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MPs given limited powers of JPs

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THE SENATE yesterday passed with four amendments the Attestation of Instruments (Facilities) Act, which gives limited powers of justices of the peace to members of parliament.

The privileges given to the members of parliament are limited, according to Opposition Senator A.J. Nicholson, who said the powers are a conferral on the office of the MPs. The powers are not transferred to the individual if he or she loses the seat in an election.

“Under this provision, you will not see any sitting MPs conducting any petty session court, or things like that. It is an accommodation to attest to the authenticity of certain documents,” Nicholson said.

The privileges are also conferred on a councillor of a parish council, or the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation, and a mayor of a municipality who is not a councillor.

-The Gleaner

Portmore Municipality under Probe for Allegations of Impropriety

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In an emergency sitting of the Portmore Municipality with Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Local Government, Robert Montague on Thursday, a number of allegations regarding financial irregularities dominated the meeting
Documentation presented at the meeting by the Minister revealed a series of “missing cheques” from the Council’s  account as well as attempts to encash four cheques totalling more than 4.5million dollars.
Evidence also presented, indicated  that at least one contractor who was hired to carry out rehabilitation works presented a false Taxpayers Registration Number (TRN) and was paid despite this anomaly.
Presented with a list of names of contractors who have been paid and alleged to have carried out drain-cleaning and other works in various divisions within the Municipality, most councillors denied knowledge of the ‘ghost contractor’ or the work being undertaken.
Another issue of concern raised was the case of the missing “20 container shops” once utilized by entrepreneurs in the Gregory Park and environs of Portmore which were seized in a cease-and-desist operation by the Council. It is alleged that the container shops cannot be accounted for as they were deemed to have been ‘sold’ shortly after seizure. The question of a missing fogging machine also dominated the meeting on the purchase, loan and subsequent return of same.
In his response to the allegations, Minister Montague has charged both the council, and its administrative head to immediately conduct a probe into the allegations and call in the fraud squad where corroboration shows that there is evidence of fraudulent conduct on the part of any councillor or employee.
In addition, he has called on councillors to be more vigilant in the monitoring of their allocation and reminded them to “check your ledger accounts” individually to ensure you are aware of how your allocations are being spent.”
He also reminded the Council that the Auditor General’s report of the Municipality over time has not been a complimentary one and therefore more stringent measures of accountability should be reinforced to ensure checks and balances in the system of fiduciary management.
He warned Councillors not to allow the Council to be dissolved, as its actions were indicating that it was not managing the affairs of the municipality in the best interest of the citizens whom it serves.
Minister Montague implored both the political directorate and the administrative staff of Council to work together for the common good of its communities.
Contact: Communications Unit:
754-0992-9; 920-8152
Fax: 754-1011

Golden Age Home Sponsors Recommit to Assisting Home

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Four major sponsors of the Vineyard Town Golden Age Home in Kingston have recommitted to continuing their sponsorship of the home through cash and kind.
 In what is to become a quarterly meeting of the members of the Board and corporate sponsors of the home with Minister Robert Montague, the group noted that while they were aware of the recent emotive publicity of the operations of the home, they were not given to withdrawing their sponsorship but instead have resolved to strengthen their corporate social responsibility to the residents, their care and the facilities.
Meanwhile, Minister Montague, who has responsibility for Local Government and under whose portfolio the home operates used this morning’s meeting to thank the sponsors for staying the course and recommitting to continue the “good work they have been doing”.
“ …Your sponsorship has served the Golden Age Home well and while we recognize that this may not affect your bottom-line it sure does have tremendous influence and impact on the lives of our less fortunate…, a gesture that cannot be quantified in dollars” the Minister told the gathering.
Minister Montague expressed his appreciation amidst increased commitments for the rehabilitation of the bathroom facilities, introduction of therapeutic vegetable garden, physiotherapy, refurbishing of the kitchen facility, a 40-foot container for storage and the implementation of the more efficient LED lights for the compound.
The Minister also implored the corporate group to “spread the word to like-minded and committed companies to come on board in adopting clusters and improving the welfare of the residents as this type of generosity embraces the larger and greater cause of doing good for humanity.”

Local Authorities use one-day workshop to review Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships

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Minister with responsibility for Local Government in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon Robert Montague urged local government officials to refocus on their individual roles as well as on building strong working relationships with other government agencies in strengthening the relevance of their respective councils and municipalities.
The Minister was addressing more than 200, local government personnel during a one-day consultation/workshop at the Jamaica Conference Centre last week Thursday, May 26, 2011.
The workshop which was heavily attended by Mayors, Councillors, Secretary/Managers, Directors of Administration and Disaster Coordinators, was aimed at reviewing the roles, responsibilities and relationships of local government officials as part of a relationship management strategy geared at enhancing the inter-relationships within councils as well as intra-governmental partners.
During his wide-ranging speech which looked a number of local government reform issues, the Minister pointed out that while the topic was by no means new, he, however, felt the necessity for this review “as we continue to assess our objectives towards achieving good local governance”.
In addition to increasing the awareness of agencies and ministries regarding the coordinating responsibilities of Local Authorities (LAs) Minister Montague said that the workshop provided a useful platform for face-to-face dialogue and consultation as one local government fraternity. He said it was his hope that it would provide renewed enthusiasm and focus in improving service delivery which will augment the quality representation to the citizens in their respective jurisdictions across Jamaica.  
 
