Local Government & Community Development Minister breaks ground for first “Water Shop” in Clarendon

Posted on November 30, 2016July 2, 2019

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has launched the pilot of a planned series of Water Shops that are intended to raise living standards in drought-stricken and otherwise water-deprived communities.

At a ground-breaking ceremony at Pennants in Clarendon recently, the Minister described the Water Shop initiative as “the start of a process to eliminate once and for all, the degrading experiences of our citizens who have to be seeking water every day, in order to live like modern human beings. This is the start of the movement to wipe away the image and the reality of our citizens, in various communities around the country, demonstrating against the lack of water. This is the start of the movement to ensure that our public health services are constantly supported by peoples’ dignified access to clean water every day.”

The Minister said the Water Shop to be constructed in the community, will serve approximately 1,000 people.

The first phase of this project will last for three months, and will involve the construction of a structure that will contain eight, 1000-gallon plastic tanks. These tanks will be mounted on a concrete base and pipes will be attached to them. Trucks will fill the tanks on a regular basis and, and then the water will be dispensed from the Water Shop.

A 20-foot shipping container will also be provided and retrofitted, and will be the Office and Administrative area for the Water Shop. For Phase 2 of the project, the intention is to harness water from the river nearby, through the installation of pumps and pipelines to draw water from the river to the Water Shop. This will reduce the need for trucking water to the facility.

The Water Shop will be built by the Ministry of Local Government, along with the Clarendon Municipal  Corporation and the Rural Water Supply Company Limited, at a cost of J$10 million. Additionally, repair works will be done to the road leading to the facility.

In charging the residents to cherish the facility once it becomes operational, the Minister also announced water will be dispensed for free for the first three months, after which users will pay for the commodity.

“Everyone knows that if you’re going to get something from the shop, you have to pay for it. The same thing is true here. Everything has a cost, and we expect that when people come here, they will go to the Office, order the amount of water they want, pay for it, and then the water will be measured out and given to them. This is public money that is being pumped into every Water Shop, and everything has to be accounted for.”

STATEMENT TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PREPARATION FOR AND RESPONSE TO HURRICANE MATTHEW

Posted on October 11, 2016July 2, 2019

By the Hon. Desmond McKenzie MP

Minister of Local Government and Community Development

______________________________________________________________________________

Mr. Speaker…

 

Last week, the people of Jamaica faced the greatest natural threat to their lives and livelihood for many years, in the form of Hurricane Matthew.

 

It is with the deepest sense of relief and gratitude that I say personally, and on behalf of the Government of Jamaica, we are thankful that this Hurricane veered away from its projected path, away from our island home.

 

The Government took all necessary measures to prepare the country for what was expected to be the onslaught of Matthew as it moved in a north-easterly direction past Jamaica.

The closest distance between Matthew and Jamaica was just 215 kilometres (134 miles) east of Morant Point, as it moved past the island as a powerful Category 4 Hurricane. Let me put that in context Mr. Speaker. The driving distance between Somerset Village at Negril Point in the west, and Morant point in the east, is 307 kilometres or 191 miles. The flying distance between the points is even closer: 232 kilometres or just 144 miles. It is difficult to imagine a closer brush with disaster, or such a dramatic escape from it.

 

I am certain Mr. Speaker that the Government and people of Haiti, are wishing they had had a similar escape. Infrastructure has been devastated. The death toll in the country is currently estimated at 900, and now, the citizens are having to contend with an outbreak of Cholera in the wake of the Hurricane.

 

The Government of Jamaica stands in practical solidarity with the Haitian people Mr. Speaker. Accordingly, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is spearheading Jamaica’s effort to assist our brothers and sisters there. ODPEM is now represented in Haiti, as the damage assessment process continues.

I have seen Mr. Speaker, expressions of dismay and disappointment from some of our citizens that the Government had elevated the Hurricane threat in the public mind, only for mainly rains to occur. To them I say: count your blessings, count them one by one.

