Happenings In Our Community

May Pen to Williamsfield Leg of Southern Coastal Highway Opens

Prime Minister Andrew Holness states it is a step in improving the productivity of all Jamaicans.

By: MICKELLA ANDERSON-GORDON, September

15, 2023

JIS

TheMay Pen to Williamsfield leg of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) was officially opened by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on Thursday (September 14).

The thoroughfare, which represents part A of the SCHIP, now significantly reduces travel time between the parishes of Clarendon and Manchester and will offer a multitude of economic and social benefits to users.

Speaking during the segment’s opening ceremony, Prime Minister Holness hailed the development as “a step in improving the general quality of life for all Jamaicans”.

“[It is] a step in improving the productivity of all Jamaicans. You can easily measure the productivity gained of this road by the productivity lost in traffic, discomfort and the aggression it creates in driving on some of the other bad roads,” he said.

Mr. Holness noted that some of the anticipated benefits of the new roadway include connecting workers to jobs, improving the response time of the security forces, and improving and lowering the cost for delivering agricultural

outputs to market.

“In so many ways, building your infrastructure improves wellbeing,” he emphasised.

The Prime Minister also announced that the highway’s usage will be at no cost to motorists until the end of the calendar year, on December 31, 2023. After this period, toll rates will be applied.

Mr. Holness further pointed out that the scope of work for the highway included a new four-lane bridge across the Rio Minho to increase the area’s resilience to weather events.

The project also features a two-year defects liability phase, the Prime Minister said, while noting that, “during this phase, the contractor will have to fix any project-related defects”.

The project was funded by a loan from the Government of the People’s Republic of China, with the contractors being China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

It was implemented by the National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited (NROCC), under the

Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

For his part, NROCC Managing Director, Stephen Edwards, described the highway’s opening as “a momentous occasion in infrastructure development in Jamaica”.

Dubbing the project as a “giant leap forward for the parishes of Clarendon and Manchester and for all Jamaicans”, Mr. Edwards informed that the contract’s implementation commenced in 2019.

He detailed that the development features a 23-kilometre four-lane highway with a diamond interchange and Florida-T at May Pen, a separated interchange at Toll Gate, an interchange at Melrose, four bridges, 17 concrete box crossings, upgrading of approximately five kilometres of roadway along the Melrose Bypass to a four-lane dual carriageway, a police post at Toll Gate, safety fences, concrete median barriers, and the installation and expansion of fibre optics.

“We believe… we have delivered a modern highway that the people of Jamaica can be proud of,” Mr. Edwards added.

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SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

Prime Minister, The Most Honourable Andrew Holness (centre) and his wife, the Most Honourable Juliet Holness, are flanked by several Ministers of Government, Representatives of China Habour Engineering Company (CHEC), Agency representatives and other interests during the official opening of the May Pen to Williamsfield leg of the Souther Coastal Highway Improvement Project. The Highway was opened on Thursday (September 14).

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Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade leads Jamaica’s Participation at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78)

The 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) is set to convene, bringing together nations from around the world to address global challenges and foster international cooperation. Jamaicaca will be actively participating in this important gathering of world leaders, led by Senator the Honourable Kamaina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

Jamaica’s delegation to UNGA 78 includes representatives from various sectors of the government, all geared towards contributing to the discussions and deliberations. Among those participating in various meetings are:

• Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, along with a delegation from the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

• Senator the Honourable Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation, and his delegation will engage in various meeting on sustainable development and climate action.

• Dr. Wayne Henry, Head of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), and a team from the PIOJ will also be present at UNGA 78.

Minister Kamaina Johnson Smith will deliver Jamaica’s statement at the General Assembly, voicing the nation’s stance on various global issues and reaffirming its commitment to international cooperation.

In addition to the activities at the UN, Minister Johnson Smith will host a diaspora forum on September 25 at the Consulate General of Jamaica. This forum serves as a platform for engaging with the Jamaican diaspora, fostering connections, and discussing matters of mutual interest and concern.

In parallel, a separate delegation, led by Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, will be in New York from September 25 to 26. This delegation includes the President of Jampro and a group of 29 businesses, all dedicated to promoting Jamaica as a preferred destination for trade and investment.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce to Lead Delegation of Jamaican Companies to New York.

Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, is set to lead a delegation of 27 companies on a mission to New York from September 25 to 26. The primary objective of this mission is to foster stronger trade and investment ties between Jamaica and its international partners.

The participating companies span a diverse array of sectors, including IT, outsourcing, manufacturing and exporting, cybersecurity, education, and professional services. Their presence at this event signifies Jamaica’s commitment to promoting economic growth and collaboration in these key industries. Accompanying Senator Hill will be a delegation from JAMPRO (Jamaica Promotions Corporation), led by its president, Shullette Cox.

JAMPRO plays a pivotal role in facilitating trade and investment opportunities for Jamaica, and their involvement underscores the concerted effort to bolster Jamaica’s economic landscape.

During their time in New York, the delegation will engage in various activities aimed at enhancing their trade and investment prospects. The mission is designed to create opportunities for these Jamaican companies to expand their reach and establish new connections in the global market.

These companies are actively seeking avenues to grow their footprint, not only in the Jamaican market but also on an international scale. By participating in this delegation, they aim to showcase their capabilities and establish fruitful partnerships with organizations and individuals who share their vision of economic growth and collaboration.

This delegation represents another pillar of Jamaica’s commitment to being an active participant in the global marketplace. It serves as a testament to the nation’s proactive approach to fostering economic growth and facilitating international partnerships.

Persons who are interested in connecting with the team, and making meaningful business inquiries, can contact the JAMPRO New York office at 646-213-0101 or email rlewis@ dobusinessjamaica.com.

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Seeks to expand the growth prospects of firms.

Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce Mrs. Shullette Cox President, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (Jampro) Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

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Join Hands for Health

Jamaican Diaspora Encouraged to Support Rural Clinics

Members of the Jamaican Diaspora have always been known for its unwavering commitment to the well-being of our homeland. Now, a profound opportunity has emerged for the Diaspora to make a lasting impact on the lives of fellow Jamaicans. The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) is extending an open invitation to Diaspora members to embrace a meaningful initiative known as the “Adopt-a-Clinic” program, which is poised to bring crucial healthcare services to underserved communities throughout Jamaica.

The “Adopt-a-Clinic” program, under the stewardship of the MOHW, aims to address the healthcare needs of rural areas where resources can be scarce. With a modest annual commitment of just US$8,000 or JM$1 million for a period ranging from 3 to 5 years, individuals, families, and organizations have a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in ensuring healthcare accessibility for all Jamaicans, regardless of their geographic location.

This endeavor is more than just a financial investment; it serves as an opportunity for the Diaspora to reconnect with their Jamaican roots and actively contribute to their communities in a profound and meaningful way.

The “Adopt-a-Clinic” program goes beyond merely providing essential medical services; it empowers local communities to take charge of their health. By lending support to clinics in rural areas, members of the Jamaican Diaspora can actively participate in the battle against preventable diseases, work towards reducing maternal and child mortality rates, and elevate the overall quality of life for countless individuals.

Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, underscores the significance of this initiative, stating, “Our rural clinics are the lifelines of many communities, and your support can make an immeasurable impact. The time to act is now, and together, we can build healthier, stronger communities.”

The Consulate General of Jamaica in New York wholeheartedly supports this initiative, urging interested members from the Diaspora to reach out to us at cro@congenjamaica-ny.org for comprehensive information on how to get involved. The Consulate stands ready to facilitate the connection between those who are eager to give back and the clinics in dire need.

No cost to motorists to use highway until December 31, 2023.

Continued from page 1.

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, in his remarks, said the highway’s opening is “a pivotal junction in our nation’s transportation history”.

“This remarkable highway will undoubtedly reshape this side of the island and its network and elevate collective journeys towards progress. This occasion is also a testament

to the dedication in providing safer roads and enhanced connectivity for all Jamaicans,” Mr. Vaz stated.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Everald Warmington, also spoke highly of the road development.

He expressed that the new leg of the country’s highway network represents “more than just concrete, steel and asphalt”.

“It signifies development, connectivity, and the promise of a brighter future for all those who traverse the south coast of this country,” Mr. Warmington said.