The Minister also used the opportunity to provide an update on the local government reform process.
It was revealed that the legal review was progressing as submissions have been made with respect of several pieces of legislation; an organizational review of the parish councils was well under way; a most modern and appropriate government accounting system has been installed in several Local Authorities; Local Public Accounts Committees have been established in thirteen (13) LAs aimed at opening increasing public participation in the budget process; four (4) LAs are currently receiving direct financing from the Ministry of Finance instead of from the Department of Local government, thus allowing for increased autonomy over their own finances; while Parish Development Committees have been established and are being funded and institutionalized through a National Association of Parish Development Committees to deepen community participation as part of the citizens’ participatory model of governance.
Regarding Revenue Enhancement, Minister Montague reported that LAs have responded positively to the challenge of providing 30% of their budget from own source funds. He noted that the average contribution by Local Authorities is over 12% with some councils providing 27%   of their own budget.
“We now need to take the next step by becoming proactive facilitators for economic development within our respective jurisdictions” the Minister said.
The second segment of the two-part workshop also addressed the role of LAs with respect to disaster preparedness and management, particularly in light of the upcoming hurricane season. He cited the need for the strengthening of enforcement and monitoring of regulations adding that unplanned settlements are major contributing factors in the degree of severity in damage resulting from natural disasters.

A major decision emanating from the cross-functional workshop was the need for both political directorates at central and sub-national levels to meet and discuss a joint approach to moving forward.

Good News for Golden Age Homes and Infirmaries

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Through a proposed NHT Foundation the island’s infirmaries and golden age homes will benefit from approximately $600M. This was announced by Prime Minister Bruce Golding in his budget debate yesterday May 10, 2011, at Gordon House.
According to the Jamaica Observer … Four target projects have been identified, including improvements to golden age homes and infirmaries through physical upgrading and the provision of training for the staff of these institutions, particularly in enabling them to properly care for residents with special needs.
In explaining the proposals the Prime Minister noted that,  “The NHT proposes to establish a Foundation through which a maximum of 50 per cent of these funds will be channelled to support specific causes that are considered to be in the public interest”.

See full story in Jamaica Observer May 11, 2011 page 5

Parish council in the dark about beach development

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The Portland Parish Council is unaware of any planned artificial beach development at Blue Lagoon in the parish. Mayor of Port Antonio, Floyd Patterson, says the matter will be investigated by the Council’s Director of Planning.

“I am not aware of any such development,” Patterson told The Gleaner.

“This will be something that we will be investigating thoroughly; however, once approval has been given by the relevant agencies to the property owner, as it relates to any such operation, the council might not be able to change anything.

“But it is important to note that once one has met all requirements, one is within his or her rights to develop,” Patterson added.

Since the start of this month reports have surfaced that the operator of Tropical Lagoon Resort, Devon Wilson, plans to construct an artificial beach at Blue Lagoon.

While there is no confirmation of the reports, the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) has objected to what it claims is the granting of a beach license by the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NCRA) to the operator.

“In a letter to Prime Minister Bruce Golding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JET, Diana McCaulay, said it was their view that an artificial beach is inappropriate for Blue Lagoon, one of Portland’s premiere beauty spots.

According to JET, the clearing and removal of vegetation from the lagoon’s steep sides could result in silt running off into the sea.

Commercial recreational activities

The letter also stated that the beach license granted to Mr. Wilson by NRCA was to operate commercial recreational activities in the Blue Lagoon including swimming and the construction of a slipway for canoes.

Additionally the letter pointed out that although Wilson was strictly prohibited from modifying the coastline, he has ignored that warning.

The Gleaner visited the Blue Lagoon area recently, and observed a mini white sand beach area on the property owned by Wilson.

The Gleaner also observed that a number of trees were lopped, low walls built, and a chain-link fence.

But a senior source at Tropical Lagoon Resort, who asked not be named explained that they have adhered to all the guidelines and regulations from the NRCA including preservation of the vegetation.

The source added that the operators would welcome an investigation into their operation at any time, as so far, their conduct has been transparent.

Major Richard Reese, Director General leaves the Department of Local Government, when his contract ends, June 10, 2011.

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State Minister with responsibility for the department, Robert Montague, made the announcement last night as the Standing Finance Committee of Parliament examined the Estimates of Expenditure for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

Reese is to take up a job as CEO of a major security firm. He, however, will continue serving on government boards.

Reese, who has served as commissioner of corrections, was a permanent secretary in the Ministry of National Security before he was shifted to the Department of Local Government last year.

