10 Additional Municipal Corporations Receive Technological Devices Valued $12.3M

Posted on November 8, 2023

JIS NEWS, Kingston: Ten additional Municipal Corporations are being provided with FortiGate devices, valued at approximately $12.3 million, to strengthen their digital framework and boost their technological capabilities.

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, through collaboration with the National Works Agency (NWA), e-Gov Jamaica Limited and the Universal Service Fund (USF), was able to procure FortiGate Firewalls to improve the Corporations’ information and communications technology (ICT) security and connectivity.

The devices are already being utilised in four other local authorities.
The devices, inclusive of 12 FortiGate routers, 11 FortiGate access points, and the accompanying three-year support, were handed over to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development on Hagley Park Road in Kingston on November 3 by the USF.

Addressing the presentation ceremony, Portfolio Minister, Honourable Desmond McKenzie, said the devices will assist in boosting service delivery at the Municipal Corporations.

Noting that this represents a significant milestone in the work of the local authorities, Mr. McKenzie said the provisions “will enable us to increase our capacity to deliver, especially when it comes on to building applications”.

“One of the ways that we are looking to strengthen the work of the local authorities is to move into the age of technology. There are some Municipal Corporations, even as we speak, that have real Internet challenges at some of the locations. So, what we are developing here is a cross-government approach to increase technology [and] to increase the potential for service delivery,” he pointed out.

The Minister said ICT integration in the operations of the local authorities is critical, as they have a vast area of service responsibilities. These relate to building applications, places of amusement licenses, hairdressers, and barbers.

Mr. McKenzie urged the Chief Executive Officers of the various Municipal Corporations to ensure that information technology officers receive continuous training in new apparatuses.

“They must be exposed to the latest technology that is available,” he further underscored.

Human Resource and Administration Manager at the USF, Shanice Cornwall, said provision of the devices forms part of Jamaica’s digital transformation.

She said the agency will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the country’s digital landscape is robust and inclusive.

Chief Executive Officer, St. Ann Municipal Corporation, Jennifer Brown Cunningham, expressed gratitude for the devices.

“We have been on this journey for a little while with e-Gov, the NWA and also with USF, in building out the backbone of this infrastructure that is required for us to be feeding to all of the other Ministries that will benefit from having this programme on the ground,” she said.

Under the Government’s National Broad Band Initiative, the Municipal Corporations have been outfitted with the necessary equipment from the GovNet project.

This serves as an Internet-connection hub for the courts, schools, the NWA’s offices, and the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and allows the Municipal Corporations to have access to AMANDA using the broadband.

The AMANDA (Application Management and Data Automation) system is a web-based system aimed at providing greater transparency in the building approval process and relies heavily on Internet connection to provide faster services.

 

PERSONS ENCOURAGED TO INSPECT BUILDINGS FOR POSSIBLE EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE

Posted on November 1, 2023

KINGSTON, (JIS):

Jamaicans are encouraged to continue inspecting their buildings for cracks, shifts in pillars, posts and other beams and structural members, and to seek a professional assessment if there is any damage.

This reminder came from Acting Director General, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson, during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday (October 30) following a 5.6 magnitude earthquake that impacted sections of Jamaica earlier on the day.

He said the inspection and assessment is to ensure that buildings are safe, while also encouraging persons to check for gas leaks.

Mr. Thompson further urged Jamaicans to take precautionary measures in the event of an earthquake.

“We preach to the public all the time as it relates to the ‘drop, cover, hold’ principle, and I know sometimes when you have not experienced anything of this nature, you tend to forget some of these principles,” he said.

Mr. Thompson also reminded persons to exit their buildings by using the stairs and  not elevators.

He suggested that a warden system should be established within offices  to manage the movement of personnel and check buildings before re-entry.

The Acting Director General also urged Jamaicans to remain alert during these natural disasters.

“One of the things that occurred during the event was that it [made] it a bit difficult for the response personnel to call within their call groups or have discussions about the event because many persons were on their phones.

