A new J$25 million homeless shelter that will provide temporary shelter, meals, and bathroom amenities for the homeless citizens of Falmouth and its environs is now opened.

The Falmouth Homeless Shelter was officially opened on May 5 by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honourable Desmond McKenzie.

The shelter, which is the first such facility outside of the Corporate Area, is located on the same premises as the Trelawny Drop-in Centre, which was opened by the Government in 2020.

“The doors of these facilities must never be closed to these persons who are in need of our help,” said the Minister.

“A lot of these persons living on our streets, some of them their families have put out, some of them leave rural areas go to Kingston, or leave the hills of Trelawny and come into Falmouth, didn’t find what they were looking for, have nowhere to go and end up on the street.”

The shelter was constructed to house up to 20 persons at a time – 14 males and six females.

Minister McKenzie also urged the clients of the new facility to preserve the shelter and behave accordingly when accessing the services.

“Regardless of the circumstances that brought them to our streets, it is not our responsibility to abuse them, and I want to challenge the people of Falmouth and the surrounding communities to be a part of this crusade that speaks to protecting, caring and most importantly, respecting these people for who they are and not where they are living,” he added.

The Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Collen J. Gager, thanked the Minister for commitment to ensure that the facility was constructed, and to protect the island’s most vulnerable citizens.

“It warms my heart to witness this opening, even as we still celebrate the opening of the drop-in centre. The streets of Falmouth have its fair share of people who just need someone or some place to cater to them. I am happy for this facility which provides shelter for the homeless at night.”

There were also commendations for the Roads and Works staff at the Trelawny Municipal Corporation, who spearheaded the construction of the shelter, under the guidance of the Ministry’s Technical Team.

The St. Ann Infirmary is to receive special attention from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development as part of activities for Labour Day, which will be observed on May 23.

Speaking at the recent media launch at the Office of the Prime Minister, Portfolio Minister, Honourable Desmond McKenzie, said that all Municipalities will be engaged on the day to support tree-planting activities under the national theme, ‘Plant a tree for life – promoting climate change mitigation, food security and road safety’.

“Each Municipal Corporation will have a project, and the St. Ann Municipal Corporation’s project will be the St. Ann infirmary. We will be paying special attention to the St. Ann infirmary as our part of the national contribution to Labour Day,” the Minister noted.

As it relates to the road-safety aspect of this year’s theme, the Minister said that the Local Government Ministry will also be placing focus on some parishes where an increase in motor vehicle accidents is noted.

“A special effort to work with the National Road Safety Council will be made and to do our part as local government practitioners to ensure that we provide the support, whether it be in the installation of signs or making necessary adjustments,” he said.

Furthermore, the Minister pledged the support of local authorities to the national Labour Day movement, adding that, “without local government it won’t work, and we are committed to the process”.

A 57-year-old visually impaired Westmoreland woman is the latest recipient of a house built under the Ministry of Local government and Rural Development’s Indigent Housing Programme.

Miss Joyce Booth of Happy Retreat in Darliston, Westmoreland accepted her keys from Portfolio Minister, Honourable Desmond McKenzie during an opening ceremony on April 27.

The Minister told the gathering that J$35 million is being spent under the Indigent Housing Programme to provide decent housing for vulnerable residents in the parish of Westmoreland.

“We are playing our part in the 70,000 housing solutions that the Government is presently undertaking…we are there making our contribution,” he said.

“In Moreland Hill last year, we completed a two-bedroom family unit that was handed over. We also installed a mini water shop close by to provide water for that section of Moreland Hill. There is another family unit in Grange Hill; the procurement has been completed and we are expecting to commence construction on that family unit shortly.”

Added Minister McKenzie: “We are now in (Darliston), this one has been completed and we are now going to pay attention to Peggy Barry district where again, another visually impaired person resides….so what we are going to be doing is to give him a house”.

Miss Booth’s one-bedroom unit was constructed at a cost of J$6m and is designed to meet her. It was fully equipped with furniture and appliances and a black water tank. An existing 8000-gallon water storage facility, which serves other homes located on the property, was also rehabilitated.

Miss Leasha Richards gave the vote of thanks on behalf of her aunt. She applauded the Ministry for providing “a safe and comfortable home for my aunt Joyce.”

She also expressed appreciation to the stakeholders, including Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Eastern, Mr. Daniel Lawrence and the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation for their role in seeing the project to fruition.

“Thanks to all who assisted physically and through kind gestures. Thank you for taking the time out to show that you care.”

Prime Minister Andrew Holness opened the new J$53 million male ward at the Westmoreland Infirmary in Savanna-la-Mar on April 26.

The new building, which can house up to 50 residents, is a collaboration between the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) and the National Housing Trust (NHT).

“My administration is committed to ensure that all our infirmaries are renovated so that the conditions are suitable for the residents and for caregivers. It is important that caregivers have a comfortable and decent environment to perform their duties,” said PM Holness during his keynote address at the official ceremony. 

