DENISE CHITO RECEIVES FURNISHED ONE-BEDROOM EXTENSION TO HER HOME UNDER THE INDIGENT HOUSING PROGRAMME

Posted on July 29, 2025October 14, 2025

Denise Chito and her family were smiling from ear to ear during the handing over ceremony, last Friday (July 25), for her furnished one-bedroom extension to their previously built home under the Indigent Housing Programme.

Chito, who is a mother of four, previously received a one-bedroom unit under the New Social Housing Programme. During the handing over ceremony for that structure in May 2025, on instructions from Prime Minister Dr the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Hon. Desmond McKenzie pledged to provide an additional bedroom under the Indigent Housing Programme to better accommodate Chito and her children.

“Right at this location, the Prime Minister gave me direct instructions that the Ministry of Local Government, our Indigent Housing Programme, should now come in and take up where the social housing aspect left off” Minister McKenzie said while speaking at the Ceremony.

“When I spoke with the Mayor, I said to him that I want this unit to be completed as quickly as possible and the technical team in the ministry as well as the technical team here in St. Thomas, put their heads together and so today, we are here now to open part 2, the indigent housing programme side” he continued.

Minister McKenzie emphasized that under the Indigent Housing Programme, the houses are built and furnished with the basic necessities for recipients.

“We provide the home, additional section to house the entire family, they don’t have to worry what [they’re] going to sleep on, they don’t have to worry what they’re going to sit around and eat, all the basic furnishing has been provided for this home” he added.

The Minister also said that the children’s welfare is the responsibility of Local Government, adding that the state will ensure that the children’s needs are met until they no longer require assistance from the Poor Relief Department.

A part of the Minister’s commitment was to also provide Ms. Chito’s daughters with a laptop to help with their studies— a promise he fulfilled during the ceremony.

In delivering the vote of thanks, Ms. Chito expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and other agencies that have assisted her over the years.

“I feel so alive, thank you very much” she said.

“We are blessed, we are grateful to each and everyone who have blessed our [lives] in a positive way. Some might gave us a word of encouragement, some might [gave] us prayer, we are thankful to each and everyone who have blessed me… Today I am not only looking [for] help for myself from my children. I want my children to go out there and help others” she explained.

FROM LIVING ROOM TO NAIL STUDIO WITH THE HELP OF SDC’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP GRANT

Posted on July 25, 2025

KINGSTON, July 22 (JIS):

When Nail Technician Charma-kay Barrett began doing nails from the living room of her home in Kingston, she had no idea that in less than seven years, the operation would grow into a viable, registered, tax-compliant business with plans for growth.

Her thriving small business was fueled by a grant from the Social Development Commission (SDC), which plays a vital role in supporting grassroots entrepreneurs across Jamaica.

“When I started my business in 2017, around 2018 thereabouts, I started at home. I worked from my living room with basic tools – a single styling chair and hand-held files,” Miss Barrett said.

She recalled that her clients had to wait extra time for their nails to dry as she did not own a light-emitting diode (LED) nail dryer that would have sped up the process.

Miss Barrett explained that everything changed for her in 2019 when her mother encouraged her to participate in the SDC training for grassroots entrepreneurs.

Through the programme, she learned business planning, client retention, and financial management skills that laid the foundation for her business, Charma-Kay’s Nail Studio, to grow.

“The real game changer came that year when I received the SDC $80,000 grant. The money was well spent because it was well needed,” Miss Barrett noted.

She explained that while her initial plan was to acquire a styling chair, she had to pivot as the “very luxurious piece of equipment” would not work for her living-room space.

 

“Instead of purchasing the chair, I made smaller purchases. I invested in an LED gel [dryer] lamp. I also added a portable pedicure bath so I could do home visits. I purchased hygienic supplies, like tea tree oil [and] stuff like that,” the Nail Technician explained.

