IRIE FM

Employees of Superior Parts Limited have criticized the response of firefighters to yesterday’s blaze at their St. Andrew establishment.

Their criticism comes amidst commendations from Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie.

In a release yesterday, Mr. McKenzie lauded the “swift and sustained response” of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB).

He also praised the National Water Commission for “providing critical assistance to the JFB”, an intervention he said was especially important given the national challenges with drought conditions.

However, one worker told IRIE FM News that he saw smoke coming from a section of the property and the firefighters were alerted early to the situation.

He maintained that there would have been less damage if the firefighters had responded quickly.

Another employee agreed that the firefighters should have acted with more alacrity. He also noted that their efforts might have been impacted by the ongoing water crisis.

In the meantime, an onlooker claimed that the fire was raging due to the wind.

Efforts to obtain a response from the JFB regarding the employees’ claims up to late last night were not successful.

The Ministry of Finance and the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) have formally signed the wage agreement for public sector workers. 

The union accepted the offer of a one off payment of $80,000 as well as 5% increase.  

Speaking at the signing ceremony earlier this evening Minister of Finance and Public Service Fayval Williams said the talks were difficult. 

Mrs. Williams noted that the agreement was reached amid fiscal challenges due to hurricanes Beryl and Melissa among other things.  

Meantime President, Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) St. Patrice Ennis said the negotiations went well.

Some employees of Superior Parts Limited say they are devastated after a massive fire engulfed the business establishment on Hagley Park Road in St. Andrew today.

Reports are that the fire began at about midday at Superior Parts and quickly spread to nearby buildings, including homes.

One worker, who said he has been with the company for over six years, told IRIE FM News that he is stressed out by the development.

This as he will likely be out of a job for some time.

Meanwhile, another man, who has been working at the company for 17 years, said the fire could not have come at a worse time, with the reopening of schools being just weeks away.

However, he expressed optimism that he will recover from the situation.

Firefighters are currently battling a massive fire at Superior Parts Limited on Hagley Park Road in Kingston.

Reports are that the fire started at about mid-day. 

When IRIE FM News went to the location, it was observed that the fire had spread to adjoining buildings. 

There is no report of injury, occupants of the building managed to escape before it became engulfed in flames.

An alleged witness lamented that the fire brigade took long to respond.

This is due to the St Ann’s Bay police station lock up being closed for reconstruction.

The update was provided by Commander for the St Ann Police Division, Senior Superintendent (SSP) Carlos Russell.

SSP Russell added that efforts are being made to find an alternative location to relocate officers from the St Ann’s Bay Police Station, which is being repaired.

He was speaking at a meeting between the police and business stakeholders at the Ocho Rios Baptist Church yesterday.

The multi-day music festival will be held from October 16 to 19.

Speaking at the media launch yesterday, Mr Seiveright said the event is expected to generate millions of U.S. dollars in earnings, especially for the hotel industry and local businesses.

About 40 families have been left without homes, following the demolition exercise 2 weeks ago.

Following the incident , ministry personnel visited the area to conduct a preliminary assessment of affected households and identify immediate welfare needs.

Assistance provided included food supplies, bottled water, toiletries, cots, temporary shelter supplies, tents and lighting equipment.

Minister of Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr., says the ministry is ensuring everyone is assisted.

He says anyone still in need of assistance should contact the ministry.

Mr Charles Jr., was speaking on ministerial update with the JIS.

Director of Communications at MOCA Major Basil Jarrett said the operations yesterday are a part of an ongoing investigation.

The Agriculture Minister says the multi-million dollar farm road project in Newcombe Valley, St. Elizabeth is indicative of the government’s continued investment in agriculture.

Mr. Green officially opened the road during a ceremony today.

The road is expected to improve access for farmers and boost agricultural production.

The roadway was completed under last year’s farm road programme and serves approximately 38 hectares of cultivation, including farms producing watermelons, tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers and other crops.

Livestock farmers raising goats and broiler chickens are also expected to benefit.

Mr. Green acknowledged that while many roads are being built, there’s more to be done.

Green assured other farmers in areas awaiting roads that the government is committed to getting those projects completed.

He said the aim is to ensure that all main producing farms and farmers have access to good roads.

With the new academic year set to begin on September 7, at least two taxi associations are anticipating the financial boost that it will bring to the sector.

During the summer break, several taxi operators lamented the reduction in commuters, which affected their income.

Now, with classes scheduled to resume in a few weeks, they are hoping for some fiscal resurgence.

There are, however, concerns that the start of the academic year will be plagued by a recurring activity of taxi drivers going on strike.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, President of the St. James Taxi Association Deon Chance said while he cannot say how the alleged strike will unfold come September, several operators are getting ready to serve the community, especially students.

He also noted that while some operators are prone to bad conduct, the sector is ready to transport students in a safe manner.

In the meantime, President of the Kingston-based All Voice Taxi Association, Lorraine Finnikin has reiterated his objection to any strike action.

He again pointed to the Transport Ministry’s pledge to review issues, especially those relating to the demerit point system.

He is appealing to taxi operators to await the response from the ministry, which is expected next month.

He also appealed to persons to refrain from disrupting the sector, at the critical back-to-school period.