 

However, there is another saying that applies to our recent experience Mr. Speaker: “Take sleep mark death.” This weather system has provided an opportunity for us to put the disaster preparedness and response mechanism to work, and to evaluate its effectiveness to ensure continuous improvement.

 

PREPAREDNESS FOR THE HURRICANE

 

Even before Jamaica was placed on Hurricane Watch on October 1, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) had started the process of preparing the country.

 

• The Agency activated the National Disaster Action Plan – Hurricane Standing Orders on September 26, which guided the actions of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and Agencies involved in the response.

 

• A meeting of the National Disaster Risk Management Council was held by the Most Honourable Prime Minister on September 30, and all Agencies Ministries and Departments were placed on Alert.

 

• ODPEM continued to monitor the weather system and Parish Disaster Committees and Agencies were placed on standby. ODPEM issued news releases and hosted news conferences, as did the Office of the Prime Minister, about all matters concerning the progress of the Hurricane and the integrated national response.

 

• At the policy level, the NEOC was activated at level 2 on October 1.

 

 

• At the operational level, The NEOC commenced on September 30 at Level 1 activation, Level 2 activation on October 1 and Level 3 – the highest stage of activation – on October 2.

 

• A total of 16 Emergency Operations Centres were activated island-wide.

 

• 193 shelters were opened, and provided accommodation for 3,501 people. The highest numbers of people seeking the Shelters came from St. Thomas (1,067), Kingston and St. Andrew (578), Portland (677) and St. Mary (403).

 

 

• ODPEM ensured the distribution of important items to the Shelters including tarpaulins, raincoats, lanterns, blankets and mattresses, toilet paper and water. The Administration also took the critical decision to provision the Shelters with food, to nourish people from the first day of entry.

 

• Arrangements were made for homeless persons to be accommodated through the Local Authorities and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Salvation Army.

 

• The Local Authorities are a critical part of the disaster management system, and I wish to commend them, and some of the Mayors who provided exceptional leadership when it was needed most.

 

 

 

EVACUATION

 

Mr. Speaker, I must express thanks to the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) for the critical transport support provided for the evacuation effort.

 

It is publicly known that transportation was offered to people in vulnerable communities, and 104 people took advantage of the offer.

 

100 displaced people were taken from Old Harbour Bay Police Station to the Old Harbour High School for shelter, and 4 residents were evacuated from Port Royal.  Two buses were stationed in the community to support the exercise.

 

Mr. Speaker, I am compelled to emphasize yet again, the critical importance of obeying the instructions of disaster officials to evacuate vulnerable areas.

 

No level of instinct, or hope, or stubborn determination to ride out the storm can replace the reality that when severe flooding or wind is imminent, people in disaster-prone areas are likely to suffer loss of property, loss of life or both.

 

We have intensified the national conversation about evacuation Mr. Speaker, and this will have to continue.

 

 

ACTUAL AND POTENTIAL LOSSES

 

One of the important concerns of the Government, was that public infrastructure would be extensively damaged by Matthew.

I am heartened to report Mr. Speaker that this is not the case. While the Local Authorities are concluding their investigations in relation to Parochial infrastructure, I have been formally advised that there is no severe damage. The National Works Agency has given similar advice in relation to the wider road network.

 

As far as total loss to the economy is concerned Mr. Speaker, we await the calculation of lost production hours among other factors by the Planning Institute of Jamaica, as part of the national assessment exercise.

 

Mr. Speaker, the process of evaluating this experience has already begun. ODPEM has commenced its review exercise, and this will also involve the Social Development Commission (SDC). We will be reviewing among other things in the short term, the Shelter Management Programme. Additionally, there will be:

 

• A systems and procedures review of Internal and External Agencies.

 

• An update of the Standard Operating Procedures of the NEOC, after careful evaluation.

 

• The development of Mutual Aid Agreements and Contract Agreements with private sector partners, to ensure swift response.

