SDC HOSTS ST THOMAS’ FIRST ECONOMIC VILLAGE

Posted on September 29, 2025October 13, 2025

On Friday September 26, Small and micro entrepreneurs convened in front of the St Thomas Social Development Commission’s office to market their Goods and Services at the SDC’s Economic Village, which is geared towards promoting local businesses by providing a space for them to earn and grow. The event, which is the first of its kind to be held in the parish of St Thomas gave entrepreneurs and artisans the opportunity to showcase their products — from hand crafted jewelry, natural juices and infused oils to dried herbs and many more.

Mrs. Lorian Peart-Roberts, Parish Manager of the Social Development Commission in St Thomas said, “Many [of the businesses] don’t have a shop front and so this is our avenue to have them come out and showcase what they have”

“We are hoping that once the Urban Center gets going, we can host this every quarter, the last Friday, right after pay day”, she continued.

She also used the opportunity to invite other local entrepreneurs to go to the Social Development Commission’s website and sign up to participate in the Economic Village. Peart-Roberts said that the SDC provides workshops for entrepreneurs to help them to position themselves in the economic market better by providing training in different industry areas.

The Economic Village, which falls under the Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP), provides a space for local micro and small businesses to sell products, network, and build their capacities. While this showing was the first for the parish of St Thomas, the Economic Village has been active in other parishes across Jamaica giving newcomers and growing businesses a well needed boost for their businesses.

THIRD NATIONAL HOMELESS SURVEY SLATED FOR OCTOBER 6-10

Posted on September 29, 2025

JIS:

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, through the Board of Supervision, will conduct the third National Homeless Survey from October 6 to 10 across all parishes.

The survey is a nationwide count of individuals experiencing homelessness, and was last conducted in 2017.

Data collection will be conducted in major towns and cities across Jamaica, with a focus on known ‘hotspots’ identified by Inspectors of Poor in each parish.

Secretary of the Board of Supervision, Treka Lewis, told JIS News that the survey aims to generate critical data to inform future policies and services for individuals experiencing homelessness across Jamaica.

“The survey is structured in such a way that it gives us more than just the number of persons who we will find living on the streets [and] who fit our definition of homelessness,” she said.

Ms. Lewis noted that individuals classified as homeless are those residing in spaces not intended for human habitation, such as bus parks, gullies, abandoned buildings, and similar locations.

She further informed that the survey, which will be administered through a structured questionnaire, will gather information on demographics, health status, educational attainment, reasons for homelessness, and access to government benefits, among other key indicators.

“We will also, from this survey, be able to provide geospatial information on the location of persons experiencing homelessness. So we can pick up the map and know that there is a concentration in a particular location and there is need for, maybe, another night shelter, or we [can] look somewhere else in another parish outside of the capital and we see that there’s probably a growing number here and we may need a drop-in centre,” Ms. Lewis stated.

She indicated that the survey will be conducted during early morning hours, prior to the daily dispersal of individuals.

“On the day, we ask for cooperation, we ask that persons are not scared or frightened because they see a team of persons advancing towards them. Our aim is only to collect information and the information that we collect will be treated confidentially,” Ms. Lewis urged.

She further shared that the Kobo Toolbox—a software platform enabling real-time data collection and analysis—will be used to administer the survey, which is expected to take approximately 7 to 10 minutes to complete.

The team from the Board of Supervision, which is spearheading the initiative, will be supported in the field by representatives from the Social Development Commission (SDC), Mental Health Officers from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), who will provide security and reassurance.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTRY ASSESSING AREAS IN KINGSTON AND ST. ANDREW IMPACTED BY FRIDAY’S FLOOD RAINS

Posted on September 25, 2025September 25, 2025

JIS:

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development is assessing areas affected by Friday’s (September 19) heavy rains, which caused severe flooding across the Corporate Area.

Portfolio Minister, the Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said the exercise “is to see what can be done and how we are going to get it done.”

He said that the assessment is important as the island will continue to face unpredictable weather events during the hurricane season.

The Minister was speaking at a special sitting of the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) to install newly elected councillors, at the Corporation’s downtown Kingston offices on Monday (September 22).

Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, in his remarks, said that the KSAMC will be ramping up its drain cleaning programme to mitigate flooding.

“We acknowledge that the KSAMC, as the local authority, must play its role in the overall cleaning and maintenance of drains and gullies and will strive to do so in a more timely manner,” he said.

Mr. Swaby informed that Friday’s heavy rains caused widespread flooding and damage which affected homes, businesses and the road network across Kingston and St. Andrew.

He noted that a team from the KSAMC, comprised of councillors, the city engineer, the disaster coordinator, and the Chief Executive Officer visited some of the impacted areas on Saturday (September 20).

“Residents lost furniture, appliances, and peace of mind,” he lamented.

The Mayor noted the impact of climate change in intensifying rainfall and flooding.

“While we acknowledge that weather conditions are an act of God and outside of our control, the belief that global warming has contributed to the changing weather pattern forces us to be more vigilant,” he said.

Career Milestone for Newly Appointed State Minister, Hon. Delroy Williams

Posted on September 23, 2025

Newly-elected Member of Parliament for Clarendon Central, Hon. Delroy Williams, has been appointed State Minister in the Ministry of Local and Rural Development.

This appointment marks a pivotal advancement in Mr. Williams’ public service career, which includes prior roles as Mayor of Kingston and Senator in the Upper House of Parliament.

In response, he expressed both gratitude and humility, reaffirming his commitment to national service

“I’m humbled by it. I’m honoured. It’s a good feeling to know that the Most Honourable Prime Minister would have considered me as a part of the Executive and as part of leading this country into the future,” Mr. Williams told JIS News following his swearing-in on Friday, September 19, at King’s House.

He noted that his vision aligns closely with that of Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and expressed strong support for the strategic direction in which the country is progressing.

“I personally believe that Jamaica is on the right path. I’m honoured to be supporting the Cabinet Ministers — in this particular case, Minister [of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, who has a wealth of experience and continues to serve this country with distinction,” he shared.

With years of experience in municipal leadership, Mr. Williams believes his eight-year tenure as Mayor of Kingston has equipped him with the experience and insight necessary for his new ministerial role.

“I would have gone through the various issues and policy processes at the local government level. So, I believe that experience has positioned me to serve effectively in this new capacity,” he declares.

Mr. Williams indicated that he is eager to engage Minister McKenzie on several priority areas and seek his guidance, to determine how best he can contribute to the Ministry’s strategic objectives.

He also acknowledged his recent election to Parliament and expressed confidence in his ability to effectively balance legislative responsibilities with his new executive role.

“I enjoy representation. I love interacting with residents and being a part of community life. I don’t foresee a problem balancing both roles. I think one will complement the other,” Mr. Williams shared.

CONTACT: JUDANA MURPHY, JIS

Minister Announces Plans for Single Road Authority

Posted on September 19, 2025October 26, 2025

JIS

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has announced plans to streamline the management of the country’s road network under a new One Road Authority.

Speaking with JIS News following the swearing-in ceremony for 18 Ministers of Government at King’s House on September 17, the Minister explained that the initiative will not remove responsibility from local authorities but will ensure that all agencies work in a coordinated manner to address road-related challenges.

“Now this is not to say that the local authorities are going to lose control of roads… . It is that none of the organisations have the requisite ability by itself to deal with the vast network of roads that we have in Jamaica… , and this one road authority will allow everybody the opportunity to work collectively in ensuring that we rectify the deficiencies in roads across the country,” he outlined.

Minister McKenzie also pointed to other priority areas for the Ministry, including improvements in garbage collection, community facilities, and disaster preparedness.

He noted that efforts are under way to upgrade drop-in centres across the island, while steps are being taken to expand and intensify garbage collection.

“There’s a lot more to be done in terms of even the drop-in facilities across the centre. We are going to be intensifying garbage collection. That is one major area of concern,” the Minister said.

Highlighting the role of the Social Development Commission (SDC), Mr. McKenzie said the agency will continue to play a vital role in advancing community development initiatives.

He indicated that steps will also be taken to strengthen the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), guided by a recent assessment, aimed at improving the country’s capacity to respond to emergencies.