She tells JIS News that the entrepreneurship grant did not only enable her to purchase much-needed equipment, but it also bought her freedom.

“Today, Charma-kay’s Nails is registered, tax compliant and no longer a home-based business. I moved into a rented studio, and this summer I’ll be hiring my first employee to handle growing demand,” Miss Barrett shared to rousing applause from this year’s cohort of grant recipients during a recent handover ceremony at the Ministry of Local Government & Community Development’s offices in Kingston.

She added that her clientele has doubled, and she now sees a clear path to expanding her small business into a full-service beauty hub.

The entrepreneur expressed her appreciation for the SDC’s support, noting that “the grants programme does more than fund businesses; it fuels economic resilience”.

Miss Barrett emphasises that the programme takes into consideration the unique challenges faced by nano-entrepreneurs operating in their communities.

She points out that the non-repayable grants eliminate the fear of debt that entrepreneurs hoping to expand their businesses face.

The entrepreneur emphasises that small businesses “are the heartbeat of Jamaica’s economy” as they serve neighbours, hire locals, and reinvest in communities.

She noted that the grants received by community entrepreneurs “validate their hustle” and she thanked the SDC and the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, for seeing and believing in them and for proving that inclusive growth starts at the grassroots.

The special entrepreneurship grant was introduced by the SDC in financial year 2021/2022 as part of its expanded suite of business development initiatives under the Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP).

The agency says 1,021 small businesses have received a combined $46.6 million in grants awards under the programme as of 2025.

Another 250 entrepreneurs are expected to receive grants this financial year (2025/2026).

HUNDREDS OF LEIs NOW IN FORMAL ECONOMY

Posted on July 24, 2025

KINGSTON, July 22 (JIS):

The Social Development Commission (SDC) is reporting significant progress in its business formalisation efforts for grassroots entrepreneurs.

Speaking at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, Director, Local Economic Development at the SDC, Avril Ranger, said that 268 of the 390 Local Economic Initiatives (LEIs) being served through the Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP) have now formalised their operations.

“We were way behind as it relates to having our LEIs, even having their business names registered, and so we are at 69 per cent of those that we are serving right now,” said Ms. Ranger.

She emphasised that the SDC is committed to collaborating with ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in supporting and bringing these businesses into the formal economy.

“It’s a very aggressive approach from the Commission, because we know that we cannot have persons operating and they are not in the formal sector, so we put great emphasis on getting this done,” said Ms. Ranger.

She noted that sometimes the LEIs have to be convinced to formalise their businesses, as many of them initially assume it is just another form of taxation.

“So, we have to work also in terms of coaching our LEIs as it relates to their responsibility as an entrepreneur and in contributing to the economy and to being a part of the formal sector,” Ms. Ranger added.

In addition to business registration, the SDC has integrated value-added capacity building programmes such as candle making, soap making, body care lotions and floral decorations training to equip LEIs with practical skills that can expand their economic potential.

Ms. Ranger informed that the SDC maintains detailed data on these initiatives, showing both the scope and impact of the training across different communities.

Digital marketing and business branding also form part of the agency’s support strategy.

“One of the things that we will do with them, from time to time, is to have workshops on how you create your Instagram page and how you project yourself. So, when you walk into the SDC doors, we pretty much strip you down and we reformat in terms of thinking as well as your appearance,” said Ms. Ranger.

She further indicated that through the SDC’s interventions, LEIs are becoming more well-read and exposed.

“They recognise that not only Jamaica is their market but they can also, through our assistance with the training, become formidable businesspersons operating on the Internet,” she added.

BUFF BAY MARKET TO OPEN IN AUGUST

Posted on July 23, 2025

“I’m a happy  man  this morning” were the words uttered by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Honourable Desmond McKenzie after his tour of the Buff Bay Market in Portland last Friday.

The market which features an administrative office, high ceilings for natural lighting as well as a large section for fruits and vegetable stalls, a meat area and a haberdashery component is slated to be opened for operation within the first week of August, according to the Minister.