He also told the gathering that the Government will do more spend on social programmes in the upcoming fiscal year to protect the most vulnerable and the poor.

“I want to take this opportunity to commit the Administration to doing more in the next Budget. We have increased this Budget as well, but in the Budget to come we must make a special effort to focus resources on the most vulnerable and the poor,” Mr. Holness explained. 

“The reason why I am saying this is that the pandemic has disrupted our trajectory. I don’t believe that the country has fully internalised the effect of the pandemic and that one of the most [telling] impacts of the pandemic is inflation…(and) the people who are affected most by inflation are the poor.” 

He said the COVID-19 pandemic brought hardships on the lives of many Jamaicans, especially the less fortunate, and that the Government has an obligation to assist.

The Prime Minister further stated that the Government must deliberately ramp up its support.

“So, your Government is actively thinking about that strategy. And, hopefully, when we come to read our next Budget, we will have some good news about how we’re going to support our most vulnerable who have been impacted… but in tangible ways, not just unconditional cash transfers.” 

Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Portfolio Minister for MLGRD, in his remarks said the new ward “represents a significant investment” to enhance the lives of the most vulnerable in the society. The J$53m price tag includes the cost for the new building, a sewage system for the infirmary property and furniture for the ward.  The building is easily accessible for persons with disabilities and comprises a dormitory, doctor’s office, bathrooms, nurse’s station, and a treatment room for physiotherapy services. 

The Ministry’s collaboration with the NHT also resulted in new wards being built at the Manchester, Portland, and St. James Infirmaries as well as a matron’s quarters in Westmoreland and an administrative building at the St. Elizabeth Infirmary. The joint venture under which J$200m was spent also included the installation of solar water heaters at five infirmaries in Manchester, Portland, St. Elizabeth, St. Mary, and St. Thomas. 

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has strongly deplored the murder of a homeless man, Mr. Lee Donald, in Port Antonio, Portland, on Saturday. Mr. Donald’s body was found with stab wounds on West Street in the parish capital.

“This act is recorded as the fourth murder in Portland, and it also means that half of the murder victims were members of the homeless population. In addition to the murder of Mr. Donald, who suffered from mental challenges, the body of Andre Weston, who also struggled with mental issues, was found at the Folly Oval just about one month ago. We do not yet know why homeless persons are beginning to feature prominently as victims, but we are determined that this cannot continue. While the police are carrying out the necessary investigations, the work continues to identify a suitable location at which to build a Drop-In Centre for homeless persons in Portland, which will provide both care and security. The Budgetary allocation has been made for this project, and it is expected that a site will be identified and approved in good time.

“However, this cannot replace a social environment in which people, whatever their circumstances are respected, and their rights, especially the right to life are cherished. I appeal for far greater care, and far less callousness in our relations with one another. Order and mutual respect cannot be separated from the economic advancement of Jamaica.”

The Board of Supervision (BOS) recognized 48 students in a special ceremony for high academic performance in the 2022 Primary Exit Profile (PEP), Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) tests.

Each awardee received financial grants ranging from $30,000 to $40,000, with the top achievers in each category getting between $40,000 and $80,000. The students were also presented with plaques and gift baskets.

Additionally, scholarships valued $150,000 each were awarded to students currently enrolled at several local tertiary institutions.

The students were honoured during an awards ceremony recognizing children whose parents are clients of the BOS, at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston on March 29.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honourable Desmond McKenzie, who has portfolio responsibility for the BOS, said the Government remains committed to ensuring successful outcomes for disadvantaged youth, and increasing financial allocations under the programme.

“We spent over J$2 million on the programme for the last financial year…we have increased the benefits on a yearly basis”.

He also used the occasion to commend the staff of the BOS and the Poor Relief Department, whom, he said, work with the children and their families to provide them with access to education.

The Board of Supervision is a statutory body under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.  It was established under the Poor Relief Act to supervise and monitor the delivery of poor relief services through the Municipal Corporations.

Secretary of the BOS, Miss Treka Lewis, in an overview of the programme, shared that the initiative is predicated on the mandate of facilitating equitable development and progress for vulnerable children impacted by poverty.

“This awards ceremony is held to recognize the brilliance and perseverance of the children of the Poor Relief Department who have not used poverty as an excuse but as motivation to create a brighter future,” said Miss Lewis.

The programme’s Top CSEC Achiever, Chelsia Reynolds, in her remarks, expressed gratitude to the Ministry and affiliated agencies, noting that the initiative is reassurance of their faith in the awardees to achieve future success.

“You believe in our success and are committed to helping each of us achieve a better future,” she noted.

Miss Reynolds, who earned two ones and two twos among the subjects she took, urged her fellow recipients to make the most of the opportunity.

“Remember to study hard, work hard, build connections, help your community, and help your society. When you are successful, look back at those who have helped you with gratitude and a sense of civic duty. Let us promise ourselves to do all we can to attain a bright future.”

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Hon. Desmond McKenzie is announcing the resumption of visits to Residents in the island’s Infirmaries and Golden Age Homes.

