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20 MORE BEDS FOR THE ST ANN DROP IN CENTRE

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After a tour of the St Ann Drop-in Centre last Friday (January 30), Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie announced that an additional twenty beds will be added to the facility to accommodate the increased number of homeless persons in St Ann. The facility, which currently houses twenty-one overnight clients and several more drop-ins daily, is seeing an increase in the number of unhoused individuals.

“We are at the capacity of the facility both in persons who attend on a daily basis and those who sleep overnight. We are going to be expanding capacity to take more of the persons who are in need of shelter. It is important that we do that because a lot of persons, especially because of Melissa, some of the conditions that they were living in prior to Melissa, have made it even more difficult for them… so we are going to look to increase the numbers by an additional 20 bed spaces” he said.

Minister McKenzie explained that while the drop-in center is a temporary space, the homeless facilities across the island have added value to the lives of its clients, noting that several users of the service have gone on to advance their educational pursuits through the support of the administrators.

“The prime Minister has given me instructions to ensure that all the progammes, all our social programmes, reach the targeted population that need that service… quite a number of persons who are in these facilities, not just here in Ocho Rios but right across in our drop-in centres are young people. Person with ambition, there is a lawyer at the Desmond McKenzie Transitional Facility in Kingston…” he said.

The Minister added, “The purpose of these facilities is to cater for those persons… I am happy to meet the young man that I met the last time I was here. He wanted to get his lifeguard registration, he never had the money, we provided the funds for him he has gotten it, and he showed it to me, and he has now even gone further to make themselves useful despite the circumstances.”

Another user of the facility, who serenaded the Minister with a rendition of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ “Three Little Birds,” on a broken guitar agreed to move into the facility as opposed to staying on the outside of the facility. The Minister has committed to providing him with a new guitar, to support his musical talents while he remains in the Shelter.

Suzette Prince, the administrator at the Drop-in Centre expressed her gratitude to Minister McKenzie,

“ I just want to day thank you so much for always taking the time out to care for the less fortunate…the last time you were here, you assisted the service user in getting his life guard certificate, not only that, he went on further, two of our users, went on and they did the ‘Teen Jamaica’ programme, they were successful and they are now certified”.

Fortunately, majority of the drop-in centres and night shelters in the western part of Jamaica only sustained minor damage during the passage of hurricane Melissa, all of which have been repaired and are in full operation according to Minister McKenzie.

NATIONAL CLEAN -UP PROGRAMME: A UNITED EFFORT

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The highly anticipated National Clean Up Programme was officially launched, by the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie in Darliston, Westmoreland last Friday (December 5).

Although clean-up efforts had begun in different parishes across western Jamaica, the launch of the Clean-up Programme signals the official beginning of a national collaborative effort across government agencies and departments.

While speaking at the launch minister McKenzie spoke to the importance of community involvement for Jamaica to wholistically recover from Melissa’s onslaught.

“We are not only dealing with the major thoroughfares in which the National Solid Waste Management Authority will continue to work on that programme. But this is a programme that goes deep within the communities, where persons will have an opportunity to put out the couch that you never want to part company with, but you have to. All the things that were damaged and have no use. We’ll be cutting away trees…We have the various equipment here this morning,” he said.

The Minister emphasized the importance of setting political differences aside, especially during this time, stating that the road to restoration for Jamaica is not grounded in politics.

“We as a country must put aside our political differences, because it is Jamaica that matters… the challenge that we face today we still going to have it because it is not going to take us 10 years to do what is necessary to restore Jamaica to the place that we want… Melissa never ask who they voted for…Dr Dayton Campbell is General Secretary of the People’s National party, I am the Deputy Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, both of us are working together for one cause” he added.

He also commended first responders on their dedication to their duties in light of hurricane Melissa, highlighting that many of them have not returned home, or have a home to return to, since the passage of the category 5 storm.

