Kitchen and Dining Hall to Be Built at St. James Infirmary Montego Bay

Posted on November 29, 2022

A kitchen and dining hall will be constructed at the St. James Infirmary in Albion, Montego Bay.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon Desmond McKenzie, broke ground for the construction at a ceremony on the grounds of the infirmary, on Wednesday (November 23). The event formed part of activities to mark Local Government and Community Month 2022 Work-Day. The facility will be constructed at a cost of approximately $23 million, to be funded by the Ministry.

Mr. McKenzie said the dining area will provide a more comfortable environment for residents to eat their meals, while the kitchen will improve the working conditions of staff.

“They will have a new kitchen with state-of-the-art equipment and a dining area that is conducive for the residents to feel like somebody,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister McKenzie officially opened an aesthetically pleasing therapeutic park at the infirmary, which will facilitate recreational activities for residents that cater to their physical, psychological and social well-being. The park, which boasts recreational spaces, a mural and water fountains, was completed at a cost of $5 million.

“This therapeutic park that we have introduced into the new concept of our infirmaries is to provide some level of tranquility. [We will] get them [residents] out of the ward, put them in a nice little area, [where] they can hear the bubbling of the fountains, they can sit in comfort and relax their minds, because a lot of these people don’t need anything other than something that is uplifting that will stimulate their minds,” Mr. McKenzie said.

Therapeutic parks have also been completed in St. Elizabeth, Trelawny and St. Mary, while parks are being built at the St. Catherine and Hanover infirmaries.

The Minister used the occasion to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to enhancing social protection for the most vulnerable and transforming the island’s infirmaries into comfortable and well-equipped facilities.

Mr. McKenzie expressed gratitude to private and public sector stakeholders who have been assisting the infirmary and homeless population.

“I want to thank the other groups in St. James for their role in helping to improve lives, especially of the homeless population. I want to thank them for their support, and I want to thank the various agencies, churches and the retired teachers for their commitment,” he added.

For his part, Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the St James Municipal Corporation, Councillor Leeroy Williams, described the projects as purposeful, noting that the improvement to the infirmary will bring added comfort to residents. “I am proud to be part of a mechanism that seeks to empower our vulnerable citizens,” he said.

St. Elizabeth MC Tops Cook-Off Competition – Event for part of Local Government & Community Month 2022 Activities

Posted on November 28, 2022December 1, 2022

St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation copped the golden stove and bragging rights as winners of the Local Government & Community Month (LGCM) 2022 Cook-Off Competition.

Chief Executive Officer Errol Lebert led the ‘The Breadbasket Chefs Extraordinaire’ team during the contest at Brooks Park in Mandeville, Manchester on November 25.

They wowed the judges with their ‘St. Bess Coconut Curry Saltfish’ dish and ‘St. Bess Zesty Sorrel Punch’.

The top three was rounded off by second-place holders Portland Trailblazers from Portland Municipal Corporation (MC) and the Manchester MC’s Blazin’ Kitchen.

The competition had a total of 12 teams that also included the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development; Jamaica Fire Brigade represented by Manchester Fire Department; Southern Parks and Markets; Clarendon MC; the Municipality of Portmore; St. Thomas MC; Trelawny MC; Hanover MC; and Westmoreland MC.

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 saltfish and sorrel for the drink.

The contest is open only to individuals employed to the Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development, the Municipal Corporations, and its Portfolio Agencies.

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

LGCM is celebrated annually in November and is observed the theme ‘Reigniting A Nation for Greatness through Local Government’ for 2022.

Local Government Minister Expresses Sadness at Death Of Deputy Mayor Of Morant Bay

Posted on November 1, 2022November 4, 2022

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has expressed great sadness at the passing of the Deputy Mayor of Morant Bay, Councillor Lenworth Rawle.

Mr. Rawle died in New York yesterday.

“This is a most unexpected event. He felt unwell and was taken to hospital and in the twinkling of an eye he was gone. The departure of Councillor Rawle is as shocking as it is sad. I know that this news is still being absorbed in the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation, in his beloved Trinityville Division in Western St. Thomas and in the wider parish, where he was also very active as an entrepreneur.

“Councillor Rawle was dedicated to local government, and was serving his fourth term in the Trinityville Division, having first been elected in the Local Government elections of 2003, which the Jamaica Labour Party won after a hiatus of 17 years. He subsequently retained the confidence of the people of Trinityville in the elections of 2007, 2012 and 2016. He also commanded the respect of his colleagues in the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation, having served as Deputy Mayor from 2007 to 2012, as Mayor from 2016 to 2018 and then as Deputy Mayor to the time of his untimely demise.

I pay tribute to the late Lenworth Rawle as a devoted servant of local government and of Jamaica. He will be sorely missed. I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, and I pray for God’s healing power to cover them in this time of intense pain and loss.”

 

PM opens new Yallahs Fire Station

Posted on October 28, 2022October 28, 2022

Prime Minister Andrew Holness officially opened the new J$163 million Yallahs Fire Station in St. Thomas, which is expected to serve some 95,000 residents.