He added that a well-planned, efficient transportation network is the backbone of any thriving nation, as it connects people, fosters economic growth and enhances the quality of life for citizens.

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Aerial view of a section of the May Pen to Williamsfield Highway at the Melrose Hill Interchange.

Help Jamaica Medical Mission brings service to underserved communities

Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer

A team of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare medical practitioners has been in Jamaica since September 6, visiting underserved communities across the island, where they have been providing medical services to those in need.

parishes, with another four to be visited before the conclusion of the mission.

Clarke, chief medical adviser for the Northeast Diaspora, said the health mission was under the auspices of Health Jamaica Medical Mission, which has been doing healthcare missions in Jamaica since 2010.

He pointed out that the organisation has provided medical assistance to approximately 462,000 patients over the past decade.

Clarke, with the assistance of Dr Rudolph Willis, founded the Help Jamaica Medical Mission with the aim of providing healthcare services to Jamaicans in need.

Led by Dr Robert Clarke, the medical mission, which will be in Jamaica until September 14, has so far visited communities in Kingston, Manchester, St Catherine, and St Thomas.

At the Jamaica Evangelistic Centre on Waltham Park Road in St Andrew, where the team saw and treated some 400 persons, 65-year-old Maleoca Lee was among those seen.

“I am so happy that the team is here providing us with free medical service because we have a distance to travel to the clinic to see the doctor,” she told The Gleaner.

Lee was checked for high blood pressure, diabetes, and other ailments and provided with medication, free of cost.

Lee said she heard about the medical mission through her church and had to make time to be there to see the doctors.

“I had to come to see the doctors,” she said.

TEAM APPRECIATED

Lee noted that her blood pressure was very high, and she was given medication to treat the condition.

She expressed her appreciation to the medical team and said she was given medication that will last her a year.

Ninety-four-year-old Lloyd Hinds was another patient seen by the medical team at the church centre.

He told The Gleaner that he was checked for various conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, as well as for pain in his back and shoulder.

Hinds pointed out that he was examined and given

medication to treat his various ailments, medication that will also last him a year.

“I am so happy that the medical mission came to our community as I was able to be treated for several pains that I have been experiencing,” he told The Gleaner.

But health screenings were not confined merely to the elderly.

Several students who needed to have medical examinations done for back-to-school purposes were also treated by the medical team.

The sessions start around 10 in the mornings and go on until the last patient has been seen.

Clarke said there was no set time to end the sessions, which conclude only when the last person waiting to be seen is examined.

DECADE-LONG WORK

The 25-member health mission, drawn from New York and New Jersey, has already visited four

He emphasised that the team comprises volunteer specialist doctors and nurses from the TRIE areas of New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.

Clarke said the mission has been dedicated to providing free, high-quality healthcare services to those in desperate need, having served thousands of Jamaicans over the years.

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REACH $100,000 FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Supporting a Brighter Future: Donate to Jamaica Independence Gala Scholarships

At the heart of every thriving community lies a commitment to making a difference in the lives of its members. The Jamaica Independence Gala New York embodies this spirit wholeheartedly, dedicating itself to the pursuit of meaningful charitable causes that uplift our community and leave a lasting impact. As we stand on the precipice of change, we implore you to continue supporting the projects that define our mission.

This year, our primary focus is on scholarships for tertiary education. Education is the key that unlocks a world of opportunities, and at the Jamaica Independence Gala, we are unwavering in our determination to help students achieve their academic and career aspirations. We are proud to announce our commitment to providing a minimum of 30 scholarships to deserving individuals pursuing higher education. Your donations have already made a substantial difference in the lives of these ambitious students, enabling them to reach for the stars and grasp their dreams with both hands.

Your support can make a significant impact on these students’ lives, providing them with the resources they need to excel in their education and beyond. By contributing to our scholarship fund, you’re investing in the future leaders of our community.

To continue your generous scholarship donations or make a new contribution, please visit our website at https://donorbox.org/jmcauses. Together, we can create a brighter, more promising future for our community through education.

Thank you for being a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. Your commitment to scholarships is the cornerstone upon which our community’s future is built. Together, we will continue to make a profound impact on the lives of those who need it most.

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