150 graduates from Volunteer Firefighting Training

Posted on April 27, 2018July 2, 2019

One hundred and fifty persons were presented as the first set of graduates in a special volunteer introductory firefighting training course – a collaboration between the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) and the Government of Japan.

“Today’s graduates have studied hard and are now enjoying this important achievement, which has been inspired by their spirit of volunteerism,” said Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, during a special ceremony at the CMU’s main campus in Palisadoes, Kingston on April 25, 2018.

“When we consider the historical warmth and enduring ties between the Governments of Jamaica and Japan; the value of partnership is there for all to see.”

He underscored the importance of a sound fire service to the preservation of lives and properties.

“The responsibilities of our firefighters include inspection of structures and community education which are critical to spatial management; the integrity of the built environment; community development and national development.”

According to His Excellency Hiromasa Yamazaki, Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica, there has been a long and productive relationship between his country and the CMU (formerly Caribbean Maritime Institute).

Ambassador Yamazaki said their donation of three fire trucks and an ambulance, which came through the Grassroots and Human Security Projects, has a value of J$9.6 million.

“Congratulations to each graduate who will serve and today represents another milestone that should be replicated across Jamaica.”

Minister McKenzie lauded the CMU’s President, Professor Fritz Pinnock and his team for their advocacy to the Japanese Government that resulted in the donation of fire equipment that will serve Port Royal and its environs.

“This Project has many elements of the Jamaica Fire Brigade’s Community and Life Safety Programme, which was introduced last year and has been implemented in some 26 communities to date,” he said. “The work being done through this initiative, especially education workshops and the creation of community fire-watch groups, cannot be overemphasized.”

The 150 graduates will form part of the voluntary firefighting reserve that will be managed through the Project for the Improvement of Ambulance and Fire Trucks of Emergency Response in Port Royal and its environs. They were also urged to be exercise professionalism and to take the campaign of fire prevention to their communities.

“The improvement in firefighting equipment and services is critical as we anticipate the development of Port Royal as cultural and tourism centres including cruise shipping infrastructure,’ the Minister noted.

“The prepraration of these volunteers for service in this way would not have been possible at this time without the donation of fire trucks and an ambulance by the Government of Japan in August last year…the generosity of our Japanese partners have been excellent over the years.”

Minister McKenzie also highlighted that the Fire Safety and Protection Programme is one of the Ministry’s priority areas for the 2018/2019.

Contract signed for Port Maria Market

Posted on April 5, 2018July 2, 2019

KINGSTON, Jamaica: A contract valued at $56 million dollars to upgrade the Port Maria Market in St. Mary was signed at the offices of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development in Kingston on Thursday, April 5, 2018.

The upgrade forms phase one of a major rehabilitation project for the facility, which is operated by the St. Mary Municipal Corporation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Honourable Minister Desmond McKenzie said the occasion was a welcomed relief for him.

“This year, the administration intends to set aside some $150 million to look at the problems of markets as no significant work has been undertaken over the last five years in our public markets,” he explained.

“Most of the markets are in a deplorable condition. These markets are not conducive for vending or for persons to ply their trade and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that we provide this kind of environment that will enhance people’s pursuit of their own selective field of employment.”

Contractors, Dutch Construction, was reminded that the works must be delivered on time and within budget. The project to replace the existing facility on Hodgson Street in Port Maria will get underway in two weeks. There is a 12-month timeline for completion.

The Minister recognized Mayor of Port Maria, Councillor Richard Creary for championing a modern facility that will impact traffic control and economic regeneration for the eastern parish.

“I want to commend the Mayor because the vision of a multi-faceted market facility came from him and in most developed countries that you visit their markets are not just for ground provisions but they provide a wide range of service to people. I think the concept is something that is commendable.”

According to Mayor Creary, the vision for the two-storey building boasting commercial space for rental on the top floor was conceptualized in 2009 with an identified funding source. However, works were delayed and the talks were resumed with Minister McKenzie in the latter part of 2016.

“Today is a very special day for me, the citizens of Port Maria and St. Mary,” added Mayor Creary.

“Minister, I understand that this is the first phase, and I look forward to the second phase in short order to have the dream of a two-storey market in Port Maria completed.”

Minister McKenzie also encouraged the St. Mary Municipal Corporation to develop strategies to ensure the viability of the new space that will accommodate 55 stalls on completion of Phase One.

Trelawny MC presents Local Sustainable Development Plan

Posted on March 21, 2018July 2, 2019

The Trelawny Municipal Corporation has completed its Local Sustainable Development Plan (LSDP) aimed at guiding orderly growth, development and investment in the western parish.