The facility is a subproject of the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP), implemented by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

“This fire station is a representation of the Government’s strategic intent of focusing on the development of this parish,” said Prime Minister Holness during the ceremony on October 26.

He also underscored that the Government is undertaking “massive redevelopment” in St. Thomas to significantly improve the lives of its citizens.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Honourable Desmond McKenzie shared that the condition of the previous structure did not befit the dedicated firefighters who were stationed there.

“We are proud of this achievement [because], not only are we building these infrastructures, but we have been providing the Brigade with the requisite tools to carry out their functions.”

The Government has spent close to $900 million on building and improving JFB facilities islandwide since 2016.

The new Yallahs Fire Station has a staff complement of 40 firefighters and boasts a two-storey building comprising administrative offices; a conference room; an emergency medical services room; male and female dormitories, restrooms; a small gym as well as an engine bay.

Commissioner Stewart Beckford, head of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), said the station’s opening will lift the firefighters’ morale, given the new improved working environment that will facilitate improved service delivery to the residents of Yallahs and its environs.

According to data from the JFB, St. Thomas is one of the safest in the island with no reported fire-related deaths over the last five years.

The Commissioner Beckford also commended the firefighters in the execution of their mandate to save lives and protecting property.

The opening of the new Yallahs Fire Station coincides with the JFB’s observance of Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week 2022 from October 23 to 29 under the theme ‘Preserving the Nation through Life Safety and Fire Prevention’.

Cross Island Run makes a comeback

Posted on October 23, 2022

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development launched its 2022 staging of its Cross Island Run following a two-year hiatus due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Portfolio Minister Desmond McKenzie on October 19 set off the runners, who will carry the messages for Local Government and Community Month (LGCM), on their islandwide trek.

The Run will culminate on November 5 at the National Church Service which will be hosted at the Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kingston. The activity – organized through the Social Development Commission – is the precursor to LGCM celebrated each year in November.

During the launch at the Portmore Municipal Corporation, Minister McKenzie urged young people to embrace music that encourages positive values, rather than glorifies illegal activities.

His call comes on the heels of a recent ban by the Broadcasting Commission on content that lauds unlawful activities such as scamming, gun violence and drug abuse.

“We must talk about values… what values we are trying to instil in the country. Those persons who have the ability to write negative lyrics, also have the ability to write positive lyrics. So, we have to take a stand as a country.”

The Minister highlighted that the Government is not violating citizens’ right to freedom of expression.

“What we are saying is that whatever expression you are [voicing] in the public domain must be something that is edifying… something that is uplifting,” he maintained.

“Our music once had hope… our music once inspired…Nowadays, I don’t even know what the number-one song in Jamaica is, because there are times when the lyrics are not something you would want to encourage your enemy to sing.”

Reflecting on late popular Reggae artistes such as Dennis Brown, Alton Ellis and Bob Marley, the Minister noted that their music highlighted current happenings without vulgarity.

“It tells you that we have the ability to do what is right. Let us use the decision that was taken by the Broadcasting Commission to look at ourselves and to make the right decisions.”

Social Houses handed over in Central Kingston

Posted on October 13, 2022October 13, 2022

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Two social housing solutions were handed to needy families in Central Kingston through the Government’s New Social Housing Programme (NSHP).

In his remarks, Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, said more than 40 housing units have been constructed within the Corporate Area under the Ministry’s Indigent Housing programme.

He added that funding has been earmarked for the construction of three additional houses in Central Kingston under the programme.

“The need for housing is the number one priority for the Government. It is our responsibility as a Government to respond to the social needs of areas such as Southside (Central Kingston) and other communities right across the country, “the Minister shared.

“There is a need for serious social intervention in Central Kingston and for a constituency and for an area that for many years have been loyal. It speaks poorly to those who were at the steering wheel before.”

The houses, which are sited at 27 Fleet Street and 29 Barry Street, were handed over during a special on October 6. The units were constructed from reinforced concrete and comprise two bedrooms, living and dining rooms, kitchen, and a bathroom.

Four more houses are also under construction in the communities of Allman Town and Rae Town.

Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Honourable Floyd Green, who represented Prime Minister Andrew Holness, said the Government is tireless in its efforts to deliver on its promise of constructing 70,000 housing units.

“This Government appreciates that a home is essential if our Jamaican people are really going to embrace their prosperity, and our Prime Minister has set his sights on ensuring that our people across all social classes have access to owning a home.”

Member of Parliament for Central Kingston, Donovan Williams, said the construction of the homes will revitalise the area and encourage civic pride.

The NSHP is the housing component of the Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) Programme.

It was developed to improve the housing conditions of the country’s poor and disadvantaged by providing quality affordable and sustainable housing. It is being implemented through the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, in collaboration with the HOPE Unit.

 

Major Focus on the Homeless October 10

Posted on October 10, 2022

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development will be commemorating World Homeless Day on October 10, with a slew of activities for the vulnerable population islandwide, through its Poor Relief Departments.

The international observance is commemorated annually on October 10 to raise awareness of the needs of persons experiencing homelessness locally, and provides opportunities for communities to get involved in responding to homelessness.