“Within the first week of August, I will be back here to officially open this brand new market. The significance of opening this market around that time of independence, this was one of the Markets under Jamaica 50th that was chosen to be renovated”

Minister McKenzie went on to commend the Mayor and the technical team of the Ministry and the Portland Municipal Corporation for the excellent work they did.

Mayor of Port Antonio, His Worship Councillor Paul Thompson, expressed how elated he was about the progress of the Buff Bay Market. He further went on to say that the team will be working with the vendors to get off the street and into the newly renovated facility.

“We are going to practice a no tolerance attitude toward the vendors, so if it means that we are going to intensify our enforcement to get the vendors off the street we are going to do everything that is possible because this is a great facility”

The Buff Bay Market is one of several markets across the island that has received a modern touch through the Market Rehabilitation Programme under the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

In addition to the Buff Bay Market, the Musgrave Market in the parish will soon receive a well needed facelift, this was disclosed in an open door meeting held at the Portland Municipal Council Chamber last Friday afternoon (July 18), with vendors and other stakeholders.

ENSURING TRUE INCLUSIVITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH SPECIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP GRANTS

Posted on July 21, 2025August 12, 2025

On Thursday, July 17, 2025, 100 entrepreneurs from St Catherine, Clarendon and Kingston gathered at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development for the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) Special Entrepreneurship Grant Presentation Ceremony.

The Grant, which is a part of the SDC’s Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP) is geared towards providing support through training and funding for regularized nano businesses across the island.

Keynote Speaker and Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Honourable Dana Morris Dixon emphasized that the grants are a pathway to new possibilities for entrepreneurs and the broader Jamaica.

“These grants are providing new hope, new possibilities, and new opportunities to communities across Jamaica, and that is what inclusive economic growth looks like,” she said.

Senator Morris Dixon further highlighted the value of the programme and provided insight into how the beneficiaries can access additional training and funding from other programmes available through the government.

“We are equipping young people with skills that are relevant for the 21^st century, more importantly, we are equipping them with skills that are free”, she added.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond Mckenzie emphasized that the Social Development Commission has been putting its funding to good use since being allocated a budget from the central government in 2016.

“I have no doubt in my mind that we have gotten value for money, and we have created more small business entrepreneurs in this country because of the success of this programme,” he said.

“Never in the history of Jamaica as we have seen the unemployment rate at the level that it is today… and we within local government and the SDC can say that we have contributed to the reduction in unemployment because of programmes such as this,” he continued.

The special entrepreneurship grant is a strategic approach to addressing the needs of nano and micro businesses in underserved communities by empowering recipients and providing immediate relief for their businesses. As of January 2025, over 1000 nano enterprises have benefitted from grant funding of more than $46 million.  At last Thursday’s ceremony an additional $11 million was handed over to the SDC to provide funding for 250 more entrepreneurs.

KSAMC TO HOST JULY ORIENTATION FOR YSEP PARTICIPANTS WHO MISSED INITIAL SESSIONS

Posted on July 10, 2025July 29, 2025

KINGSTON, July 9 (JIS):

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) will host a follow-up orientation session on Friday (July 11) for Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP) participants who were unable to attend earlier sessions.

The orientation session will take place at the KSAMC’s offices at 24 Church Street in downtown Kingston beginning at 10:00 a.m.

This was disclosed by Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, during the Corporation’s monthly meeting on Tuesday (July 8).

“Three orientation sessions were conducted, with each participant required to attend one. However, unfortunately, no participant attended from the Duhaney Park, Seivwright Gardens, Denham Town, Chancery and Hughenden Divisions,” he said.

Councillor Swaby further disclosed that programme participants must have an active bank account in order to begin their assignments.