The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to building on the work already undertaken and to further enhance service delivery to citizens.

MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTMOURNS TRAGIC DEATH OF PNP COUNCILLOR PATRICK FORRESTER

Posted on September 18, 2025September 29, 2025

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has paid tribute to the life and work of the late Councillor for the Petersfield Division in Central Westmoreland, Mr. Patrick Forrester. Mr. Forrester lost his life in a motor vehicle accident yesterday.

“This is a shocking and unwelcome development, and I know that the people of Petersfield are experiencing shock and grief at this time. Mr. Forrester is now the third elected representative at the Parochial level to have lost his life since the start of the year, and I am saddened to lose any member of the community of Local Government practitioners.

“I express my condolences to Councillor Forrester’s family and friends, and to his political family, the Peoples’ National Party. I wish them comfort, as they try to process this tragic event, recover their strength, and cherish his memory in the days ahead.”

ST. ELIZABETH TO REVIEW DRAFT PARISH DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN

Posted on September 18, 2025

JIS:

The St. Elizabeth Disaster Preparedness, Hazard Mitigation and Safety Committee will be meeting shortly to review the draft outline of the Parish Disaster Risk Management Plan.

The document, developed by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), will assist the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation in creating and refining its local disaster plan.

Acting Parish Disaster Coordinator at the municipal corporation, Rasha Lloyd, explained that the committee will examine the draft, with the aim of creating a tailored development plan specific to the realities and vulnerabilities of the breadbasket parish.

“This meeting is to include the mayor and other agencies who are part of the Disaster Preparedness, Hazard Mitigation and Safety Committee,” she noted.

She was addressing Tuesday’s (September 16) Disaster Preparedness, Hazard Mitigation and Safety Committee meeting at the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation in Black River.

Development of the Parish Disaster Risk Management Plan aligns with Sections 4 and 23 of the Disaster Risk Management Act of 2015, which mandates disaster preparedness planning at the parish level.

Meanwhile, with the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season in its peak period, Ms. Lloyd said the parish remains in a state of readiness for any eventuality.

“We have completed preparations regarding [emergency] items and we have these items in the storeroom [at the Municipal Corporation],” Ms. Lloyd said, adding that all the relevant agencies have their own preparations in place.

Over $4.6 Million in Property Taxes Collected by KSAMC

Posted on September 12, 2025

JIS:

Just over $4.6 million was collected by the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) during five property tax collection drives held in St. Andrew between June and August 2025.

Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, made the disclosure while addressing the General Sitting of Council at the Corporation’s downtown Kingston offices on Tuesday (September 9).

He informed that the collection initiative involved partnership with Tax Administration of Jamaica (TAJ), with support from the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

Two collection drives were held at the Emmanuel Christian Academy in Norbrook, and the others at Tropical Plaza on Constant Spring Road, Meadowbrook Community Centre in Havendale, and Liguanea Plaza on Old Hope Road.

Mayor Swaby said that the intention of the collection initiative was to “remind citizens of the critical role property tax plays in supporting municipal services, increase voluntary compliance and reduce arrears”.

He thanked the team that coordinated the drives.

“Given the positive results, we will be expanding this initiative to other parts of Kingston and St. Andrew,” he said.

SDC EMPOWERS YOUTH IN PORTMORE WITH ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS

Posted on September 2, 2025

KINGSTON, August 30 (JIS):

Scores of young people from the community of Gregory Park in Portmore, St. Catherine were empowered through hands-on training in various entrepreneurial endeavours during the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) second annual Youth Entrepreneurship Skills Symposium (YESS!). The workshop was held on Friday (August 29) at the Worldwide Church of God in Christian Gardens, Portmore in the parish.

Participants were trained in welding, candle-making, bouquet and gift basket creation, lash-extension techniques, and photography.

Highlighting the importance of the training session, Parish Manager for SDC Portmore, Ishiwawa Hope, explained that it was a stepping stone for youth in the community to access skills in areas that are offered at HEART/NSTA Trust, so they can start their own businesses.