“I want this morning to use the opportunity and to ask you all to help us to celebrate and honour and appreciate the work of our first respondents, the fire brigade, the police,  the army, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, our nurses, our doctors, those community persons who volunteer who was there in the middle of Melissa.. several of them have lost their homes, they have nowhere to go, they have to be staying at the Infirmary in Savanna-la-mar, same thing for persons in St. Elizabeth, in Falmouth, while they were there taking care of the residents, their homes were destroyed” he stated.

The National Clean up Programme is a part of the Government of Jamaica’s collaborative response to restoring a dignified Jamaica by engaging the deep crevices of communities as well as towns and cities over the next 4-6 weeks across 16 of the hardest hit constituencies in Western Jamaica.

NEW PUBLIC RESTROOM OPENS IN JUNCTION

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August 15 (JIS):

Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, on August 7 opened a new public restroom in Junction, St. Elizabeth.

The Minister also announced urgent plans for a drop-in centre to assist vulnerable residents in the town.

In his address to residents, business interests and other stakeholders, Mr. McKenzie said that the Government spent more than $200 million last year upgrading public sanitary facilities nationwide, underscoring the essential role of accessible, clean public restrooms in fostering healthy, functional communities.

The Minister emphasised that sanitary facilities are not optional amenities but foundational elements of progress.

“Public sanitary facilities are critical to any infrastructural development, as no town can effectively thrive without having accessible and clean restrooms for the general public,” he said.

Mr. McKenzie said the local authority has been instructed to identify suitable lands for the construction of a drop-in centre in Junction.

He described the centre as a lifeline for street people and other vulnerable groups, offering essential services and a safe place to access support.

A drop-in centre, he explained, provides basic services to accommodate street people and other vulnerable groups, offering a bridge to broader social assistance, health services, and community integration.

“The approach I take has always been to put the needs of residents first and remind you that it all starts with local government. We are about local government and community development, so our mandate is to connect with the people – the communities. We have to do right by them in everything that we do,” he said.

The Junction project and the planned drop-in centre are positioned within a wider national push to improve public amenities in urban and rural towns.

Mr. McKenzie said the upgraded sanitary facilities will serve as a model for similar upgrades across the parish and the country, ensuring that towns can attract commerce, tourism, and residents with confidence that basic needs are met in a clean, accessible environment.

Local leaders and residents welcomed the Minister’s remarks, expressing optimism about the tangible benefits the new facilities and upcoming services are expected to bring.

“People often overlook the importance of having clean public sanitary facilities,” Junction businessman, Peter Swaby, told JIS News.

“It’s a very important part of any development,” he said.

NEW BUFF BAY MARKET NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN

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Vendors and customers from Buff Bay and surrounding Communities were out in their numbers on Friday August 8, 2025, to witness the grand opening of the newly constructed Buff Market. Construction of the facility was completed just over a year after construction began.

The new state-of-the-art Market features three sections—a Fish and Meat area that can accommodate up to five vendors, 48 stalls for Fruit and Vegetable vendors and a Haberdashery area, which will accommodate up to six vendors. In addition to that, the property includes an administrative office, new restrooms and a water harvesting system to collect and store water for use within the Market.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Honourable Desmond McKenzie, recalled the condition of the Market when he initially visited the property, five years ago.

“This is a very special day because after years, finally we are seeing the fruits of the labour of all those persons who have worked tirelessly to ensure that this market is reopened, and this market is ready for business. I remember coming here with Minister Vaz about five years ago, when I came here the market was in operation but not looking good because first of all, there were no sanitary facilities, and the state of the market was not pleasing. I gave a commitment then that we would provide the funds to undertake the repairs to the market.”

The Minister continued by announcing that additional funds will be allocated for the construction of shops to facilitate vendors who sell groceries in the Market.

“We’re going to be spending some more because additional Shops for Haberdashery business will be constructed at the rear of the market and those works will commence shortly because the additional funds of the $11M million [I think] that was requested have been signed off and will be made available,” he said.

Member of Parliament, Mr. Daryl Vaz, who was also present at the Ceremony, said that the Buff Bay Market, in the past, was a source of contention for many years despite carrying out restoration exercises on the market’s previous structure.

