Government Committed to the JCF Using Body Cameras

Press Release From The Office of The Prime Minister 20241112 1735:

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has affirmed the government's firm resolve in deploying body-worn cameras across the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

Dr. Holness says the cameras will be used as a core tool for accountability and transparency in the police force.

“The Government of Jamaica is committed to the deployment and use of body-worn cameras for the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and indeed, where necessary, for the Jamaica Defence Force. There is no conflict. There is no indecisiveness. It is something that we are doing and we will continue to do,” Prime Minister Holness stated.

Prime Minister Holness emphasized that while the public often views body cameras as a simple solution, their effective deployment requires a significant investment in the supporting infrastructure.

The Prime Minister also revealed that the government has already invested significant resources in JCF’s transformation and reassured the public that body-worn cameras will soon be a standard tool for all police officers.

“We have in procurement now over $200 million for cameras. We procured last time about $70 million worth of cameras, and we continue to procure. So I want the country to be assured that the government is 100% committed to having body-worn cameras become a standard feature of the police officer's kit,” the Prime Minister said. 

The Prime Minister clarified that body-worn cameras are just one part of a broader system that includes data storage and management facilities, secure data transfer systems, and reliable broadband connectivity. 

“For us to deploy cameras, it is not about the deployment of the camera. The camera is the least of the systems of being able to capture real-time footage of police doing their duties,” he noted.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted plans to enhance public safety and security, which include the expansion of the Jamaica Eye surveillance system and the development of a state-of-the-art C5 centre that will integrate camera feeds and enable real-time, intelligence-driven responses to security needs.

Prime Minister Holness assured the public of his Administration’s focus on creating a cohesive technological ecosystem within the JCF. This transformation, he emphasized, is not superficial but strategically designed to enhance crime prevention, response capabilities, and accountability. 

"We are investing heavily in the technological improvements for the JCF as part of the transformational strategy, but we are not just investing in technology for show. We have properly designed an ecosystem where everything works together. You will begin to see massive improvements in our ability to deal with some of our crime problems," he affirmed.

This transformation is part of a broader strategy to provide Jamaica’s law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to operate effectively, increase transparency, and ensure that resources are used efficiently to build a safer Jamaica.

The Prime Minister was speaking today (November 12) at the Inspector Development Course Graduation Ceremony for the 2nd Cohort of Inspectors.

 

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Government Allocates Nearly $1.4 Billion for Constituency-Based Mitigation and Cleanup Efforts Amid Recent Severe Weather

 

Press Release From The Office of the Prime Minister - 20241112 2044:

In response to the effects of Tropical Storm Rafael and prolonged heavy rainfall in recent weeks, Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness has announced a major allocation for a nationwide mitigation and cleanup initiative.

Speaking in Parliament today, November 12, 2024, Prime Minister Holness outlined that $22 million will be allocated to each of the 63 Members of Parliament for the annual constituency-based mitigation and cleanup programme, totaling nearly $1.4 billion.

The programme, which will be implemented by the National Works Agency (NWA) and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), focuses on critical efforts to clear roads, clean drains, collect garbage, and address sanitary conditions. The funds will be disbursed directly to necessary works without deductions for agency fees, ensuring efficiency and accountability.

Prime Minister Holness clarified the purpose of the allocation, stating, “Though this programme is being implemented just before the yuletide season, let me emphasize that it is not a Christmas work programme. This is a routine initiative with strict oversight, ensuring funds are utilised efficiently for road clearance, drain cleaning, garbage collection, and sanitation. It addresses specific priorities, including reopening blocked roads, drain cleaning, road repairs, and constructing retaining walls and other structures as necessary.”

 

The allocation per constituency is structured as follows:

 

•  $10 million for road rehabilitation, with flexibility to reallocate up to $5 million for a total of $15 million if required.
•  $6 million for debushing, with the option to reallocate funds for a maximum of $9 million.
•  $3 million for garbage collection, aiding dengue prevention efforts, with a reallocation potential of $2 million.
•  $3 million for drain cleaning, with up to $2 million available for reallocation.

 

Recognizing that the needs of constituencies differ, the programme includes flexibility to allow Members of Parliament to adjust allocations based on the specific needs within their areas.

“This reallocation flexibility enables MPs to focus resources on the most pressing issues, be it road repair, sanitation, or drainage, to ensure our communities are safe and functional in the wake of these severe weather conditions,” stated Prime Minister Holness.

In the meantime, the Prime Minister encouraged all Members of Parliament to act swiftly in organizing their respective programmes while following established procedures. The programme will run through to February 2025.

 

 

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Weather Update at 1600 Hours EST For Jamaica

At 1600 hours EST there is a disturbance to the Southeast of Jamaica at 16° 56' N, 76° 28' W which is approximately 130K from Jamaica.