“There’s a lot of things happening that they can empower themselves and create wealth within their communities, employ somebody else in the community. So, we saw it fit to have this session today to expose them to different skill areas and different partners within the government agency cohort that can link them to the opportunities that are out there,” Ms. Hope stated.

The participants were informed about various grants for start-up businesses offered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the various opportunities available through the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information and HEART/NSTA Trust.

Additionally, the SDC, through the Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP), offers financial assistance, grants, market access and promotion, mentorship and networking as well as advisory and counselling service.

Ms. Hope expressed that following the training session, she expects the participants will internalise the information received and begin to view entrepreneurship as more than a hustle, and more of a “successful, profitable business that can help their families and communities.”

She added however that the SDC will continue to offer support to ensure that the workshop was impactful.

“We have a database of all the participants today and we will be tracking them over a six-month period where the [community] officer who’s assigned to Gregory Park will be checking in on them,” the Parish Manager said, adding that some participants will receive starter kits from a few of the skill areas covered during the workshop.

For his part, SDC Executive Director, Omar Frith, noted that the workshop is part of a national thrust to engage more youth in entrepreneurship, in alignment with the Government’s aim to create a resilient entrepreneurial base across the country.

As a result, the SDC, through LEDSP, plans to go into communities and offer training opportunities unique to that space.

“[The workshops] may not be identical to this one. We allow the various parish managers to examine their specific community spaces and then they tailor make the interventions that will be relevant to that space,” Mr. Frith noted.

“But the goal is to ensure that every single parish is rolling out various interventions to ensure that young people, marginalized people, disabled, every single Jamaican must have the opportunity to know that entrepreneurship is within their grasp,” he continued.

Meanwhile, State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, hailed the event as a historic one, adding that he saw it as a good initiative when he was informed about it during the planning stage two months prior.

He encouraged the participants of the power they have, adding that their background or skin colour does not determine their future.

“In Jamaica, we have to recognise that this right here, your black skin and coming out of an inner-city community or developing community is not a barrier to you achieving greatness. It is not a barrier to you achieving wealth. I want…every youth living in a developing or inner-city community to understand that by the sweat of your brow, you too can achieve greatness,” he stated.

The workshop is an expansion of the SDC’s ‘Portmore Say Yes I’ project which is a youth, economic and sports initiative geared towards engaging young residents across the municipality.

Its aim is to get youths involved in governance and making decisions that impact their communities.

 

MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADS EFFORT TO MODERNISE MARKETS ACROSS JAMAICA

Posted on August 13, 2025October 26, 2025

KINGSTON, August 12 (JIS):

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is driving the effort to modernise markets across Jamaica.

Speaking at the recent opening of the Buff Bay Market in Portland, Mr. McKenzie said the goal is for every parish to have either a new or upgraded market within the next five years, equipped with features that meet the needs of vendors and shoppers.

“Within the next five years, we are expecting that every parish in Jamaica will have a new market or an improved market,” he pointed out.

“We must show the kind of respect that is due by providing the facilities that will enable persons to continue to do the things that they want to do,” continued the Minister.

Additionally, in recent years, the sector has undergone major improvements, with six new markets built since 2016 and more than $200 million spent in the past year on renovating markets and public sanitary facilities across the country.

New designs incorporate CCTV surveillance, prepaid electricity systems to reduce fire risks, water harvesting systems for maintenance, and modern sanitary blocks.

Projects are currently in progress in locations such as Spaldings in Clarendon; Alexandria,  St. Ann and Port Antonio in Portland, where the new Musgrave Market will replace the one destroyed by fire.

The recently completed Buff Bay Market is the first facility to serve as the template for future builds, showcasing modern layouts and security features.

Minister McKenzie noted that markets are “critical to the economy of the country”, contributing close to 30 per cent of local authority revenues, supporting farmers, and providing jobs for many people, most of them women.

“Thousands of Jamaicans have gone through high school, university, and become outstanding men and women because their mother and sometimes father, ply their trade in the market,” he said.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of proper maintenance and management and encouraged vendors to work in partnership with municipal authorities to ensure the upgraded facilities remain in good condition.