo Garnet Douse Memorial Building to preserve the memory of the late firefighter who died tragically last December during active duties.

The somber occasion was marked with a ceremony on November 30 at the stationhouse located on Stormont Road in Buckfield, Ocho Rios.

Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, emphasised the importance of preserving Douse’s legacy and ensuring that his sacrifice is not forgotten.

“This building must never ever find itself in a state of disrepair to the point that it does not reflect the symbol of what it is about. I urge the St. Ann Municipal Corporation to work closely with the JFB (Jamaica Fire Brigade) in ensuring that the facility is maintained,” he said.

Minister McKenzie noted that renaming is testament to the JFB’s commitment to recognizing its members’ service and dedication.

“I want this to be a reminder, not just to firefighters, but to the people of Jamaica that regardless of what you do, your service must be recognized.”

Firefighter Douse was also posthumously honoured by the Government on National Heroes Day in October.

He was killed in the line of duty when a motor vehicle overtook a line of traffic and slammed into the back of a fire truck parked near the Reynolds Pier along the Ocho Rios main road. Douse was among a team that responded to a fie call in the vicinity.

Minister McKenzie announced the decision to rename the Ocho Ros Fire Station during the funeral service for the 25-year-old firefighter at Moneague College in St. Ann on January 28.

The Minister also unveiled an Honour Board that will serve as a memorial for firefighters who have passed away in the line of duty.

He indicated that this new feature would be implemented in every fire station across Jamaica, allowing colleagues to remember and honour those who served with distinction.

JFB Commissioner, Stewart Beckford, acknowledged the unwavering dedication of the men and women within the Brigade who consistently serve the people of Jamaica.

This commitment, he noted, was evident during the recent challenges posed by the heavy rains that affected the country, incidents of bomb threats and the 5.6 magnitude earthquake.

“Let’s use the opportunity to collectively express our love and appreciation for our firefighters and to honour the memory of those who have preceded us and who have given of themselves to the very end. Let us forever remember the names of our falling heroes,” Commissioner Beckford added.

“It is therefore fitting that this station is named in his (Lorenzo Garnet Douse) honour, so that his sacrifice will be remembered for years to come,” Commissioner Beckford added.

St. Mary Municipal Corporation brings the heat -Cops culinary conquest at Local Government & Community Month 2023 Cook-Off Competition

Posted on November 30, 2023November 30, 2023

ANNOTTO BAY, St. Mary: A Taste of St. Mary team was an exception to the proverb about too many cooks spoiling the broth as it copped the 2023 staging of the Local Government and Community Month (LGCM) Cook-Off Competition.

“The St. Mary Municipal Corporation (MC) team approached the Cook-Off like we were entering a formal, professional cooking competition and that guided every action we took.,” said Chief Executive Officer Ethlyn Douglas.

“We selected members of staff and Councillors who had culinary skills, we had meetings to discuss the menu, our team look, from setting up the work space to during the competition, our booth, our theme and our team’s name.”

The St. Mary team tantalized the tastebuds of the three-members judging panel during the competition at Gray’s Inn Agricultural Complex in St Mary on November 24.

Their winning dish was the ‘Mackerel Steak’ (served with Coconut Annatto Sauce, Sweet Potato Duchess and Carrot & String Bean Medley) and their drink showing off the versatility of June Plum was coined ‘St. Mary’s Delight’.

The other teams rounding off the top three spots were the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development in second and third place, respectively.

The Cook-Off Competition was conceptualized in 2015 as part of LGCM activities and consists of two rounds. Judging is done after each round for a drink and the main course. This year, the main ingredients were mackerel (pickled or tinned) saltfish and June plum for the drink.

The contest is open only to individuals employed by the Ministry, its Portfolio Agencies, and the Municipal Corporations.

This year’s competition had 12 entrants to include 2022 winners the St. Elizabeth MC; Hanover MC; St. Ann MC; NEPM Waste Management Limited; the Jamaica Fire Brigade represented by the St. Mary Fire Department; Portland MC; the Municipality of Portmore; Vineyard Town Golden Age Home and the Manchester MC.

The entrants are judged on use of ingredients; originality of recipe; creativity of team name and uniforms; team conduct; team organization and booth décor.