 

• In the longer term, the National Response Coordination Plan will be updated.

 

Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank all our partner Ministries and Agencies in the National Emergency Operations Centre for their hard and consistent work.

 

I want to thank our private sector partners for their dedication to service.

 

I also wish to specially commend the men and women of ODPEM, who worked day and night to prepare Jamaica for Matthew, from beginning to end.

 

 

While we hope that there will be no further brushes with weather systems for the rest of the Hurricane Season, the country can be assured that the Government will be ready to lead Jamaica through the storm.

 

Thank You Mr. Speaker.

 

Jamaica Fire Brigade to Get Two New Trucks

Posted on October 11, 2016July 2, 2019

The Government of Jamaica through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, has signed a US$987,822 contract with Rosenbauer International for the acquisition of two new trucks for the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

The units, which are slated to be in the island by next year, will be built in Minneapolis, United States, at the facilities of Rosenbauer America.

These trucks, which are known as “pumpers” are specifically designed for Jamaican conditions and the operations of the Jamaican Fire Brigade.

In his remarks, Portfolio Minister Hon. Desmond McKenzie said the trucks will boost the Fire Brigade’s existing fleet.

“The trucks will be pre-ordered, and they do take some time to get here (but) because of the relationship that exists between the local company and the foreign company, we are hoping that we will get them a little bit ahead of schedule,” he said.

Mr. McKenzie noted that the Ministry is committed to the capacity expansion of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and the acquisition of fire trucks is critical to the honouring of that promise. The Minister added that other improvements will include the commencement of work on one of the three new fire stations that will be constructed in St. James, St. Thomas and St. Mary in this financial year, and the procurement of safety and security gear.

Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Errol Mowatt, stated that the trucks will be deployed based on the needs of each division, when they arrive in the island, and noted that the units will improve the capability of the Jamaica Fire Brigade to better respond to the needs of the citizenry.

Commissioner Mowatt also disclosed that very shortly, a similar contract will be signed for two additional trucks.

Rosenbauer Minnesota, LLC, one of Rosenbauer America’s four production centres, is located in Wyoming. The produces custom, technically demanding fire service trucks.

Local Government Minister Commends Integrated National Effort Against Hurricane Matthew, Expresses Concern For Haiti

Posted on October 4, 2016July 2, 2019

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie, has commended all the partner Ministries, Agencies and volunteer organizations that worked tirelessly to ensure Jamaica’s preparedness for Hurricane Matthew.

At a news conference today, the Minister noted that great sacrifices have been made to prepare the country for the weather system, and that the levels of information-sharing and general preparedness were appropriate to the threat that Hurricane Matthew presented to the country.

“As a Government, we are very grateful that Matthew shifted from us and did not hit the country as projected. The Growth Agenda is crucial to this Administration’s plans to improve the lives of Jamaicans, and that was placed in great danger by the threat of the Hurricane. Let me also say that it is never possible to over-prepare for a weather system of this kind.”

The Minister also indicated that the normal processes of damage assessment and related reviews will be done as quickly as possible.

In response to concerns that had been raised about the manner in which allocations had been made for drain cleaning, the Minister made it clear that advances had been made from the Parochial Revenue Fund to Members of Parliament to facilitate this activity, an announcement he had made last Friday, after the initial meetings of the National Emergency Operations Centre.

Minister McKenzie also expressed great concern for the people of Haiti, who have been exposed to the fury of Hurricane Matthew. “We have been spared and we are thankful, but we all know that our brothers and sisters in Haiti can’t take much more in the way of battering from the elements. I am urging everyone who can, to make contributions to assist in the relief effort for Haiti, and I know the Government will also look into this matter.”

Tropical Storm Warning Discontinued For Jamaica

Posted on October 4, 2016July 2, 2019

The Meteorological Service has discontinued the Tropical Storm Warning for Jamaica.

The island is no longer at threat of tropical storm-force winds as Hurricane Matthew continues to move away and weather conditions improve.