“Effective tomorrow, Saturday April 1, the Infirmaries and Golden Age Homes will once again facilitate visits by loved ones. While I know that there will be an outpouring of love and affection for our Residents as a result, I must state that these visits are being allowed under special protocols to ensure efficiency and physical safety. Visitors to the Infirmaries and Golden Age Homes will be required to make an appointment with the Matrons office in advance.  They will be accommodated outdoors in open spaces, that enable physical distancing utilizing the therapeutic parks or other open spaces.

“Visits will last no longer than 45 minutes and each Resident can have no more than two persons visiting at the same time. It is critically important to note that the existing health protocols – such as screening on entry and sanitization will continue to be observed, and therefore items brought by visitors such as clothes and shoes will be sanitized. I wish to remind everyone that COVID-19 is still present in Jamaica, and bearing that in mind, as well as the fact that the Residents in our Infirmaries are older and more fragile, visitors will not be allowed to touch them and physical distancing must always  be maintained.

“I am making a special appeal to all the relatives and close friends who will visit the Residents to fully comply with all the requirements, and to co-operate with the staff at the Infirmaries and Golden Age Homes. They are the Ministry’s first points of protection from all forms of communicable diseases for all who work within this area of social protection, and I ask that their instructions are fully followed.”

KINGSTON, March 13 (JIS): More than 7,000 residents in and around the Watermount area of St. Catherine now have access to potable water from the $220-million upgraded system.

The communities being served by the Watermount Water Supply System are Mendez, Back Pasture, Cudjoe’s Hill, Old Works, Watermount, Barry and Pedro. It was developed by the Rural Water Supply Limited (RWSL).

The St. Catherine Municipal Corporation, which will now operate the system, had initiated work on the project.

At the recent commissioning ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, in praising the work of the RWSL said it is making a sterling effort to provide communities with durable water systems.

“It is the commitment of the Government to ensure that this basic and important commodity is available to all Jamaicans,” Mr. McKenzie said.

Water is sourced from the William Gully Dam, with new transmission and distribution lines installed and construction of a storage tank and pump station.

Member of Parliament for St. Catherine West Central, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said collaboration has worked for the beneficiaries of the project.

While noting the collaboration among the various agencies to complete the system, Dr. Tufton said a lot of “energies were put into delivering the project”.

“It is timely, and I am grateful for the people,” he told the ceremony, adding that given the drought that is now affecting the island, people should be extra careful in how they use water.

For his part, Mayor of Spanish Town, Councillor Norman Scott, said the building of the system is a clear indication that the Corporat6ion is resolved to give communities clean, potable and safe water at all times.

He emphasised that it is an investment that the residents must pay for, because if they do not pay their bills regularly, “we won’t be able to keep the system functional”.

Managing Director of the RWSL, Audley Thompson, told the gathering that it was a costly undertaking to develop the facility, and that the water is for “your domestic use”, and there should be no massive watering of fields.

“That wasn’t what the system was designed for, so you need to take care of it,”           Mr. Thompson said.

For Principal of the Watermount Primary and Infant School, Karlene Thomas-Laing, it was a moment longed for by many community members, as on occasions inadequate supply of water affected classes at the institution.

“Thank God, this is only a memory,” she said, adding that the institution is now in a better position to care for the children.

KINGSTON, March  9 (JIS): Members of the public are being urged to exercise greater vigilance to prevent bushfires.

Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), Stewart Beckford, who made the appeal, said persons should desist from lighting fires to burn garbage or clear land for planting and ensure that cigarettes are properly extinguished before discarding them.

He said that open flames, particularly given the current dry conditions, can easily get out of control and cause bushfires, endangering life and property.

He noted that the JFB has been seeing a major increase in bushfires since the start of the year that are caused by human activity.

“The profile, especially so far, this year, is particularly troubling. The key feature of any bushfire is that it is an act of nature, such as spontaneous combustion caused by heat and dry conditions, or combustion caused by lightning. What we are seeing, so far in 2023, is an escalation of that pattern where in almost every case the bushfires are being directly caused by people’s actions,” Commissioner Beckford said.

He was addressing a press briefing hosted by Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, at the Ministry in Kingston on Thursday (March 9), to discuss measures to tackle bushfires.

Since the start of 2023, there have been 1,968 such fires across the island. The number is alarming, the Commissioner said, given that for the entire 2022, there were 3,518 bushfires.

Commissioner Beckford said that the continued drought conditions make collection and transportation of water for firefighting more challenging, which has implications for response time and the length of cooling-down operations.

He noted that water intended for domestic purposes is being diverted to fight the fires.

“It is against this background that the JFB is calling for the cooperation of our citizens to preserve their own interests – their houses, their businesses their properties – by stopping the habits that they know can cause fires,” he implored.

Commissioner Beckford says the JFB is working closely with the National Water Commission (NWC) to ensure that water is available for firefighting activities.

CONTACT: ROCHELLE WILLIAMS