“This Plan will address these challenges in a comprehensive and sustainable way, if it is implemented properly. Trelawny’s profile is increasing as a business and residential location, and the consultative work that has led to the development of the Plan, will be required in order to implement it successfully,” said Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development.

He was speaking at the Trelawny Municipal Corporation’s LSDP presentation ceremony in Falmouth on March 16, 2018. The Trelawny Municipal Corporation is the fifth Local Authority to complete its LSDP following those in Manchester, Clarendon, St. Elizabeth and St. Catherine.

 

According to Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Karl Samuda, the partnership with the Trelawny Municipal Corporation is in keeping with their mission to drive growth and improve the quality of lives of the people, especially those residing in the sugar-dependent parishes.

 

“One of the objectives of the Sugar Transformation Programme is to strengthen the economic diversification, social resilience and environmental sustainability of sugar-dependent areas,” Minister Samuda said in his remarks read by Chief Technical Director, Mr. Courtney Cole.

 

“Through the Sugar Transformation Unit, the Ministry provided grant funding of $20m, which was facilitated through the Government of Jamaica and the European Union partnership, to the Trelawny Municipal Council towards the development of the plan…We anticipate the implementation of this plan, which, we believe, will greatly assist in attracting local and international investment in developmental projects in the parish.”

For Minister McKenzie, the Trelawny LSDP is the practical expression of the development objectives and requirements in the Local Governance Act and the Building Act.

“This Development Plan has five thematic points of emphasis that are critical to the success of any initiative of this nature. They are natural environment, Socio-Cultural Environment, Economic Development and Wealth Creation, Built Environment and Governance, Civic Participation and Empowerment,” he explained.

“The achievement of the goals of the National Development Plan, Vision 2030, depends on Local Government as it does on Central Government. There is a clear momentum of performance by the Municipal Corporations, but there is much more to be done. That benchmark point in the calendar is just 12 years away.”

Mayor of Falmouth Councillor C. Junior Gager, lauded the staff of his municipality for their efforts in making the Trelawny LSDP a reality.

“We in this parish of Trelawny will recognize the tenets of the Trelawny Local Sustainable Development Plan as the basis for a new social contract between the Trelawny Municipal Corporation and the people we serve.”

The attendees at the presentation ceremony also included Mr. Stefani Cilli, Attaché/Programme Manager for the Delegation of the European Union in Jamaica; Trelawny Members of Parliament Marissa Dalrymple-Philibert and Victor Wright as well as representatives from the National Housing Trust and the National Environment and Planning Agency.

 

New Building Act Passed

Posted on February 22, 2018July 2, 2019

More than 100 local government practitioners inclusive of directors of planning and building officers from across the island were exposed to rudiments of new Building Act in an effort to enhance work performance in the execution of their duties.

 

Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, along with a team from the Ministry hosted the officers at a recently-held sensitization workshop in Kingston

 

“The new Building Act provides for modern standards for the built environment, as well as modern methods of protecting and enforcing those standards, which include the National Building Code,” Minister McKenzie stressed.

“The municipal corporations are to be the local building authorities and will be responsible for inspecting, certifying and taking the actions necessary to approve new structures, change existing buildings or destroy dangerous structures.”

The Building Bill 2017, approved by the Senate with 30 amendments in January, institutes a modern legislative framework that will serve to reduce the vulnerability of Jamaica’s built environment and ensure public safety.

The legislation also seeks to streamline the permit application system to eliminate unnecessary referrals and expedite responses; enable the introduction of special express as well as safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities in terms of accessibility, safety and user-friendliness.

Minister McKenzie also underscored the importance of the Act during his address at the February 8, 2018 Jamaica Fire Brigade graduation exercise for106 recruits, whom he said are integral to the continued development of Jamaica.

“The Local Authorities across the island are primarily responsible for implementing this Act. However, the Jamaica Fire Brigade will have a critical role to play, as one of the Agencies that is involved in development approvals before construction happens, and building inspections during and after the construction process” he explained.

 

“Therefore, you are not only critical to ensuring that we protect our national assets from fire, but also to creating the new architecture that we all will benefit from: the new houses, hotels, schools, hospitals, churches…all the structures that are critical to the expansion and development of a modern society.”

JFB graduates 106 new firefighters

Posted on February 12, 2018July 2, 2019

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Some 106 recruits were officially presented as the newest members during a recent graduation exercise of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) in Tower Isle, St. Mary.

Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, reminded the new firefighters that their role is critical to the nation’s road map in becoming a developed country.

“The men and women who will officially join the ranks today, are entering public service in a very special way. Just like our doctors and nurses, you will be on the frontline of human interaction,” he charged. “That is why the placement of the Jamaica Fire Brigade as an Agency of the Ministry is highly appropriate. My Ministry, through the Local Authorities and Agencies, is indeed the first point of government’s service delivery to the Jamaican people, and you have a vital role to play as we build a developed country for all our citizens.”