“We want to remind persons that during an incident of this nature, we know it gets a little dramatic and persons want to call each other. But we are asking persons not to use cellphones during these kinds of incidents unless it is absolutely necessary,” he maintained.

Mr. Thompson said ODPEM continues to do its checks, working closely with the other response entities.

Meanwhile, he advised that following the earthquake, consultation with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre determined that no tsunami was generated by the seismic activity.

Phase Two of Desmond McKenzie Transitional Centre development to be completed in January

Posted on October 24, 2023

JIS NEWS, Kingston: Phase-two development of the Desmond McKenzie Transitional Centre for the Homeless in downtown Kingston, which is now under way, is slated for completion in January 2024.

 

The addition, which will increase the facility’s occupancy capacity from 40 to 100, is part of the Government’s drive to provide resources and infrastructure to improve the quality of life for Jamaica’s homeless population.

 

Mayor of Kingston, Senator Councillor Delroy Williams, who made the disclosure, told JIS News that the expansion will provide additional space for more destitute persons seeking assistance.

 

“We are looking at a three-month period to complete the second phase. So, we are looking at sometime in January. In the beginning, we were looking at a total of 100 persons… that is what we are targeting. Persons who are homeless and are [experiencing challenges], they are taken in here,” he said.

 

Senator Williams visited the shelter, located on King Street, on October 10 during a ceremony to commemorate the observance of World Homeless Day.

Clients of the facility were treated to care packages.

 

He said the facility provides a holistic programme that aims to offer shelter and the basic social needs to assist needy persons to rebuild their lives.

 

“We are trying as best as possible to transition people back into their normal lives, and we have provided employment for a number of homeless persons in the downtown area, primarily as environmental wardens. We are engaging the private sector to see in what ways they can provide employment opportunities for [some of these persons]. It is a total programme, and we are seeing success,” Mayor Williams shared.

 

In recognition of his many years of service to the nation’s homeless, the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) on May 10, 2022, approved a Resolution to name the facility in honour of Mr. McKenzie who is the Minister of Local Government and Community Development.

 

Minister McKenzie, who also visited with clients and staff at the facility, said the Centre continues to be a haven for this vulnerable population.

 

He said the significance of World Homeless Day “is not lost on us here in Jamaica, because we are seeing a growing number of persons on the streets right across the country”.

 

Mr. McKenzie said the shelter, which is the first adult transitional facility for persons living on the nation’s streets, is an indication of the Government’s commitment to improved social services.

 

In this regard, he said similar facilities are being built out across the island.

The Centre, which is open 24 hours, serves as a shelter and rehabilitative service point. It provides protection, specialised care, and aids in the holistic renewal of clients.

FIRE WEEK TO FOCUS ON SAFETY IN A DIGITAL SOCIETY

Posted on October 20, 2023

KINGSTON, Oct. 20 (JIS):

‘Fire Safety in a Digital Society’ is the theme for this year’s observance of Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week, from October 22 to 28.

“The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) thought it necessary to use this period to zone in on fire safety implications that exist for a society that is exhibiting an increasing reliance on digital technologies,” said Acting Superintendent, JFB, Jay Scott.

He was speaking during the Week’s official launch on Wednesday (October 18) at the Police Officers Club in St. Andrew.

Mr. Scott informed that the JFB will use the week to execute a public education campaign geared towards increasing awareness about the issue.

The objectives of the campaign include promoting lithium-ion battery, electric vehicle and smart building fire safety, and digital emergency preparedness.

“To achieve the stated objectives, the JFB will engage in a series of activities across all parishes during the week. These will include presentations, symposiums, workshops, expositions, face-to-face community engagements, as well as electronic media engagements,” Mr. Scott informed.

For his part, JFB Commissioner, Stewart Beckford, encouraged persons to pay attention to the messages that will be communicated throughout the week, noting that tips on the safe use of devices will be provided.

“We have had incidents of fires occurring because of persons [among other things] inappropriately charging their devices; so we want to educate,” he said.

For over 25 years, the JFB has been observing Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week during the last week of October, when the message of fire prevention and safety information is taken to the population.