“I’ve instructed the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) that no one without a bank account should start working until that bank account is provided to us; and you will not start to work during the week; you will start to work on a Monday. So anyone who doesn’t have a bank account now… please don’t put those persons out to work until you have satisfied that requirement. We have also employed 10 additional persons. Each person has supervision for four divisions,” he said.

Mayor Swaby noted that, this year, 1,200 young people have been assigned to the KSAMC.

He indicated that YSEP participants will be tasked with collecting data on streetlights, dilapidated buildings, signage, and billboards to support infrastructure planning and community development.

Councillor Swaby said the programme offers young people a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing meaningfully to municipal development and public service.

“We believe that YSEP should be seen as more than just a summer employment programme. It’s an opportunity to expose young people to the operations of local government and to help them to identify ways in which they can contribute to the growth and development of their community,” he stated.

The 2025 Youth Summer Employment Programme was officially launched on June 17.

SCHOOL STREET IN BLACK RIVER RENAMED IN HONOUR OF PIONEER LAWMAKER, C.D. WRIGHT

Posted on July 7, 2025July 7, 2025

July 6 (JIS):

Black River, St. Elizabeth, celebrated the legacy of one of its most distinguished sons on Friday (July 4), with the official renaming of School Street to C.D. Wright Road.

The ceremony was led by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie.

The event, which also marked the completion of a $10 million road rehabilitation project, honoured the late Charles D. Wright, the first Member of Parliament for the St. Elizabeth South Western constituency.

Mr. Wright played a pivotal role in Jamaica’s early political journey, including the movement toward independence.

A pastor and nation-builder, he left behind a lasting legacy through his contributions to the establishment of schools, housing schemes, and improved infrastructure across the ‘breadbasket’ parish.

Mr. Wright’s unwavering dedication to the people distinguished him as a selfless servant who consistently made decisions in the nation’s best interest.

In a bid to further honour the pioneer, Minister McKenzie announced plans to elevate the recognition by requesting that the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation pass a resolution to redesignate C.D. Wright Road as C.D. Wright Boulevard.

He also encouraged the citizens of St. Elizabeth to consider establishing additional commemorative initiatives to educate younger generations about Mr. Wright’s contributions to the parish, particularly the parish capital, Black River.

The current Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth South Western, Hon. Floyd Green, noted that Mr. Wright was a monumental figure in Jamaica’s political history.

Mr. Green, who also serves as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, noted that Black River High School—originally established as part of Mr. Wright’s vision—has undergone expansion, culminating in the elimination of the shift system.

The Minister added that the renaming of School Street serves not only as a celebration of the past, but also as a continuation of Mr. Wright’s legacy and the Government’s ongoing commitment to national progress.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Black River and Chairman of the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Councillor Richard Solomon, praised Mr. Wright’s legacy of service, leadership, and compassion.

He stated that the renaming of the street is not only a fitting tribute to Mr. Wright’s enduring impact, but also a call to action for future generations to lead lives of purpose and service.

For her part, Mr. Wright’s granddaughter, Allison Smith—an attorney based in the United States—expressed gratitude to the Government and other officials for their efforts in honouring her grandfather’s memory.

She reflected on her childhood in Black River and underscored the importance of public service and community involvement—values she said her grandfather exemplified throughout his life.

10,000 Jamaicans to Participate in This Year’s Youth Summer Employment Programme

Posted on July 3, 2025

JIS:

Beginning July 7, some 10,000 young Jamaicans will be engaged islandwide through the Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

Now in its ninth year, YSEP offers meaningful summer placements within local authorities, providing participants with opportunities for personal development, skills training, and civic engagement.

The programme aims to strengthen local government services by collecting data to inform targeted policies and improve service delivery.

Since its inception in 2017, the programme has positively impacted more than 50,000 youth, equipping them with vital skills and first-hand experience while contributing to national development.

Participants are assigned to areas such as administration, information gathering, and data collection in support of the Ministry and its agencies.

Their work includes auditing streetlights, billboards, dilapidated buildings, garages, car marts, and cemeteries – activities that generate critical data to improve service delivery across the local government sector.

