NEARLY 400 GRASSROOTS BUSINESSES BENEFIT ANNUALLY FROM SDC’S LEDSP

Posted on July 2, 2025July 1, 2025

KINGSTON, June 28 (JIS):

Nearly 400 grassroots businesses are receiving vital support annually to grow, formalise and thrive through the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP).

Director, Local Economic Development at SDC, Avril Ranger told a recent JIS Think Tank that the programme began in May 2015 and has since become a vital source of technical assistance and capacity-building for entrepreneurs seeking to enter and thrive in the formal economy.

“We started out with 50 grassroots-based businesses, providing hand holding services to help them to matriculate in the formal sector, and at present I must say that we are hovering around 400 on an annual basis where we are providing business development support services,” said Ms. Ranger

“Our objectives include identifying and strengthening grassroots-based businesses, allowing for them to benefit from compliance training, business regulations, business registration and of course, we assist them to write grant proposals,” she continued.

Ms. Ranger noted that the SDC has developed a comprehensive suite of business development support services, which has enabled them to provide a variety of technical assistance to entrepreneurs.

The SDC also works in partnership with organisations such as HEART/NSTA Trust, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and the Companies Office of Jamaica to ensure that local economic initiatives (LEIs) are equipped to meet regulatory standards and achieve long-term sustainability.

“When they (LEIs) come in, we interview them, we find out w here the gaps are and we assist them from their business idea to actually producing or having their services up to scratch and meeting the criteria of all the operating entities across the island,” said Miss Ranger

She indicated also that each LEI benefits from a tailored work plan – Local Economic Development Support Plan – that maps out the path for their business to become formally established.

“We also have our capacity building, which is a whole package of different areas that we train our LEIs in, which include things like pricing, selling and how to be more confident as a businessperson,” she added, noting that LEIs also benefit from financial management training.

Ms. Ranger further highlighted capacity building as a major success of the programme.

“The area of capacity building has been one of our strengths where we have much success in how our LEIs have developed over the years and have become so confident that they are now taking the lead… They are the ones saying that we have seen this opportunity and we’ll be advancing, we need your support we need your coaching and mentor,” she said.

MONTEGO BAY TO BENEFIT FROM HOSTING CARICOM MEETING

Posted on July 1, 2025July 1, 2025

MONTEGO BAY, June 29 (JIS):

Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, says the city stands to benefit significantly from hosting the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), slated for July 6 to 8 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.

The meeting will bring together regional leaders to engage in high-level policy discussions on a range of issues, including regional security, climate change and trade.

In an interview with JIS News, Mayor Vernon said Montego Bay’s selection as host city, solidifies its position as a leading Caribbean destination for events of this magnitude.

“It places [Montego Bay] not only as a strategic location, but a viable option across the Caribbean for events of this nature. We are indeed setting ourselves apart as that place to host high-level regional discussions,” he said.

Highlighting the city’s track record, Mayor Vernon noted that Montego Bay has hosted several CARICOM events in the past, including the landmark 2003 meeting where the Rose Hall Declaration on Regional Governance and Integrated Development was adopted.

“[It] tells a story. It positions us as a key meeting place for important regional policy discussions,” the Mayor said.

He added that the upcoming conference is expected to tackle critical matters such as transportation, telecommunications, digitalization of the tourism industry, regional security, climate financing, food and nutrition security, external trade negotiations, and Haiti.

“Montego Bay is positioned to facilitate these discussions within its space, and that is also key for Jamaica as we look to expand in these areas,” Councillor Vernon outlined.

The Mayor also underscored the importance of regional integration.

“We hope that these discussions will deepen the integration process, because we can indeed benefit from regionalism, especially in light of what is happening globally,” he stated.

Referencing his earlier proposal for a regional disaster response hub, Councillor Vernon said the discussions around climate change and public safety could further promote coordinated approaches among CARICOM member states.

He also expressed confidence in the city’s readiness to host the event.

“We are putting all the necessary things in place to ensure that we not only have a safe event, but a great experience for our visitors,” he assured.

Mayor Vernon also took the opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who will assume chairmanship of CARICOM on July 1.

The CARICOM conference will be held under the theme ‘People, Partnerships, Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future’.

SDC PRIORITISES SUPPORT FOR LOCAL ECONOMIES THROUGH LEDSP

Posted on July 1, 2025July 1, 2025

KINGSTON, June 27 (JIS):

The Social Development Commission (SDC) is placing emphasis on alignment with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting the resilience of local economies through its Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP).