This year, World Homeless Day is being observed under the theme: ‘Changing the Lives of Persons Experiencing Homelessness Through Community Involvement and Career Development’.

In an interview with JIS News, Secretary of the Board of Supervision within the Ministry, Treka Lewis, shared details about the activities being hosted for the homeless across the island.

“What we’re doing this year is looking beyond the basics and trying to develop the potential that some homeless persons have. For example, this year we will be working closely with HEART/NSTA Trust to have literacy assessment for adult learners and to do certification for those who can be certified,” Ms. Lewis said.

This, she added, is being included in the usual grooming and feeding of the homeless, which is a frequent offering of the Poor Relief Departments.

Ms. Lewis said that activities planned for the day include components to uplift persons experiencing homelessness and encompass the theme of the day.

“We will be having a number of different activities for persons who are homeless. There will be a concert where they showcase their talent [in St. Elizabeth, Trelawny and St. Ann]. In Hanover, we will be having a display of the items that homeless persons would have made and those will be on sale on the day as well. In St. James we are having a sports day at Jarrett Park,” she noted.

“In Kingston, we are having career development activities and social intervention at the Desmond McKenzie Transitional Centre for the Homeless, and in St. Ann, we will be having a march from our drop-in centre to the town in Ocho Rios. We will be bringing awareness to the issue of homelessness and homeless persons will be a part of that march,” she said.

Ms. Lewis informed that in St. Thomas there will be medical screening and counselling; health checks and skills assessments in Portland; a sensitisation town walk in St. Mary; feeding and grooming in Westmoreland; dental and medical checks, vaccinations and counselling in Manchester; counselling and HIV testing in Clarendon; and public service provision from various government agencies and HIV/syphilis testing in several locations in St. Catherine.

These services are being offered in collaboration with government and non-governmental organisations, such as the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Registrar General’s Department, Electoral Office of Jamaica, Children First Agency and Lions Clubs, among others.

“Persons are welcome to assist, to volunteer their services, to come and fellowship or just interact with our service users and bring a little bit of light and joy on that day,” Ms. Lewis said.

She explained that the day’s activities aim to shed light on the programmes of the Poor Relief Departments, garner public support for the homeless community and remind the homeless that they matter and persons care about them.

A full list of all activities and locations can be found on the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development’s website: www.localgovjamaica.gov.jm and social media pages.

Expenditure Approved for Market in Alexandria

Posted on October 3, 2022

 The expenditure to commence work on restoring the market in Alexandria,                     St. Ann, has been approved, says Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie.

Speaking today (September 30), at the launch of a joint programme aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s resilience to food and water insecurity, at the ROK Hotel in downtown Kingston, he pointed out that the market is in “very, very high” demand by the small community, where farmers can take their produce.

Additionally, the Minister noted that several other projects are to take place islandwide.

“We’re also going to be building a brand-new market in Negril in Westmoreland. Shortly, I’ll be breaking ground for the construction of a multipurpose market there. Extensive work will [also] be undertaken on the Savanna-la-Mar market. And when we go into Montego Bay, the Charles Gordon Market is slated to benefit from over $85 million in repairs,” the Minister outlined.

He said, further, that the Highgate Market, which was destroyed by fire earlier this year, will also be rebuilt.

The programme launched is being led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with funding largely by the European Union (EU), through the UN Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund.

Noting that Jamaica, like other nations, has had to deal with the issue of food insecurity, Mr. McKenzie said that “it is our markets that will ensure that the food gets to the population. And so, a companion of water and rural development is going to now be supplemented by work on improving and building new markets across the country”.

Moreover, the Cabinet has taken a multi-government approach to markets and a subcommittee has been established to look at a comprehensive market programme.

There are currently 37 markets across Jamaica, 70 per cent of which were built more than 100 years ago.

$500,000 Reward for Information Leading to Killers of Homeless Man – McKenzie

Posted on August 29, 2022September 5, 2022

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Hon. Desmond McKenzie has strongly condemned the murder of Lionel Johnson, who was set on fire in the area of Heroes Circle early this morning.

“This is an absolutely savage act.  While we still don’t know the motive for this heinous crime, the suffering that Mr. Johnson would have endured, as well as the taking of his life, reflects for me the lowest level of depravity. He was well known to the Kingston and St. Andrew Poor Relief Department, which regularly supported him by providing food, and at times he stayed at the Night Shelter at Church Street.

“I condemn this horrible act and I call on my fellow Jamaicans to do the same, as well as to provide the police with any available facts. The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is also offering a reward of $500,000 for information that results in the arrest of the person or persons responsible. No civilized society can allow acts such as these to go unchallenged and unpunished.

“I also want to urge our brothers and sisters who make up the homeless population to use the Night Shelters regularly not only for food and hygiene, but also for safety. While I know that some of them are inclined to spend the night on the streets, I am appealing to them to stay at these facilities which are built for them, and where they are assured of protection. I have also asked the Local Authorities to appeal directly to them in this regard, through their daily interactions.”