CHILDREN WITH disabilities will, in a few weeks, have the chance to get in the know about climate change, thanks to the Nathan Ebanks Foundation (NEF) and its partnership with the Adaptation Programme and Financing Mechanism (AP&FM) of the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience.

The foundation, which advocates to broaden the base of support for children living with disabilities, is collaborating with AP&FM, along with other partners, to host its annual family expo and special needs resource fair in two locations this year – Kingston and St Elizabeth.

“We are aware that it can be a challenge for persons with disabilities and their families to access information and resources needed to best plan for themselves and their loved ones. And so we were very happy to get the opportunity to share information on climate change and how we can reduce the vulnerability of persons with disabilities,” said Dr Winsome Townsend, project manager for the AP&FM.

Other partners include Supreme Ventures Limited as well as affiliates from the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, National Parenting Support Commission, Jamaica Fire Brigade, National Child Month Committee, and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.

“We are happy to be taking the event out of Kingston and to another area, as we realise that sometimes persons with disabilities and their families are not able to access this kind of information as easily outside of the urban areas,” said Christine Staple-Ebanks, founder and president of the NEF.

PLATFORM TO BE HEARD

“Through the Family Expo and Special Needs Resource Fair, we continue to give children with disabilities and their families a platform to reach a broader audience and let their voices be heard, and to connect them to resources and support in the community,” she said.

At the April 10 launch, Ebanks and her team announced the dates of the two events – the Kingston event is to be held at the Hope Gardens on May 25 and the second fair and expo on July 4 at the Alpart Sports Club in Nain, St Elizabeth.

These events are designed to support NEF’s quest for the inclusion, participation and empowerment of children with disabilities and special needs.

“Our vision of the future is to see all children of varied abilities and talent grow, thrive, learn and uncover their own unique gifts in a way that respects their diversity and celebrate potential,” said Staple-Ebanks.

There are an estimated 200,000 children living with disabilities in Jamaica and inadequate systems in place to effectively include them into society. Since 2007, the Nathan Ebanks Foundation has been on a mission to advocate for, and strengthen capacities to promote the best interests, rights, safety, education, and inclusion of children with disabilities and special education needs in Jamaica.

The fairs this year will feature an emergency preparedness resource booth, academic screening, mental health checks, health checks, dental services, vision screening, developmental screening, adaptive sports games and demonstrations, and a gospel concert, among other things.

Staple-Ebanks started the NEF in honour of her son Nathan, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in 2005 at the age of nine months. The foundation was set up to serve children with disabilities through, among other things, the:

– training of policymakers, teachers, parents, and administrators;

– researching key sector issues to inform policymakers and local practitioners; and

– providing resource and support for the nation’s educational institutions and agencies creating and integrating study plans for children with disabilities.

So far, achievements include over 5,000 persons reaching awareness and capacity building, two nationwide disability awareness public education campaigns, and multiple advocacy platforms. The foundation has also had more than 20,000 books donated to 50 schools and institutions islandwide through partnerships with St Bernard’s School in New York, USA.

 

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20190425/earth-today-children-disabilities-get-speed-climate-readiness

The Board of Directors of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has appointed Ms Heather Pinnock, General Manager of the entity as of April 1, 2019.
Ms Pinnock acted as General Manager from September 24, 2018 until the time of her appointment. Prior to that she served as Deputy General Manager, Planning Development and Project Management Division.
According to Chairman Senator Ransford Braham, the Board extends its full support and good wishes to Ms. Pinnock as she embarks on this new journey, ‘the Board expects that the UDC will continue its transformative mission of making development happen by delivering mega-projects such as the Closed Harbour Beach Park in Montego Bay, for which ground was recently broken. The upgrading of Ocho Rios, master planning for the town of Port Royal, establishment of Jamaica’s Third City and the completion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Building’ and further build out of the downtown Kingston redevelopment including the construction of the Houses of Parliament are also high priority projects for the UDC.
Ms Pinnock provides leadership for a team of almost 1000 professionals spanning disciplines of technical services, legal, finance, estate management, integrated marketing communication and environmental management. Her professional experience includes key public sector roles including Chief Technical Director at the then Ministry of Water and Housing, Senior Project Manager at the National Housing Trust and Consultant Senior Project Manager with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s Housing Development Corporation.

Ms Pinnock has also garnered valuable experience working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Jamaica, the Institute for Sustainable Development, University of the West Indies, University of Technology (UTech) and the Kingston Restoration Company.
Ms. Pinnock is a graduate of the University College London, where she completed a Master of Science degree in Development and Planning with a concentration in Building and Urban Design in Development. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies degree from the Caribbean School of Architecture at the University of Technology and a Postgraduate Certificate in Green Economy (Climate) from Technische Universität Dresden in Germany.
She has been the recipient of many awards including that of being a Chevening Scholar and also serves as a Justice of the Peace in the parish of St. Andrew. Ms Pinnock is married to Julian Dadag and they have one son Sean.