Executive Director of the SDC, Omar Frith, told a recent JIS Think Tank that the impact of the flagship programme, now in its 10th year, reflects the power of entrepreneurship in Jamaica.

“It reflects our commitment not only to spark enterprise but to transform lives, to build resilience and, of course, to stimulate the local market. The SDC is the principal community development agency working with over 775 communities across the country. We are seeking primarily to advance local economic development,” he said.

He further noted that the Commission has a mandate to enable the advancement of social, cultural and economic development for the country, in keeping with global standards.

“I cite that because many people may know about sport and other social components of the organisation, but not many people are aware of the depth of our local economic front. And so, while local in scale, this mission is deeply aligned to global imperatives, particularly the UN Sustainable Development Goals, most notably, our LEDSP advances SDG 8, which is decent work and economic growth by creating avenues for entrepreneurship, productive employment and, of course, inclusive employment within communities,” Mr. Frith noted.

He added that the programme also advances Sustainable Development Goals 1, 9 and 11.

“SDG 1 speaks to no poverty, and we do this by enabling income generation and self-reliance. We also look at SDG 9, which speaks to industrial innovation and infrastructure, and we do this through support to small producers and, of course, enterprise development and yes, SDG 11 is something the SDC is impacting, which speaks to sustainable cities and communities. We do this by fostering resilient local economies, grounded in community assets,” said Mr. Frith.

Through the LEDSP, more than $61.7 million have been disbursed to small business operators across Jamaica over the last 10 years.

Mr. Frith noted that this is in full alignment with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development strategic objectives, which speak to the promotion of local economic development and increased opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

“We would have summarised our own strategic objective to say simply that we aim to increase community participation and economic benefits through initiatives for local economic development,” Mr. Frith said.

“This work represents a strategic intersection of global sustainability goals and national development priorities, ensuring that no community is left behind in Jamaica’s pursuit of inclusive economic, sustainable growth. The milestone of the LEDSP for the last 10 years is not only a celebration of the programme’s endurance but it is a firm affirmation of its relevance and impact in advancing Jamaica’s national development growth,” he added.

SDC EMPOWERS ENTREPRENEURS THROUGH GRANT SUPPORT

Posted on June 30, 2025July 7, 2025

KINGSTON, June 25 (JIS):

The Social Development Commission (SDC) continues to expand economic opportunities for grassroots entrepreneurs through its Local Economic Development (LED) and Special Entrepreneurship Grants.

Together, these grant facilities have disbursed more than $61.7 million to small business operators across Jamaica, with a focus on community empowerment and inclusive growth.

Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, today (June 25), at the agency’s Television Department in Kingston, Director, Local Economic Development at SDC, Avril Ranger, said the entity is committed to empowering small and micro businesses through the various mechanisms that are in place.

She informed that the LED Grant is a competitive facility designed to support local economic initiatives (LEIs) that have demonstrated clear growth potential.

“They would have been able to produce their business plans to the assessment committee, advocate and advance how they have moved their business from obscurity to something that is now known and promoting itself,” said Ms. Ranger.

Since inception of the LED grant, the SDC has awarded sums totalling $15.1 million, supporting grassroots businesses in areas such as marketing, skills training and enterprise development.

Ms. Ranger further pointed out that the Special Entrepreneurship Grant targets individuals operating small, often informal businesses, who may not yet have the resources or capacity to apply for more structured grants.

“Through the Community Development Committees, the Parish Development Committees and Members of Parliament, we identify people who are in desperate need for assistance… to pivot their business to the next level,” she said.

“That grant just started in 2022 and, so far, we have given over 1,021 persons support in this area, valuing $46.6 million,” Ms. Ranger added.

She further noted that 238 entrepreneurship grants are being processed for 2025 and will soon be handed over to beneficiaries.

Both grants are critical components of the SDC’s Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP), which is aligned with national development strategies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The programme fosters inclusive growth by reaching underserved populations and helping to build resilient, community-based economies.

REHABILITATED FIRE STATION REOPENS IN ANNOTTO BAY

Posted on June 13, 2025July 7, 2025

MORANT BAY, May 13 (JIS):

The Annotto Bay fire station in St. Mary has reopened following a $108-million rehabilitation, which positions the facility as a modern, purpose-built emergency response unit.

The renovation was completed in three phases, resulting in several new amenities, including adequate dormitory space, a conference room, a mini gymnasium, dining room, industrial washing machine and a standby generator for continuity of operation in the event of power outages.