 

Golden Age Home Board Submits Report to Minister

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The six-member sub-committee of the Golden Age Home Board has completed its report regarding allegations of mistreatment and sub-standard living conditions and care of residents of the home.
The sub-committee led by its Chairman Rion Hall and Professor Denise Eldemire Shearer of the Board of Supervision, earlier this week met during an extra-ordinary meeting to consider the allegations and were requested to provide a report of their findings to the Minister with responsibility for Local Government, Robert Montague, today.
The report of the sub-committee has made far-reaching recommendations towards remedial actions that should positively affect the strengthening of the home’s management, quality of care, internal supervision and oversight where necessary.
Minister Montague who directed that an extra-ordinary meeting of the Board be held in light of a newspaper story on Sunday, April 3, 2011, will review the report and make an announcement.
Contact:     Rion Hall – Chairman – 990-4195
                                      AND
                   Professor Denise Eldemire Shearer – 999-1783
                   Chairman Board of Supervision &

                   Board Member Golden Age Home

Department Of Local Government Requests Probe Into Golden Age Home Allegations

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t is with grave concern and regret that the Department of Local Government (DLG) and the Board of Supervision note the contents and allegations concerning the Golden Age Home in the cover story of today’s Sunday Gleaner, April 3.
Consequent on these allegations, the Minister with responsibility for Local Government, Robert Montague has requested the Chairman of the Golden Age Home Board through its Administrator, Major Frank McCaulsky to submit and interim report relative to the allegations pending a Board decision.
In addition, further efforts are being made to address the allegations as the Minister has also directed the Board of the Golden Age Home to convene an Extra-Ordinary Board meeting as soon as possible.
Meanwhile Minister Montague with the same indignation and abhorrence he displayed at the Portland Infirmary during a tour that revealed less than ideal conditions more than a year ago; has similarly expressed great concern at the current allegations and has requested that a probe and speedy action be taken to “get to the bottom of the issue and the requisite measures and sanctions be apportioned to any guilty party having a role, should the allegations be proven factual.”
The Minister has also unreservedly expressed regret and is apologizing to the families, guardians and loved ones of the affected residents vowing to “let the chips fall where they may” once the facts have been unearthed and should they give rise to the allegations.
The Golden Age Home which is a limited liability company formed in 1982 in the wake of the Eventide Home fire tragedy in 1980, currently houses over 400 residents.

Notwithstanding the troubling images depicted in the supporting photographs of the article, the DLG wishes to place on record that that these images do not reflect the level of quality delivery of care administered daily; and every effort is being made through the Board of Supervision which has oversight responsibility for the island’s outdoor and indoor poor across the island’s fourteen infirmaries to improve the operational efficiencies and level of care to the residents entrusted in their care. One such intervention is a series of certificate programmes for poor relief administrators. Last week, some twenty three poor relief officers were awarded certificates of achievement under this poor relief administration programme.

Department of Local Government Signs Partnership Agreement with the UNDP for Second Community Safety Project

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The Department of Local Government (DLG) yesterday signed a partnership agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for a community safety programme to be implemented by the Department.
The signing took place at the Department’s offices on Hagley Park Road, Kingston 10. Signing on behalf of the Department of Local Government was Director General Major (ret’d) Richard Reese, while UNDP’s Resident Representative Miss Akiko Fuji signed on behalf of that organization. The Ministry of National Security and the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) were also signatories to the document.
The project, “Enhancing Civil Society Participation in Local Governance for Community Safety” seeks to develop sustainable long-term strategies to prevent and mitigate the effects of crime and violence by focussing on improved partnerships between civil society, local authorities, and central state agencies.   It has as its main objectives, the strengthening of civil society’s participation in local governance and the establishment of coordinated local civil society and state responses to crime and violence.
These objectives are in coherence with the VISION 2030 goals and strategies which speak to creating a Jamaican Society that is Secure, Cohesive and Just, as well as with Local Government Reform objectives aimed at building institutional capacity in the Local Government system in order to guarantee among other things, the provision of the highest quality of service delivery to communities as well as to promote meaningful participation of all groups, organizations and agencies in the governance processes of all communities.
Speaking during the meeting Miss Akiko Fuji said that the project was part of her organization’s policy in support of the MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS. This policy, she continued, has two main strategies: community development programmes and community transformation and safety strategies.   “We are happy to continue to support the advancement of the capacity of civil society” she said.
Major Reese pledged the full support of the Department of Local Government, which is to be the main implementing agency for the project. The DLG will act in close partnership with the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Unit of the Ministry of National Security, the Social Development Commission (SDC), the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), the Community Safety & Security Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Association of Local Government Authorities of Jamaica (ALGA), the National Association of Parish Development Committees (NAPDEC) and selected parish/municipal councils.
The project which begins on April 1, 2011, is scheduled to be completed in a year at which time the capacity of local authorities and civil society to promote and secure participatory governance would have been greatly enhanced and local level mechanisms under the community renewal programme and crime prevention & community safety strategy would have been developed.

The “Enhancing Civil Society Participation in Local Governance for Community Safety” project is the second such partnership between the UNDP and the Department of Local Government in as many years; the DLG Launched the GOJ-UNPD project Strengthening Community Safety through Local Government Capacity-Building in September of 2010, which benefited the communities of Newlands in Portmore and Canaan Heights in Clarendon.