The MET Office says at 10 a.m. the centre of Hurricane Matthew was located near Latitude 18.9 degrees North, Longitude 74.3 degrees West.

This is about 230 kilometres (140 miles) east of Morant Point, Jamaica or 60 kilometres (35 miles) east of Tiburon, Haiti.

Matthew is moving toward the north near 17 km/h (10 mph). On this track, the eye of Matthew will move over the Windward Passage and eastern Cuba today.

A turn toward the north-northwest is expected by Wednesday, followed by a northwest turn Wednesday night.

Maximum sustained winds are near 230 km/h (145 mph), with higher gusts, making Matthew a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Some fluctuations in intensity are possible during the next couple of days, but Matthew is expected to remain a powerful hurricane through at least Wednesday night.

The MET Office says although Matthew is no longer considered a threat to Jamaica, the island could continue to experience isolated showers and thunderstorms, especially over eastern parishes. Residents are, therefore, advised to remain on the alert should periodic outbreaks of showers cause localised flooding.

Small craft operators should also continue to exercise caution until wind and sea conditions have returned to safe levels.

Local Government Minister Urges Continued National Vigilance As Hurricane Warning Is Downgraded

Posted on October 4, 2016July 2, 2019

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie, is warning that Jamaicans must still ensure that every precaution is taken, even the national alert for Hurricane Matthew has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning.

This warning reflects the weather system’s projected path and distance from Jamaica, and not the status of the weather system. Matthew is still a powerful Category Four Hurricane, and at its average speed of 6 miles per hour, it is still projected to deposit heavy rains in Jamaica, a point emphasized by Minister McKenzie.

“We are calling on every citizen to continue to take precautions. To those who have not done so, we are calling on them to start now, to ensure their safety and well-being. We are still very concerned about flooding, and the Agencies of the State are continuing to take all necessary measures to prevent and respond to it. However, it cannot be said too often…please take precautions.”

He gave the assurance that Shelters remain open, that people in need of them will be accommodated, and that partner Ministries and Agencies continue to work to ensure maximum safety and security.

Local Government Minister Warns That Time Is Running Out For People In Vulnerable Areas To Be Evacuated

Posted on October 3, 2016July 2, 2019

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, has again urged that people in vulnerable areas who have insisted on remaining in them, leave immediately.

At the latest news briefing on developments regarding Hurricane Matthew today, Minister McKenzie, who is also Deputy Chairman of the National Disaster Council, warned that the last chance for such persons to leave vulnerable areas is now at hand.

“I have said it before and I will say it again…the Government is not prepared to put the lives of our first responders to disasters at risk, because people are being stubborn, and defying the orders to evacuate. If there are people now saying they are ready to leave, that is a conversation that would have to be had with our responders, including the Jamaica Defence Force. We are prepared to consider the matter one more time, and then it is final.”

Residents of Port Royal are among those in vulnerable areas who have largely refused to leave the town, despite appeals from their Member of Parliament, and the provision of buses by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company, to take them to the National Arena. There are also people on the Pedro Cays who have also defied orders to evacuate.

With regard to shelters, the Minister advised that they are all open. He also stated that the Cabinet has directed that food is to be provided at the shelters from the outset. Traditionally, people who seek access to shelters are advised to take food, personal care products and other sundries to the shelters.

On the subject of drain and gully cleaning in preparation for the Hurricane, the Minister made it clear that while the National Solid Waste Management Authority and the National Works Agency are working assiduously, the practices of many people are undermining their best efforts. “Let me be plain. Even if a billion dollars a day was spent cleaning drains and gullies, it would be a pointless exercise because people keep throwing garbage and solid waste into the gullies. And it is not only people downtown who are guilty of these things. People from all sections of the society are doing them. We need to have a conversation about the civic pride that that has been lost in the country, and how we can get it to return. What I am prepared to say however, is that by next week, I will be going to Cabinet with proposals for the increases in fines for littering.”