“Another aspect of our preparation that I believe assisted greatly in our win was that we tested our menu. Days before the competition, we timed the preparation of the dishes, tasted same, and gave feedback on how to enhance our menu,” added Miss Douglas.

“We worked together, fully demonstrated team work during the execution. All members, even the reserves, had an opportunity to perform.”

LGCM is celebrated annually in November and this year observed the theme: ‘Local Government: Creating a Legacy of Improved Social Services’.

The St. Mary team comprised Mayor Richard Creary, Councillors Leroy Sewell, Mitsy Hudson-Hicks, Doreen Hutchinson and Levan Freeman along with CEO Douglas, Secretary Brittania Hydol and Hanif Morrison, Building Officer.

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY MONTH 2023 MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Posted on November 29, 2023

“Local Government: Creating A Legacy of Improved Social Services.”

The theme of this year’s celebration of Local Government and Community Month is a reflection of the impact and potential of the system of local government on every aspect of national life. It creates an opportunity to assess the work that we have done together over the last seven years to make clear and measurable improvements to the lives of our citizens. The theme is also a stirring reminder about our purpose, the reason why we serve.

The Old Testament book of Exodus refers to the seventh year as one of rest, following the previous six years of hard work and gathering the fruit of one’s labour. In the modern era however, this seventh year is for us, one of renewed dedication to service to our fellow citizens. They are demanding more of us as local elected representatives and as local administrators in our Municipal jurisdictions, and we must continue to answer the call. There is little time to rest. It is through hard work and perseverance that we have recorded significant improvements in the services offered by the Local Authorities and by our Agencies: the Social Development Commission, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, and the Board of Supervision. Similarly, our citizens continue to benefit from innovative interventions created by this Administration such as the Municipal Social Assistance Programme, the Water Shops and the Youth Summer Employment Programme, which addresses their needs in their communities as well as their aspirations. My commitment on accepting duty as Minister in 2016, was to transform the image of Local Government through better governance and service provision, and to elevate it into respectability in the eyes of the Jamaican people. Now, seven years later, much has been done to achieve this objective. The processes of modernization and service improvement continued even through 2020 to 2022, two of the most challenging years that this country – and indeed the world – have ever experienced.

There is much of which we should be proud. At the same time, there is still much labour that we must carry out to cement the legacy of improved social services. One of these, which falls on all of us as servants within the local government system, is to impress on our people that their co-operation through personal responsibility, is as critical to social transformation as the services and resources that are, and will be provided to them through Local Government. Our fire statistics will plunge, if more of our citizens practice fire safety every day. The work of the NSWMA and the ODPEM will be even more effective, if there is less illegal dumping. As we continue to address the requirements of our people, we must rise to the challenge of imparting this vital message. The hands of local government must clap in rhythm with the hands of the citizens we serve.

Hon. Desmond McKenzie CD, MP, JP
Minister

Municipal Corporations’ Building Units to be boosted

Posted on November 27, 2023

The capacity of the building units inside the Municipal Corporations will be increased with additional officers to strengthen the enforcement of building approval procedures.

According to Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Honourable Desmond McKenzie, the move is timely given the surge in construction projects- both at the commercial and residential levels- across the country.

“We are increasing the number of building officers to strengthen the ability of the local authority to respond effectively. With the current staffing levels, it is impossible to monitor developments across the country adequately,” he said.

“I am giving notice that the local authorities will not sit back and allow illegal construction to take place and then persons turn around and be critical, even suggesting that they are taking bribes in order to facilitate illegal construction.”

The Minister stressed that the current trend to disregard building approval procedures is worrying. He also noted that some established developers move away from approved building plans during construction.

“They put up dry wall partitions and they use all sorts of methods to bypass the approval process.”

Minister McKenzie, who was speaking at a retirement function hosted by the St. Ann Municipal Corporation on November 12, also announced the establishment of a committee to evaluate and provide recommendations on the Government’s response to building violations post-approval.

The committee will comprise private-sector individuals and experts in the building industry.

He charged that there is need for collective responsibility despite the local authorities being the sole legitimate entities for granting building approvals.

“The role and emphasis on proper building observation and persons (adhering) to approvals are not just the responsibility of the local authorities by themselves.”