“This market has been the source of a lot of contention over the years. We have in the past done some refurbishing, but it has never been fully operational [and] to meet the requirements of the vendors” he said.

“I really want to say to the Minister of Local Government and to the Municipal Corporation that this is in fact a great great day for West Portland” he continued.

The Buff Bay Market, constructed at a cost of $55 Million, is the first of its kind to be constructed with fire prevention systems in place to mitigate the likelihood of the structure being engulfed. Additional investments will be made to erect some more shops and install CCTV Cameras to further secure the Market and those who use it.

PORTLAND DROP-IN CENTER AND NIGHT SHELTER OFFCIALLY OPEN

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The homeless population in Portland now has a safe place to sleep, access warm meals, medical care and other amenities following the official opening of the Portland Drop-in Center and Night Shelter. The facility was officially opened by Hon. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government & Community Development, last Friday (July 18).

The facility is the first of its kind in the parish to operate on a 24-hour basis and will house up to 28 individuals at a time.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie highlighted the need for the drop-in centers across the island stating that several million dollars have been allocated for accommodations for the impoverished to be built.

“We have spent more than $400 million building up these facilities across the country. And every one of these facilities is fully furnished. Proper staff and we have provided the requisite resources to ensure that food and medicine is available. What we are seeing is an approach by government, churches, [and] private sector to lift the standards and to improve the life of these persons who depend on the state for assistance.”

The Portland drop-in center was constructed at a cost of $56 million through the Municipal Corporation. The facility’s construction began in May 2024, and features separate female and male dormitories, showers, foyer, a dining area, doctor’s office and a laundry room. Other special features include ramps for the physically challenged and water-harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater.

St. Elizabeth Family Receives $6.7m Home Through Government’s Indigent Housing Programme

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JIS:
A family in Brompton, St. Elizabeth, now has a safe and comfortable place to call home, following the handover of a newly constructed $6.7 million housing unit by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, on Friday (July 4).

The housing solution was delivered to the Farquharsons under the Ministry’s Indigent Housing Programme, which continues to provide critical support for vulnerable Jamaicans through the provision of safe, durable homes.

The unit was constructed with modern conveniences, including a water harvesting system to ensure the family has access to stored water during dry periods.

Additionally, the house was fully outfitted with furniture, fixtures, and appliances, easing the burdens of a family that had long endured substandard living conditions.

This housing intervention marks the second time the Farquharson family has benefitted under the programme.

In June 2023, Shawya Farquharson—a mother of three who had been living in a dilapidated two-room structure—received a one-bedroom unit through the Indigent Housing Programme.

However, following the initial handover, it was observed that her adult son and his family were still living in an equally derelict structure.

In response, the Ministry committed to constructing an additional unit, which has since been completed and presented to the family.

“A caring Government has responded… [and] I am proud. I want to encourage the family to take care of your investment by ensuring that you maintain the quality of it,” Mr. McKenzie urged.

He noted that, “this Administration, since 2016, specifically identified indigent housing as a means of responding in a meaningful way to the indigent population across the country.”

“St. Elizabeth, since we have started, have seen investment of close to $100 million of indigent housing support; over six units have been constructed in this parish in total,” the Minister added.

Mr. McKenzie also highlighted the continued involvement of the Poor Relief Department, which ensures that beneficiaries receive holistic care beyond housing.

This includes support for school expenses, medical needs, and other essential social services for members of the indigent population.

In the meantime, Mayor of Black River and Chairman of the St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation, Councillor Richard Solomon, praised the collaborative effort that made the housing project possible.

He commended the efforts of Minister McKenzie; Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth South Western, Hon. Floyd Green, and the Municipal Corporation team, noting that the project was completed on time, to satisfaction, and with well-utilised resources.

“There’s no greater pride than when one can open the door [to their own home] with their own key; and this is possible today because of our government,” Councillor Solomon said.

For his part, Mr. Green, commended the programme’s focus on expanding housing access while enhancing the quality, safety, and dignity of the units provided.

He further praised Minister McKenzie for his compassion and effectiveness in addressing the needs of the poor, even while navigating national challenges.