The Supreme Court today handed down it’s ruling on aspects of the 2017 National Identification and Registration Act. The Government is respectful of the court’s ruling and will spend some time carefully reviewing the judgment, after which a more fulsome response will be forthcoming.

The Government would like to place on record its sincere gratitude to the full court panel comprising of Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, Justice David Batts and Justice Lisa Palmer Hamilton for their considered judgment.

Minister with responsibility for water, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. says the National Housing Trust will undertake works estimated at JM$1.0 Billion to improve the Greater Mandeville Water Supply system.

Minister Charles made the announcement yesterday (Thursday, April 11) while at the ground-breaking ceremony for Perth Estate Phase 1A.

“The scope of works will upgrade the potable water supply infrastructure serving the town of Mandeville and its environs to meet the existing shortfall and provide a surplus for future developments,” explained Minister Charles.

The works to be undertaken include:

General works to improve the overall system

1. Development of two (2) wells – Hanson & Cassava Factory- at Goshen in St. Elizabeth to produce up to 4.0 imperial million gallons per day of ‘new’ water
2. Supply and Installation of 4 No. replacement pumping equipment at the existing Gutters and Spur Tree Relift Stations
3. Supply and Installation of 2 No. additional pumping equipment for the Gutters and Spur Tree Relift Stations
4. Upgrades to the transmission and distribution network serving Mandeville

Specific Off- Site Works for Perth Housing Development

• Transmission main upgrades between Kingsland Reservoir and Perth Tank
• Upgrade of the 0.2M imp. gal. Perth Tank including construction of a new pumping station
• Supply and install 3.0km of 250mm transmission mains from the Perth Tank to a new 0.1M imp. gal. tank at Moorland which will be equipped with a pump station dedicated to serving the Perth housing development.

The project will be implemented over the next fourteen (14) months. The project is in partnership with the National Water Commission.

Minister with responsibility for water, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. says the recent Global Water Award copped by the National Water Commission (NWC) augurs well for the country’s water sector.

Jamaica’s national potable water service provider placed fourth (4th) in the Global Water Award in the category of Water Leader of the Year 2019 in London, England. The Awards are organized by Global Water Intelligence (GWI), a world-leading publisher on water sector issues.

Minister Charles Jr. extended congratulations earlier today (Thursday, April 11) to Mr Mark Barnett, President of the NWC and the Commission’s team.

“This global recognition is indicative of the investments that the Government is making toward enhancing the water and wastewater sectors. The National Water Commission has made significant strides to improve quality and accessibility of the commodity”, says Minister Charles.

Meanwhile, the NWC is moving to strategically reduce the high level of Non-Revenue Water (NRW). The Commission notes that the high NRW levels are in direct conflict with its vision and mission.

“The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation will continue to provide strategic direction for the management and growth of our water and wastewater sectors. The implementation of the revised water sector policy will ensure proper management and protection of our water resources”, explains Minister Charles Jr.

The Global Water Awards recognizes excellence across the international water industry within several categories and rewards those initiatives in the water, wastewater, and desalination sectors that are moving the industry forward.

The NWC, because of its innovative approach in non-revenue water (NRW) activities being undertaken with co-management partner, MIYA, received this prestigious placement among other countries such as Argentina, Turkey and Uganda. Importantly, NWC’s achievement under this programme was the drastic results attained in NRW which recorded a movement from 61% to 48% in Kingston and St. Andrew (KSA) for 2018

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), Senator Pearnel Charles Jr. at the Heads of Agencies meeting held on Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Inter-Agency Collaboration Will Improve Efficiency – Minister Charles Minister with responsibility for Water, Housing and Infrastructure, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. says strategic alignment and collaboration across agencies will improve efficiency and provide sustainable solutions.   At a Heads of Agencies meeting, held on Tuesday (April 9) at Jamaica House, Minister Charles Jr. encouraged full inter-agency collaboration.   “Connectivity of agencies is critical. Agencies must understand each other’s strategic direction and collaborate so that the Government’s development strategies can be enhanced. This type of collaboration will increase our ability to achieve sustainable solutions”, stated Minister Charles.   He added that ad hoc implementation of programmes will thwart the Government’s efforts to provide sustainable solutions in critical areas of development.   Minister Charles Jr. also reminded the Chairmen and Heads of Agencies of the importance of good governance.   “All Boards must be guided by the principles of good governance in accordance with the Government’s thrust toward transparency and accountability”, explained Senator Charles.   Updates were received from the Rural Water Supply Limited, National Water Commission, Water Resources Authority, National Road Operating and Construction Company, Urban Development Corporation, Port Authority of Jamaica, Commission of Strata Corporations & Real Estate Board, Housing Agency of Jamaica, Jamaica Mortgage Bank and the Rent Assessment Board.    Senator Charles Jr. assumed duties as Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation on March 25, 2019.