To date, YSEP participants have collected more than 350,000 data points on streetlights and contributed to the mapping of parochial roads across Jamaica.

The information gathered continues to inform the development and implementation of policies and programmes that enhance community infrastructure and governance.

Participant and Junior Mayor of Port Maria, Akili Hall, praised the programme as commendable, not just for its scale and reach, but for its bold vision of empowering Jamaica’s future leaders.

“As I embark on this journey, I do so with clear expectations and a strong desire to grow. I hope to deliver a greater sense of independence by managing my responsibilities and time in a professional setting. I aim to strengthen essential workplace skills, such as communication, adaptability, team work and problem solving,” she said

Ms. Hall, a student of Westwood High School in Trelawny, said she hopes to gain valuable insight into public administration and community development – knowledge that will be instrumental in her journey to becoming a lawyer.

“Most importantly, I wish to expand my capacity for emotional intelligence, self-discipline and resilience as I engage with new challenges and diverse experiences. I view this programme as more than just a summer engagement; it is a platform for transformation; it is an opportunity to expand perspectives, contribute meaningfully to my community and prepare myself for the rigorous path ahead in law and public service,” she further stated.

Ms. Hall extended sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, as well as to the facilitators and coordinators whose dedication makes the programme possible.

“Your commitment to youth empowerment is not only admirable, it is essential to the future of our country. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in YSEP 2025, and I am committed to making the most of this experience. I look forward to learning, growing and representing my school and municipality with excellence,” she said.

Youth Mayor for Kingston and YSEP participant, Tyrone Smith, also expressed appreciation for the opportunity.

“We promise to make our families, communities, leaders and municipalities proud. In doing so, we will take the words of First Timothy Chapter Four, verse 12 seriously: ‘Let no one despise you for your youth; but set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity’. We are all happy for this opportunity to earn while we learn,” he said.

Speaking during the recent launch of this year’s renewal, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, expressed gratitude to the youth for their dedicated service and meaningful contributions to the programme.

“The Government appreciates your efforts over the years, and we continue to look forward to improved performance from you this year in the programme,” he said.

Mr. McKenzie noted that since the programme’s inception, approximately 1,000 individuals have secured full-time employment across various government entities.

“Your skills will help to continue to develop Jamaica, to make our country a prosperous one. This is the start of being good workers… contributing to the growth of the country,” he said, while urging the participants to use the funds they will receive from the programme wisely.

This year’s participants – young men and women aged 16 to 29 – will each receive $17,000 tax-free per week throughout their four-week employment period.

The income earned is designed to empower participants on their path to financial independence, equipping them to support themselves and contribute to their households.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, encouraged the participants to embrace the opportunity and cultivate intangible yet invaluable qualities such as strong character and a solid work ethic.

“The value of the experience is what you should appreciate and take away. That experience is going to make you a better person, a more knowledgeable person, a more rounded person, a more prepared person, and it is going to give you the edge in the world of work over others who would not have the similar experience.

“I want you to approach your job with this zeal for knowledge, this zeal for gaining the experience because, ultimately, the purpose of this exercise is to provide you with a transitioning bridge from the world of school to the world of work,” he said.

Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, noted that the programme has evolved beyond a typical summer job, serving as a meaningful introduction to public service and the workings of local government.

“You will get a first-hand experience as part of a team that gets our community running, and your contribution matters. You’ll be involved in a wide range of assignments from assisting in administrative support and community outreach to field work and data collection. Each of these tasks is important in how we serve our people in our respective municipalities,” he said.

In highlighting the importance of data collection, Councillor Swaby pointed out that, “every policy we put forward, every plan we implement must be based on accurate, up-to-date information, whether it’s about infrastructure, public health or service delivery. Good data gives a clear picture of what is happening on the ground and allows us to respond in a way that’s timely, targeted and effective”.