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CONTACT: SHANNA K. SALMON

2023 Cross Island Run launched in St. Elzabeth -Run precursor to Local Government & Community Month

Posted on October 19, 2023

BLACK RIVER, St. Elizabeth: Executive Director of the Social Development Commission (SDC), Dr. Dwayne Vernon, has challenged the country’s youth to get involved in community work.

“We are going to try and build back the youth organizations because we can’t continue our legacy in Jamaica unless the youths are involved,” he said.

“I encourage you to first visit your community groups, the ones that exist and then from that you can branch off into your own community organization or youth group.”

Dr. Vernon was speaking at the launch of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development’s 2023 Cross Island Run in Black River, St. Elizabeth yesterday (October 18).

The SDC head also urged residents who are not a part of any grouping to volunteer and become active in supporting community organizations.

He thanked the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation for its support of the event as well as to the Parish Development Committee over the years.

 The Cross-Island Run, organized by the SDC, is a precursor to Local Government and Community Month (LGCM) observed annually in November.

The Run will last until November 5 with more than 200 runners from several schools and youth groups trekking across the island delivering messages from the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Association of Local Government Authorities of Jamaica (ALGAJ) to the Mayors in the parish capitals.

 The event will conclude at the Church of God of Prophecy in Comfort District, Manchester where the messages will be read during the national church service.

 

Participants of the 2023 Local Government and Community Month Cross Island Run,

Mayor of Black River, Councillor Derrick Sangster, remarked that Jamaica is blessed with a talent of runners – some of whom dominate the international stage.

“Let me urge all the runners today to perform with great enthusiasm, run with any particular skills that you might have put in place and any hard work that you might have done in preparation or in training,” he noted.

“…Your participation in this All Island Run demonstrates, as far as I am concerned, your belief in and your commitment to the Local Government process and its importance for our political and our social life.”

He used the opportunity to commend the SDC for its “continued hard work and interaction in the social fabric of our society”.

The launch was held on the grounds of the municipal corporation. It was attended by a large contingent of councillors from the municipality, as well as several representatives from community groups and staff representing the Ministry and the SDC.

The Cross Island Run was introduced in 2017 and seeks to heighten awareness among residents on the critical social services that the respective departments under the Ministry provide to the general citizenry.

NSWMA hosts E-Waste Expo on October 14

Posted on October 13, 2023

JIS NEWS: The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) will be hosting an electronic waste (e-waste) exposition at its head office located at 61 Half-Way Tree Road in St. Andrew on Saturday, October 14.

The event, which will commence at 10:00 am, is in observance of International

E-waste Day, under the theme ‘Mek Haste and Recycle Yuh Waste’.

E-waste refers to any equipment with plugs, cords and electronic components that are at the end of their useful life. These include mobile phones, personal computers, and peripherals such as printers and keyboards, televisions, and associated cabling.

Speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, NSWMA’s Executive Director, Audley Gordon, said the expo will be “informative and entertaining”, thereby providing an opportunity for citizens to learn about e-waste.

He is encouraging persons to attend the event and use the opportunity to drop off any e-waste that they may have in their possession.

“Come down to our offices at Half-Way Tree Road. Come and learn about this danger to the society and the environment, and if you have e-waste that you want to discard, that’s a good day to take it down,” Mr. Gordon urged.

Stating that the country’s waste stream is contaminated with e-wastes, he noted that these electronic products are “laden with hazardous materials” which are harmful to the environment and the health of individuals and, as such, should be disposed of properly.

International E-waste Day is a yearly awareness-raising event initiated by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Forum and its members.

It aims to highlight the growing issue of electronic waste and promote responsible e-waste management.

The NSWMA is responsible for the management of solid waste in Jamaica.

The agency’s mandate is to safeguard public health, and ensure that waste is collected, stored, transported, recycled, and reused or disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

Emergency Drain Cleaning for Falmouth -Ministry to release $6m to undertake work

Posted on October 13, 2023

FALMOUTH, Trelawny: Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Honourable Desmond McKenzie, says emergency drain cleaning will be undertaken in Falmouth to stem the dengue outbreak and safeguard public health.