Addressing the reopening ceremony on June 10, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, expressed confidence that the new facility will result in improved service for the 11 communities that depend on the station.

He underscored that the rehabilitation exercise, “[gives] the men and women who are going to occupy this building a place that they can rest comfortably, relax and perform the task at hand in keeping their parish safe”.

“It is a multifaceted station, which is built to facilitate male and females,” the Minister added.

Furthermore, Mr. McKenzie lauded the fact that “significant investment” has been made in the country’s firefighting capabilities by the Government, with five brand-new stations constructed in the last seven years.

First built in 1948, the Annotto Bay fire station had fallen into a state of disrepair and was earmarked for rehabilitation under the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) Infrastructural Development Programme.

Meanwhile, Acting Commissioner of the JFB, Kevin Haughton, said  rehabilitation of the fire station “underscores the ongoing commitment to infrastructural development within the Jamaica Fire Brigade and will, no doubt, serve to boost the morale of the men and women that operate from this station”.

He added that the slate of amenities and features of the unit “augurs well for improving service delivery and the safety of the residents of Annotto Bay and other communities that are served by this station”.

For his part, Mayor of Port Maria, Councillor Fitzroy Wilson, described the reopening of the fire station as “timely”, given the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season on June 1.

“We depend heavily on the fire service. With this home that is here, they (the firefighters) will be able to deliver even better-quality service,” the Mayor said.

Work, Learn, Thrive: Youths Gear Up for YSEP 2025

Posted on June 12, 2025June 30, 2025

KINGSTON, JAMACA- Since 2017, The Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP) launched under the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, has been more than just a summer job, it has been a launchpad for thousands of Jamaican youth to immerse themselves into meaningful work and community building activities.

This year, the programme will officially be launched on Tuesday June 17 at the Jamaica Conference Centre with the Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable,  Andrew Holness, being the keynote speaker. 10,000 participants will engage in four (4) weeks of impactful, social welfare services, earning $17,000-$18,000 weekly beginning on July 7, 2025.

Over the last 9 years, YSEP has employed approximately 42,000 Jamaicans ages 17-29, helping them to prepare for the world of work, while gaining hands-on experience within the Ministry, its agencies and municipal corporations with some matriculating into permanent employment within those entities.

While speaking at last year’s launch, Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development cited that the program is the largest youth summer employment program in the region.

“This is a programme that takes into consideration the needs of young people. It is the largest youth summer employment programme in the Caribbean,” he said.

Participants will assist with infrastructure mapping, traders’ surveying, streetlight auditing, and vulnerable population surveying—data that are crucial to improving the ministry’s database and its agencies.

Some of the entities involved in the programme are the Municipal Corporations, Social Development Commission (SDC), National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Jamaica Fire Brigade, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency management (ODPEM), Board of Supervision, and other Government Ministries and agencies.

NSWMA OBSERVES SOLID WASTE DAY ON JUNE 6

Posted on June 6, 2025June 12, 2025

KINGSTON, June 6 (JIS):

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) is observing Solid Waste Day today, Friday, June 6, under the theme ‘Pass the Broom: End Plastic Pollution, the Future is Reusable’.

The Day, being marked as part of Environmental Awareness Week, provides an opportunity to address Jamaica’s solid waste challenges, educate the public and highlight innovative solutions.

Executive Director, NSWMA, Audley Gordon, told JIS News that all four regional offices will be active with clean-up projects and educational events.

“We will be doing quite a bit of washing down in several areas of Jamaica. We will be in St. Andrew in the Lawrence Tavern area, in Port Maria, Morant Bay, Sam Sharpe Square and Mandeville,” said Mr. Gordon.

He further noted that schools will be at the heart of the Day’s activities, as students will be directly engaged.

Lawrence Tavern Primary, Port Maria Primary and Manchester High are among the schools to be engaged.

“We want to ask them (students) to come, start from now to begin building the future that they want, one where it is a reusable future, a future where no garbage is being tossed around, because what we classify as garbage today, they will embrace it as resources that can produce economic benefit and they will see their role as custodes of the environment,” said Mr. Gordon.

He pointed out that although Solid Waste Day is observed on June 6, the work continues beyond that day.

“Make no mistake about it, it’s not a one-day thing, it’s not a one-month thing, it is a continuous thing that we will be doing. Again, I reiterate that we now have more boots on the ground, thanks to the effort of the Government to increase our Community Relations Unit, in terms of bodies… and we will be going in every nook and cranny to push this change behaviour,” said Mr. Gordon.