Local Gov’t Minister hosts annual Youth Mayors’ Forum – $1 Million for each Junior Council Project

Posted on November 22, 2023

RUNAWAY BAY, St. Ann: Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Honourable Desmond McKenzie, has committed J$1 million each to the 14 Junior Councils to undertake their group projects during their one-year term.

The Minister hosted the new cohort of Youth Mayors, representing the respective Municipal Corporations and the Municipality of Portmore, at a forum in Runaway Bay, St. Ann on November 16.

The Youth Mayor presented their proposed group projects and their impact on their communities. The initiatives ranged from the provision of water tanks to schools as well as the renovation of football fields, bus stops and infirmaries to catering to the mentally ill.

“As I listened to all of your presentations they were of high quality, well put together, and most importantly, they were excellently delivered, and I must commend you,” stated Minister McKenzie.

“Local Government is the stable for producing outstanding political leaders.”

He used the Youth Mayors’ Forum to highlight the role of local government in nurturing future political leaders, as he encouraged the young leaders to view their roles as “stepping stones” into the complex world of politics.

“I want to encourage you, because a lot of people feel that if you’re going into politics, you must walk in and become a Member of Parliament. While it is good to have ambition, it is also good to experience what it is all about by being a [Local Government] Councillor,” the Minister added.

He urged the Youth Mayors to recognise the importance of gaining experience as a parochial representative (Councillor) before pursuing higher political ambitions, as he alluded to the challenges and the responsibilities of the role.

Minister McKenzie also acknowledged the efforts of the Youth Mayors on the brilliance exhibited during their presentations. He noted the continuous improvement in the forum’s quality since its introduction in 2016.

He also encouraged them to remain engaged in politics even after their term has ended.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the youth leaders for their participation in the programme and challenged them to ensure the successful execution of their projects.

The Youth Mayors’ Forum form part of the activities of Local Government and Community Month, which is observed in November each year.

MESSAGE FROM THE MOST HON. ANDREW HOLNESS, ON, PC, MP PRIME MINISTER Local Government and Community Month 2023

Posted on November 15, 2023

The Government is pleased to acknowledge and celebrate the essence of our local communities and the vital role of our local government system. Indeed, the government appreciates the remarkable contributions of our local authorities and their enduring commitment to the well-being of our society.

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development is an important component of this government that accompanies citizens through the stages of their lives. The services of the local authorities have been integral in facilitating the development of communities that can deliver sustainable first world services through modern, participatory, autonomous, and adaptive systems, for the benefit of all citizens.

As we celebrate Local Government month this November under the theme: Creating A Legacy of Improved Social Services’ we acknowledge the values that underpin the foundation of our communities and our nation as a whole.  Indeed, local government encapsulates the pivotal role that our local authorities play in fostering social care, unity, and progress within our neighbourhoods.

Over the years, this Ministry has achieved record breaking performances in areas such as infrastructure, construction and rehabilitation, upgrading of markets, municipal buildings, fire stations, infirmaries, streetlight, and constructing houses for the indigent population.

I commend the Ministry of Local Government for its work in caring for the homeless among our population, setting up night shelters in various parishes, the integral role it plays in the preparation for natural disasters, opening recreational parks, the beautification of our towns and cities and ensuring that the enforcement of anti-litter and building laws are priority on the government’s agenda.  We will continue to strategically expand the capacity of the authorities to further upgrade the National Solid Waste Management Authority, NSWMA, as we believe every Jamaican should have the opportunity to live in a clean community.

Indeed, we have set the standard high. The government remains committed to fulfilling the needs of every Jamaican through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development. We will work to develop and refine strategies, forge partnerships to promote sustainable development and advance Jamaica to first-world status.

It is imperative that we acknowledge and honour the tireless efforts of those who work diligently within our local government, striving to improve the lives of our citizens and build a brighter future for generations to come. Let us use this month as an opportunity to reflect on the significance of their contributions and to actively engage in initiatives that promote the betterment of our communities.

Together, let us continue to work hand in hand, fostering a legacy of enhanced social services and reinforcing the bonds that strengthen the fabric of our beloved nation.

 

The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP

Prime Minister