Minister McKenzie gave the keynote address at the ceremony on February 8, 2018 at the Madge Saunders Conference Centre. He also impressed on the recruits to always remember the sacrifices made by their parents and relatives in order to afford them the opportunities for a higher quality of life.

“Despite the challenges of crime and violence; there is a greater number of constituents who are prepared to take the high road. The 106 of you here today have not gone down the path of taking up the M16 or AK-47,” added the Minister.

“I want to thank you for choosing a career in the Jamaica Fire Brigade. There are exciting times ahead for all of you…As the latest intake into the Jamaica Fire Brigade, you have the unique opportunity of responding to people’s needs, and also, of teaching them valuable life skills.”

Minister McKenzie also announced a purse of $250,000 to the outstanding graduates who copped special awards. Each individual awardee will be gifted $15,000 while the runners-up get $10,000. The seven females in the new batch of the firefighters will each receive $10,000.

Lamar Brown, who was adjudged the best recruit, will receive $30,000 and $20,000 to second-place Fabian Williams. Williams also copped three other individual awards.

‘Drop…Cover…Roll’ – Earthquake Awareness Week 2018 launched

Posted on January 10, 2018July 2, 2019

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Jamaicans are being urged to demonstrate personal responsibility and exercise more proactive measures to mitigate the effects of natural disasters- particularly earthquakes.

“We need to rid ourselves of the national attitude that ‘It can’t happen to me’, and accept that earthquakes and other disasters can happen anytime and anywhere,” says Local Government and Community Development Minister, Honourable Desmond McKenzie.

“The reality is that no form of meaningful change occurs unless the people of a community or country accept or desire that change.”

Minister McKenzie’s charge came in his message for Earthquake Awareness Week that was read by Mrs. Marsha Henry Martin, the Ministry’s Senior Director for Urban and Regional Planning.

The Week is being observed from January 7 to 13, 2018 and was officially launched on Monday at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) headquarters in Kingston. This year’s theme is ‘Preparing for the quake, helps reduce damage after the shakes’.

Jamaica last major earthquake was in 1907 with a death toll of more than 1000 persons.

According to Minister McKenzie, the Building Bill 2017 was created to address a wide range of construction and spatial issues.  The Bill was passed by the House of Representatives late last year and is being debated in the Senate.

He noted that some thirty thousand households can be found in 700 informal settlements islandwide and the housing stock in many, is vulnerable to tremors.

“If half of the provisions of the Building Act, inclusive of the Building Code, are obeyed by ordinary citizens, developers and construction industry practitioners, then I can assure you that Earthquake Awareness Week will have real meaning, and confidence in national preparedness and infrastructural resilience will rapidly rise,” the Minister added.

“My message is that Jamaica will achieve all its commitments to disaster management and resilience, if the national will is demonstrated. It is not beyond us at any level.

Meanwhile, ODPEM and its stakeholder partners have been training volunteers as part of the National Disaster Risk Management Volunteer Programme.  Under the Programme, financed by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), 100 volunteers were trained as first responders at the community level in disciplines including light search and rescue; shelter management; initial damage assessment and telecommunications.

A total of 1, 159 persons are registered to the National Disaster Risk Management Volunteer Programme database.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER LAUDS OUTSTANDING LIFE AND SERVICE OF COUNCILLOR MELVIN JONES

Posted on January 8, 2018July 2, 2019

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Honourable Desmond McKenzie, is hailing the life of work of the late Melvin Jones, Councillor for the May Pen North Division of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation. Mr. Jones passed away in December after ailing for some time.

Minister McKenzie says Councillor Jones’ strong work ethic, passion for people and engaging personality all combined to endear him to all who knew him and worked with him.

“His stature and influence went beyond the May Pen North Division. His devotion to the development of Clarendon through Local Government was without question. Even during his illness, he communicated to me his unswerving support for the work that, as a Ministry, we are doing to transform the system of Local Government. It is no surprise to me that for the over the many years of service he gave as a Councillor, the electors kept returning him with overwhelming majorities, irrespective of national voting trends. This pattern continued right into the 2016 Local Government elections, where he obtained over 84% of the ballots cast.”

The Local Government Minister says Councillor Jones has made a valuable contribution to local governance, and has left behind a blueprint of effective service for his successor.

“Even as we mourn his passing and acknowledge the void that it leaves in the Clarendon Municipal Corporation and in Local Government in general, we are also happy for the proud legacy he has created. He lived a life worthy of emulation, and on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, and of the Government of Jamaica, I embrace Councillor Jones’ family and friends with every comforting wish and blessing.”