He further encouraged every Jamaican to play their part in ensuring a clean Jamaica.

The NSWMA is responsible for solid waste management in Jamaica.

Its mandate is to safeguard public health and ensure that waste is collected, stored, transported, recycled and reused or disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

 

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CONTACT: SHANNA K. SALMON

CHASE FUND DONATES FULLY EQUIPPED AMBULANCE TO PORTLAND INFIRMARY

Posted on June 3, 2025

MORANT BAY, June 3 (JIS):

A fully equipped ambulance is now in service at the Portland Infirmary, enhancing the institution’s ability to respond to emergencies.

The vehicle, donated by the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, was handed over on May 21. It is the third ambulance CHASE has donated to an infirmary.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said the donation will significantly enhance the infirmary’s ability to care for its residents.

He indicated that the Ministry is currently procuring three additional ambulances, adding that “when we have completed the circle, every infirmary in Jamaica will have an ambulance at its disposal”.

Mr. McKenzie commended the leadership of the Portland infirmary and, by extension, the Portland Municipal Corporation for their role in the parish’s transformation and the “social revolution” being driven by improved care for the poor, homeless and infirm residents.

For his part, CHASE Fund Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Wilford “Billy” Heaven, said the donation of the ambulance reflects CHASE’s shared commitment to ensuring that quality care is accessible, responsive and compassionate.

“We expect that this ambulance will improve the response time to medical emergencies and enable timely transfers to hospitals and elsewhere,” the CEO said.

He urged the infirmary’s staff to ensure the vehicle is used solely for its intended purpose.

“It’s not a general-purpose vehicle. While we are sympathetic to you wanting some lunch down the road or a little transportation home because it is late – we do not expect that this ambulance will be used for that purpose. It is purpose-specific and must be used that way,” Mr. Heaven emphasised.

He pointed out that CHASE has been actively supporting the Local Government Ministry through various projects at infirmaries islandwide, as well as through equipment and infrastructure upgrades.

Member of Parliament for Portland Eastern, Ann-Marie Vaz, welcomed the ambulance donation.

“This ambulance has been well needed. We now have a fully equipped ambulance to ensure that there is no time wasted between the illness and the treatment. This is… more evidence of the care this Government gives to the less fortunate,” Mrs. Vaz said.

 

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CONTACT: MICKELLA ANDERSON-GORDON

JIS REGIONAL OFFICE

MORANT BAY

REFURBISHED COTTAGE AT DENHAM TOWN GOLDEN AGE HOME RENAMED TO HONOUR FORMER ADMINISTRATOR

Posted on May 26, 2025

KINGSTON, May 26 (JIS):

A refurbished cottage at the Denham Town Golden Age Home in Kingston Western has been renamed in honour of a former Administrator.

Cottage 27 now bears the name – ‘George Lazarus Cottage – in recognition of the late administrator’s contributions to the facility.

During a ceremony on Labour Day (May 23), Minister of Local Government and Community Development and Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency,              Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said the renaming is a mark of appreciation to a man who has contributed immensely to the community of Denham Town.

“For the almost 27 years, Mr. George Lazarus served this Home. It was some of the best moments at the Denham Town Golden Age Home because he spoke the language of the residents. Mr. Lazarus was instrumental in encouraging the business community to provide weekly supplies to the Home,” he informed.

Mr. McKenzie said Mr. Lazarus was placed at the facility as Administrator by late former Prime Minister and Kingston Western MP, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, who had a passion for the elderly and was instrumental in establishing the Home.

He further noted that the refurbished cottage is part of a broader initiative to restore six buildings in need of repair.

“We are going to renovate all of them and put them into use, because there are persons who are waiting to be admitted here and we are not going to stop anybody from coming in,” Mr McKenzie said.

The Minister informed that the refurbishment also showcases community craftsmanship, as most of the furniture that will be used at the facility are built by tradesmen in Kingston Western.

Mr. McKenzie expressed gratitude to various public and private sector organisations for their contributions to the project, emphasising that the Home continues to receive support from residents and contributors both within and beyond the constituency.

He also shared that a resolution will be brought before the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation to officially rename the facility the Edward Seaga Residential Care Centre, in recognition of Mr. Seaga’s lasting impact on the community.

 

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CONTACT: SHANNA K. SALMON