Jamaica is now experiencing light rain across the island and temperatures range from 24 to 26 degrees C.

I should be noted that the Doppler Radar is not working. This radar system I understand is useful in assisting in identifying weather challenges which can impact the aviation sector and also can impact the work of meteorologists.

Weather Forecasts

• Marine weather forecast.
• Local Weather Forecast.

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Wires Touching JPS Lines in Beverly Hills - Area Could be Without Electricity

Thanks to a taxi driver who brought it to my attention that vegetation is touching JPS wires. This is on Lombard Close in Beverly Hills.

With the weather conditions we are now having, Beverly Hills residents could be without electricity soon. 

Please share this post with other people and make a report if the wires are touching the JPSCo lines. Under no condition should you attempt to cut the vegetation which is close to or touching JPS lines. Contact JPS first.

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Disturbace In Caribbean Could Develop into a Hurricane

 

Disturbance 1 is currently located in the Caribbean Sea. The system has a 40% chance of developing into a tropical depression or tropical storm in the next 2 days, and a 80% chance in the next 7 days.

Central and Western Caribbean Sea: A tropical wave over the central Caribbean Sea is producing an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions appear conducive for development, and a tropical depression is likely to form by the end of the week as the system moves slowly westward into the western Caribbean Sea.

Afterward, the disturbance is expected to meander over the western Caribbean Sea through the weekend and begin moving slowly, generally northwestward, by early next week. Interests across the western Caribbean Sea should monitor the progress of this system.

Forecaster Roberts. Information provided by the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Ministry of Health and Wellness Wins Regional Award!

Press Release From The Ministry of Health and Wellness - 20241112:

Dr. Julia Rowe-Porter, (right) Director of Family Health Services at the Ministry of Health & Wellness accepts the Henry C Smith Award for most improved immunization coverage for 2023 from Chief Medical Officer, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Hazel Laws. 

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 (PAHO/WHO): Jamaica has won the Henry C Smith Award for the most improved immunization coverage in 2023. The award was announced at the 38th Caribbean Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Managers' meeting held in St Kitts and Nevis recently. 

Jamaica’s EPI Manager and Director of Family Health Services in the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Dr. Julia Rowe-Porter jubilantly reported that Jamaica is truly honoured to receive the Henry C Smith Award for 2023. “This award is evidence that our immunization team at all levels - facility, parish, regional and national - are committed, resilient and focused on achieving our target for 95% vaccination coverage, with a phenomenal post-pandemic recovery. There is still much work to be done to combat the growing threat of vaccine hesitancy. We are grateful for the ongoing technical cooperation and support received from all our partners, especially the Pan American Health Organization, as Jamaica seeks to maintain the gains of this high priority programme,” she shared.

The EPI Managers Meeting was held from October 28-30, under the theme, “Stronger Together: Advancing Immunisation, Eliminating Disease”, and culminated with a communications workshop.  Pan American Health Organization Advisor, Immunization, Dr. Karen Broome, noted that while the post-pandemic road has been difficult, significant strides have been made. “The investments we’ve made in risk communication and community engagement are starting to pay off. We're connecting better with the public, especially the most vulnerable, and building the trust we need to carry this work forward. Because, as we all know, without the trust of the community, we cannot do our work effectively.  Rebuilding that trust is a process, and it's one we must approach with patience and effective communication,” she said.

During the opening ceremony, PAHO’s Assistant Director, Dr Rhonda Sealy, commended the Caribbean Immunization managers for beginning to turn vaccination coverage around.  “Notably, Polio 3 coverage improved from 90% in 2021 to 93% in 2022, with even more progress in 2023, where we nearly reached the global target of 95%, achieving 94%. The gains in MMR vaccinations are also encouraging… These achievements reflect the hard work of our National Expanded Program on Immunization and the unwavering support of our health ministers,” Dr Sealy noted. 

In 2023, Jamaica’s immunization coverage for the vaccines given to infants under 1 year of age (BCG, polio, Pentavalent) increased to over 99% post-pandemic, with improvements in MMR given in the second year of life (92% and 89% for 1st and 2nd doses respectively). 

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Vernon and Franklin McDonald Speak About Jamaica's Earthquake Awareness and Readiness

Today I spoke to Franklin McDonald the former Executive Director of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and former CEO National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). He is a Visiting Scholar at York University. 

Mr. Franklin McDonald says that the public must get information about an earthquake quickly or else they will not have time to prepare for a possible tsunami. He feels that the heads of agencies should not be restrained in giving out vital information to the public. Mr McDonald expressed concerns about the number of meetings held by the Risk Management Council.

Franklin McDonald made a very profound statement to me after the programme. He said, "The idea of hiding public safety information does not work in the Internet age".

Click on the icon below and listen to my conversation with Mr Franklyn McDonald.

Click here to watch the video.

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