According to the Minister, the Government intends to “respond in a positive way” given the urgency of the mosquito-borne illness.

“We’re going to be moving expeditiously to address the problems affecting garbage collection. The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is here, and we have already made arrangements for some garbage skips to be placed at strategic locations in the constituency.”

Information from the Health Ministry indicates that the number of presumed, suspected and confirmed dengue cases increased to 1,060 as at September 29. Of that number,132 are confirmed dengue cases with the type 2 strain dominating the confirmed case count.

All parishes have recorded dengue cases with Kingston & St. Andrew, St. Thomas, St. Catherine, Portland, and St. James recording the most confirmed cases.  The 5 to 14-year-old age cohort continues to be the most affected, followed by persons 25-59 years old.

The resources for the emergency response to the dengue outbreak will be guided through the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA). Clean-up programmes will begin in the areas identified by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and then extend to other communities.

“There has to be a shared responsibility by Jamaicans in the fight against dengue and the protracted fight that we have in ensuring that we have a clean country,” Minister McKenzie noted.

He was speaking during a visit to North Trelawny on October 6 to assess parochial roads, indigent housing, street lighting, and rural electrification, among other services, in several communities.

Member of Parliament, Tova Hamilton, and Councillors of the Trelawny Municipal Corporation led by Mayor of Falmouth, His Worship Collen Gager, were also present.

Minister McKenzie assured residents of New Town that the Government remained committed to addressing the road conditions as well as challenges with street lighting and electrification to improve safety and accessibility for residents.

An indigent house each will also be built in New Town, and Princess Street, Falmouth.

There are also plans to revitalise and modernise the Wakefield Market, including the relocation of the postal agency to the premises.

“The Social Development Commission (SDC) is going to be playing a critical part in Trelawny Northern and they are going to be working on a comprehensive community programme using the community centre facility in Falmouth,” Mr. McKenzie outlined.

“The SDC will [implement] one of its entrepreneurial programmes where some 120 persons will benefit. Persons will be able to invest in small businesses and will benefit from that programme.”

More J’cans urged to help fight homelessness – Charge given during St. Mary World Homeless Day activities

Posted on October 11, 2023

PORT MARIA, St. Mary: Jamaicans have been called upon to get involved in the fight against homelessness across the country.

“The best way to celebrate World Homeless Day is to support local service providers for homeless people. You can volunteer at a homeless shelter, at a Drop In Centre, at an infirmary, donate clothes or food items, give of your expertise. Even if you cannot do much or give much, you are still making a difference,” said Ethlyn Douglas, Chief Executive Officer at the St. Mary Municipal Corporation.

Miss Douglas was giving remarks at the World Homeless Day ceremony in Port Maria on October 10. The day was observed locally under the theme ‘Do Better: Let’s End Violence against the Homeless’.

“The theme speaks volumes on what has been occurring in the homeless community and we, as responsible citizens must take a stand,” she added.

“We must be committed to them and their families to protect them, to help them find their footing, whether it is food, just a change of clothes, a be to rest, a place to receive medical assessment- a small step to assist our fellow human beings, our countrymen to get back at a better life.”

 The observance of World Homeless Day is dedicated to the global problem that affects every country. Its main goal is to encourage people to change the lives of the homeless in their local community.

The St. Mary Poor Relief Department organized the day’s activities, which began with a march through the town of Port Maria and ended at the Drop-In Centre with a brief ceremony. Following the formalities, the clients of the Drop In Centre were feted and treated to special meals and gifted care packages.

 

There was participation from the students representing Port Maria High, Port Maria Primary and St. Mary Technical High Schools.  Personnel from the Jamaica Fire Brigade and Jamaica Constabulary Force also participated in the march that was also supported by the Red Cross; Social Development Commission; HEART Trust NTA as well as members of the business community led by Fredrick Young, president of the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce and parish manager for JN Bank.

MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR WORLD HOMELESS DAY 2023

Posted on October 10, 2023

The theme for this year’s recognition of World Homeless Day is one that I am particularly passionate about. The reality of violence against homeless people is global, and from all indications, it is increasing. It transcends countries and regions, irrespective of the economic, political and social disparities between them. Additionally, the factor that appears to be common to the patterns of violence against homeless people worldwide is that of urbanization. The vast majority of cases of violence have occurred and continues to occur in cities and towns. There are various causes of the terrible acts of violence against homeless people, but it is a reality that is a scourge on all our societies.

While thankfully, the cases of violence against homeless people are not extensive in Jamaica, we have also experienced a number of fatal incidents. As part of the mix of responses to this problem, the Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has established and is expanding, a network of Drop-In Centres and Night Shelters across the island. These provide among other things, food, medical care, sanitary facilities and supplies, and a secured space in which the homeless can rest comfortably. A significant  number of our homeless population moves around in zones and tends to prefer being on the streets. We continue to encourage our citizens who find themselves in these unfortunate circumstances to make even greater use of these facilities especially at night.

Those of us who serve as elected representatives are frustrated by a sobering truth: that the most stringent, far-reaching laws and regulations will not by themselves, eliminate violence against our homeless brothers and sisters. We can’t legislate tolerance, understanding and love. While all the arms of the state, including the police, continue to do all that is possible to prevent violence against the homeless and to investigate and prosecute it when it happens, the Government is also continuing to persuade our people, in whose name we serve, to embrace a change of attitude to the homeless, to see them as fellow citizens and most importantly, to truly recognize their humanity. They are not expendable or inconsequential, and the Government remains fully committed to securing their dignity and their rights, especially their right to life. We fully endorse the appeal: “Do Better! Lets end Violence Against the Homeless.”

 

Hon. Desmond McKenzie CD, MP, JP

Minister

SPECIAL FEATURE: Managing the homeless facilities

Posted on October 5, 2023

 

FALMOUTH, Trelawny: Given the august responsibility and nature of their jobs; the administrators tasked with the day-to-day operations of the Ministry’s Drop-In Centres are expected to provide effective leadership in the coordination of initiatives for those in need.

Geovanni Bartley and Suzette Prince Jackson support the homeless as managers of the Drop-In Centres in Falmouth, Trelawny and Ocho Rios in St. Ann, respectively.

Mr. Bartley is a 31-year-old trained social worker who has been in the employ of the Trelawny Municipal Corporation since July 2020.

“The job comes with its fair share of challenges but because social work is a passion of mine, I really push to go above and beyond for my job,” he shared.

He manages the Trelawny Drop-In Centre and the Falmouth Homeless Shelter. The Centre operates seven days per week providing two meals daily for some 25 persons as well as supper on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

His clientele includes persons with homes but are unable to find food and health care. The remainder comprises street people, some of whom are mentally challenged.

 For his colleague in St. Ann, she has been working in the Poor Relief System for more than 10 years. The 49-year-old began her tenure with a job at the St. Ann Infirmary for five years; then pursued the Human Services Programme and transitioned to a Poor Relief Officer before her transfer to the Ocho Rios Drop-In Centre in December 2021 as the administrator.

“I would say my job is challenging but rewarding because at the end of the day you see the smiles on the faces of our clients,” added Mrs. Prince Jackson. “We do have those persons who live on the streets, others have a roof over their heads but are unable to find food and clothing.”

Her staff of eight caters to 25 to 40 persons- including migratory homeless persons who travel to Ocho Rios because of its robust tourism economy.

Both Mr. Bartley and Mrs. Prince Jackson also have a range of recreational activities for their clients that include remedial classes, skills training sessions and group social activities especially around the Jamaican Public Holidays.

The administrators have each placed at least two of their clients in full-time jobs as part of the rehabilitation process and are working with others to achieve similar success.

“I want growth where the facility’s work is widespread and its purpose and work are known throughout the parish,” concluded Mr. Bartley. “The wider community is learning and slowly accepting the facility and quite a number of business operators are already supportive of the Centre’s efforts.”