EMERGENCY FUNDING GRANTED FOR RESTORATIVE WORKS IN RAIN-DAMAGED PARISHES

Posted on January 8, 2018July 2, 2019

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has approved J$10 million in emergency allocations in the aftermath of heavy rain, flooding and landslides in Portland, St. Ann, St. Mary and Trelawny.

“I have directed that funds are to be immediately released, to clear roads blocked by land slippages and any other debris that has made them impassable, and to implement any emergency road works as are necessary. Accordingly, J$3 million will be allocated to each Municipal Corporation of the two worst affected parishes, while the Local Authorities of the other two less affected parishes will receive J$2 million each. We want to minimize the trauma and disruption to our citizens, and ensure that they can get back to work and to school as quickly as possible.”

The Local Government and Community Development Minister, has also given approval for Municipal Corporations to use their Special Grant for Repairs (SGR) to take care of emergencies in their jurisdictions as necessary.

“These are all critical interim actions that we are taking now. We will await the damage assessment reports of the Chief Engineering Officers of the affected Municipal Corporations, and thereafter develop a comprehensive road repair and rehabilitation programme.”

Road to be renamed in honour of Davina Bennett

Posted on December 14, 2017July 2, 2019

KINGSTON, JAMAICA:

The Clarendon Municipal Corporation has passed a resolution to rename a roadway in Mitchell Town in honour of Miss Jamaica Universe 2017, Davina Bennett.

The motion to rename Middle Street as Davina Bennett Street was moved by Mayor of May Pen, Councillor Winston Maragh and seconded by Minority Leader Scean Barnswell during the regular monthly meeting of the Municipal Corporation today (December 14, 2017).

Miss Bennett copped third place at the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Las Vegas, United States last month.

The decision to rename the thoroughfare was recommended by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Honourable Desmond McKenzie, on Tuesday evening during the Municipal Tree Lighting Ceremony where Miss Bennett was presented with The Key to the Town of May Pen.

“I believe that her outstanding achievement at the recent competition is one of the best Christmas presents that we could ask for as a country. I am going to ask Mayor (Maragh) and Scean (Barnswell) to take a non-partisan approach and move the resolution at the next sitting of Council to have Middle Street renamed in honour of Davina,” said Minister McKenzie.

“I am also giving my commitment that once this is done, we will provide the necessary resources so that the road can live up to the standard that is befitting of our beauty queen.”

The 21-year-old Marketing student rose in popularity during the international pageant for wearing an Afro. She gained a huge social media following for her natural attractiveness and was lauded for what many describe as shattering the beauty stereotype on the global stage.

Miss Bennett, who is also a past student of Clarendon College, said she was humbled by the recognition by her home parish.

“A road named after me?” she asked coyly after Minister McKenzie’s pronouncement.

Added Miss Bennett: “I can truly assure you that this means a great deal and this is a moment that I will treasure…I will continue to champion the town of May Pen and the entire Clarendon so don’t hesitate to call on me”.

Shaney Byfield robed new Junior Mayor of Black River

Posted on November 20, 2017July 2, 2019

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Shaney Byfield of Bethlehem All Age School in Malvern, St. Elizabeth is the 2017/2018 Junior Mayor of Black River.

She was officially robed by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Honourable Desmond McKenzie, during a ceremony at the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation Chambers on Friday, November 10, 2017.

Junior Mayor Byfield was selected from among 14 other Junior Councillors who will make up the St. Elizabeth Junior Council.

“Early exposure to the political process is one that should be cherished and we should look to improve the process,” Minister McKenzie said in his main address.

“If we want to harness the talents of these young people and encourage them to become leaders of tomorrow, then we must start to demonstrate that we are setting the right standards for them.”

The Minister also charged his senior political colleagues to remove political divisiveness, and strive for credibility and transparency.

Junior Mayor Byfield in her maiden presentation thanked her teachers for their support. She also identified the construction of a music room at her school as her divisional project.

According to the youngster, the new area will provide storage for some new musical equipment – currently being housed in the school library – that was donated by past students. She explained that music forms part of the curriculum at Bethlehem All Age and is also used as a learning aid by her teachers.

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, for the second consecutive year, has committed a grant of J$500,000 to each Junior Council to undertake a major project within their respective municipality across the island.  The Ministry is also observing the month of November as Local Government and Community Month under the theme ‘Local Governance…The Pathway to Securing Better Communities’.

Floyd Green, State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information and Member of Parliament for South Western St. Elizabeth, lauded the Junior Mayor initiative. He noted that he will be meeting with the Junior Councillors in his constituency to see how he can partner with them on community projects.
“This programme gives children a voice and allows them to take charge,” he stated. “Senior Councillors should not only mentor them but allow the young ones to mentor them as well because they can also teach us a lot.”