“We have a government that manages the resources of the country well and can deal with crises while still lifting up the poor,” Mr. Green said.

Beneficiary, Shawya Farquharson, expressed gratitude for the support received, acknowledging the government officials and community leaders who helped make her housing dream a reality.

CONSTRUCTION OF NEGRIL FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MARKET TO BEGIN IN 3 MONTHS

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Residents of Negril can expect the construction of the new fruit and vegetable market for the town to begin in the next Three Months. On Friday, the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, visited the town to meet with key stakeholders about the construction of the Negril market.
During the visit, the Minister disclosed that the town, which is currently the only major town in Jamaica without a market, will see the construction happening in two phases.
“I’m expecting that within the next two to three months, we will physically see major movements and some level of work that will commence on the long-awaited Negril market,” he said.
In phase one, the members of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation will re-engage the vendors, who are currently occupying the site for the permanent home of the market to prepare for relocation to a temporary space while construction is taking place. The Minister noted that the temporary space for the market is ready, noting that only the painting of the bathrooms and repairs to the fencing are left to be completed.
“The temporary location that was prepared couple months ago is fully ready. The bathrooms, water, [and] electricity is in place,” the minister said
“We did some work on the ground but because of Beryl, the fence is down. There is some minor works to be done on the road surface. As soon as the estimates which I’m expected to get by Monday (June 23) for that comes, the funds will be made readily available for the work to commence on the temporary cleaning and erecting back of the fence and painting of the bathroom, that should not take more than two weeks,” he added
The minister added that the new market will be retrofitted with translucent roofing for natural lighting to prevent fires; noting that 90% of fires in the markets across the island are because of illegal electrical wiring. He added that vendors who require additional lighting, will need to approach the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) for a pre-paid system to be established.
“The municipality cannot undertake the cost of electricity when vendors bridge light or steal current and when the bill is to be paid it falls on the local authority,” the Minister warned.
The Mayor of Westmoreland, Councillor Danree Delancy said that Westmoreland Municipal Corporation has been waiting for the announcement and is committed to doing their part in the project’s success.
“For years, the WMC have been anxiously awaiting such pronouncements and we’re doing everything to ensure that this project runs as smoothly as possible because we are on for the development of our parish”, he said
“I think all in all, are parties concerned are on the same page at this time and are working towards that same common end” he continued.

New Port Maria Market officially opened

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New Port Maria Market officially opened

PORT MARIA, St. Mary: Vendors and shoppers now have improved operating  and shopping experience with the official opening of the Port Maria Market.

The $66 million facility was built through funds provided by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

“This market represents the fourth new market that the government of Prime Minister Andrew Holness has built since 2016…The policy of this Government is to make our markets more friendly, to make it enticing for persons to come,” said Portfolio Minister, Honourable Desmond McKenzie.

“I want to urge the vendors that it is important that they utilize the market and not just the vendors, but those who come to shop. Support those persons who are operating under orders and come into the market. It’s clean and spacious.”

He was speaking at the official opening ceremony in Port Maria on February 13.

The Minister also announced that phase two of Port Maria Market project is expected to go to tender during the 2024/2025 fiscal year.

“We’re going to go up one more floor with the market to have better shops and office space to attract more persons to come into the market. They are expecting

expecting to spend $70m on that project.”

The Ministry has responsibility for some 37 markets across the country- 31 of which are functioning.

“The government will be providing some $250m to repair and to clean sanitary facilities in all markets across Jamaica,” added Minister McKenzie.

He also used the occasion to commend the staff of the St. Mary Municipal Corporation for the efforts over the years to pursue the completion of the Port Maria Market.

The most recently constructed market was the Hopewell Market in Hanover. Meanwhile, the Annotto Bay Market in St. Mary is earmarked to receive a spend of some $70m to renovate the facility. The Highgate Market, also in the parish, was gutted by fire in July 2022.

An interim arrangement is in place for the vendors to operate from a temporary location until the replacement facility is constructed.