The National Spatial Data Management Branch (NSDMB) of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation recently conducted a  Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Teacher Training workshop at the Church Teachers’ College in Mandeville on under the Land Information Council of Jamaica (LICJ)/NSDMB’s GIS in Schools Education Programme (GISSEP).

Under the theme,  “Teaching With GIS: Thinking Spatially” , the workshop engaged lecturers and student teachers in using ArcGIS Online and  desktop software that provides access to interactive maps and geographic data from across the world.  The lecturers and student teachers were tested at the end of the training sessions.

 

Students and householders found a greater appreciation for how they can conserve on water with the installation of water-­saving devices and practise water-saving measures at home at the Water Tech-Fest exhibition, which was mounted by the Water Project Jamaica.

The Tech-Fest was held at JN Bank’s Half-Way Tree branch in observation of World Water Day on March 22 under the theme ‘Leaving No One behind’.
“It was an informative exhibition. I learned how to conserve water at home and at school,” said Jhardine Daley, a student of Ardenne High School who viewed the exhibition with his teachers and peers.

Jane Dennis, a JN member, found the exhibition very interesting, especially the display mounted by AquaFlow, which demonstrated how customised water bottles and kegs that are converted with spouts could come in handy during water shortage and lock-offs.

“The displays were very interesting. I learned how to conserve water and to detect leaks at home.

“The conversion of kegs with spouts was also useful,” she said. “The Scientific Research Council’s (SRC) display was very applicable as they gave me ideas about how to get my products checked at the SRC. I have a cosmetic business and have developed my own line of products,” Dennis said.

The exhibitors at the Tech-Fest included Instant Save, JN Small Business Loans, Isratech, SRC, and Aqua Flow Products and Services.
Onyka Barrett Scott, general manager of the JN Foundation and administrator of the Water Project Jamaica, said the main objective of the exhibition was to sensitise members of the public and encourage them to play a proactive role in being ‘water-smart’.

‘Simple and practical’
“This project helps us to see simple and practical things we can do on a daily basis to reduce the amount of water we use in our homes, and if we can do that, then we will manage the resource better. Hence, the aim of the exhibition was to give patrons the opportunity to test various devices they can use in their homes or businesses and to help them become familiar with some of the suppliers in the space,” she said.

The Water Project Jamaica, which commenced in March 2017, is a four-year collaboration among the JN Foundation, JN Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Climate Investment Funds, and the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience. The project was designed to address water-management issues primarily related to climate change.

MORE THAN 30 communities in the Upper Rio Minho Watershed Area of Clarendon, including Bullhead, are slated for interventions that will help them better adapt to the changing climate.

The interventions include the installation of check dams, 250 communal rainwater harvesting systems, greenhouse installation, 50 hectares of agro-forestry, and 15 acres of reforestation.

At the recently held Bullhead Ash Wednesday Festival, over 800 community members were targeted to hear about the climate intervention measures being implemented by the Adaptation Programme and Financing Mechanism (AP&FM) of the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience.

The AP&FM has been focusing on residents of 33 communities in the area to highlight the importance of the watershed which helps in the generation of rainwater for the parish.

To date, the watershed has been ranked as the most degraded in the island.

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20190328/bullhead-clarendon-targeted-resilience-building

 

Senator the Honourable Pearnel P. Charles Jr. is the Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.  Prior to this appointment, he was the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade with responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, the National Council for Coastal Zone Management, among other areas. He also served as Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security where he had portfolio duties for the Department of Correctional Services, the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force and special projects within the national security portfolio. He is also the Chairman of the UNESCO Youth Advisory Council.

Minister Charles is an Attorney-at-Law qualified to practice law in Jamaica and the United States of America. Throughout his professional career, he served with distinction as a Judicial Clerk, Senior Clerk of Court, Crown Counsel at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and as the Lead Counsel and Managing Attorney of The Law Offices of Pearnel P. Charles Jr.

The Senator is also a former President of the Law Society and a former Guild President of the University of West Indies where he earned two honours degrees; a Bachelor of Science (double major in Biochemistry and Zoology) and a Bachelor of Laws. Additionally, he holds a Master of Laws degree from The George Washington University Law School in Washington D.C. where he was awarded the Thomas Buergenthal Scholarship for academic performance. 

Pearnel Charles Jr. was born with a passion for community service and as a youth advocate, he continues to actively participate in community activities geared towards uplifting underserved communities and protecting the most vulnerable.