“I’ve spent close to some $800m in the parish of St. Mary since we became Government in 2016. All the works that we have done are living testimony to the performance of the Government,” the Minister shared.

“This is about peace, productivity, and prosperity. Productivity comes out of the market where the vendors can come and ply their trade, get more money in their pockets, and that will now create prosperity. Once the prosperity is evident, you will have peace and that is what we are all about- the productivity, the peace and prosperity St Mary.”

 

 

Major facelift for Ocho Rios Transportation Centre

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OCHO RIOS, St. Ann: In keeping with its responsibility to improve service offerings to the public; the Ocho Rios Transportation Centre will receive a $7 million overhaul through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development’s Equalization Fund.

The funding will be made available to its operator, the St. Ann Municipal Corporation.

“The Ministry is also going to be engaging the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) in expanding the work that is taking place at the transportation centre and to see how best we can improve the conditions,” explained Portfolio Minister, Honourable Desmond McKenize.

Repairs have been effected to the roads inside the centre, as well as corrective works done on the sewage system, which recently experienced issues.

The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) is also actively involved in repairing and installing streetlights to improve overall safety and visibility.

“I want to commend the people who operate inside here. They are the ones who came forward and offered to undertake some of the remedial work. In fact, this [road patching] work being done currently, is by people who saw the need and have responded in a very positive way,” the Minister said during a recent visit to the facility.

He also emphasized the significance of the centre, which serves transport operators, small business operators and the travelling public who rely on efficient public transportation services.

Meanwhile, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Honourable Matthew Samuda, emphasised the importance of a coordinated multi-agency effort to get lasting results.

“I thank the business community that assisted us to get the work started, while the proper governance processes are followed to (obtain the funds necessary to) repair the transportation centre,” he stated.

“Ultimately, the business people and transport operators need a functional facility to operate and feed their family. Equally important, the functioning of the town, at large, requires this facility to function so that traffic does not back up and disrupt public order.”

Upgraded Clarendon Drop-In Centre and Night Shelter opened

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DENBIGH, Clarendon: The rehabilitated and upgraded Clarendon Drop-In Centre and Night Shelter was opened during a special ceremony on December 8.

The facility, located adjacent to the Clarendon Infirmary on East Street in Denbigh Works, was rehabilitated, upgraded, and refurbished to the tune of J$9 million through an allocation from the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

Portfolio Minister, Honourable Desmond McKenzie, in his remarks at the ceremony called on the private sector to partner with the government to provide for the poor and destitute. He also disclosed that concerns are being expressed by residents about the influx of street people in rural parishes and towns, namely Clarendon and the town of Santa Cruz in St Elizabeth.

Jamaica has a homeless population of roughly 3,000 with approximately 80 percent of being men.

Meanwhile, Minister McKenzie noted that the homeless population is at significant risk and is increasingly being targeted by criminals.

“It is a sad day when a country turns on the homeless population in the way in which some of these criminals have,” he said. “And you know what is sad about it, I don’t hear one of these so-called human rights groups coming out condemning these actions. I don’t hear anybody talking about how brutal and how wicked these people are against the homeless of this country.”

The Clarendon Night Shelter has the capacity to sleep 25 persons nightly.

Drop-In Centres are the first point of contact for homeless persons and offer a range of care, including baths and other hygiene care, meals, and medical assessment.

There are similar facilities in St. Thomas, St. Mary, St. Ann, Trelawny, St James, Hanover, St. Elizabeth, and St. Catherine. The Clarendon Drop-In Centre was expanded to incorporate a night shelter.
The MLGCD’s Board of Supervision operates the Drop-In Centres and Night Shelters through the Poor Relief Departments at the Municipal Corporations islandwide. Night Shelters were also opened in Trelawny and St. Ann this year.

The St. James, Westmoreland as well as the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporations also operate Night Shelters. The Ministry also gives support to the Ebenezer Home in Mandeville, an in-house rehabilitation centre, as well as the Portland Rehabilitation Management Centre.

The Desmond McKenzie Transitional Centre in Kingston is also being expanded to accommodate more than 100 persons.