Duane C.E Smith, MP

Member of Parliament for St Andrew North Western Husband | Businessman | Running Enthusiast | Active & Strong

[Peter Henry @PeterBlairHenry]

Thank you @JamaicaObserver for publishing my JAMRROC Op Ed. We need clear, consistent, and persistent communication to manage expectations about NaRRa: https://t.co/iXTSYeJFNC

[Andrew Holness @AndrewHolnessJM]

One year after Hurricane Melissa devastated western Jamaica, we are reopening a critical part of our healthcare system at the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth!

The reconstructed male and female surgical wards, paediatric ward and operating theatre facilities represent a significant step forward. The hospital’s bed capacity is increasing from 150 to approximately 180, with improved bathrooms, new nursing stations and piped oxygen throughout the surgical wards.

For the people of St. Elizabeth and neighbouring communities, this means greater hospital capacity and improved facilities to support patient care. It is also a tribute to the healthcare workers who continued serving Jamaicans under extremely difficult conditions.

Our work is not finished. Further improvements to the maternity ward and administrative facilities remain ahead.

We are rebuilding beyond the damage, strengthening our healthcare infrastructure and working to ensure that Jamaicans can access the care they need.

From recovery to resurgence, we are rebuilding stronger for the people of Jamaica.

[JISNews @JISNews]

One year after Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage to Black River Hospital, Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness today(Oct. 28), marked the hospital’s reopening.

The hospital’s bed capacity has increased from 150 to 180, with additional equipment, upgraded male and female wards, paediatric facilities and operating theatres. The majority of the rebuilding work was completed in under eight months, while work on the administrative facilities continues.

#JISVideos #StayInformed #MOHW

[Andrew Holness @AndrewHolnessJM]

One of the lessons from Hurricane Melissa is the need for a reliable system to identify and verify people receiving recovery assistance.

During the initial relief effort, we provided assistance based on humanitarian need. As we move through recovery, we must also ensure that every grant and benefit reaches the person it is intended to help.

This is why I am encouraging everyone seeking assistance through the recovery process, including grants under the ROOFS programme, to register under the National Identification System (NIDS). Having a reliable way to verify who is receiving assistance will help us prevent duplication, protect public resources and ensure that support reaches those who need it.

We know that every family waiting for assistance wants to be treated fairly, and having a reliable identification system will help us do that.

[darylvazmp @darylvazmp]

Beenie Man has raised questions about a Beenie percent of the recovery spend: 2%. The amount dwarfs in comparison to the overall relief budget but the clarity must be given for the record.

There are persons who believe that the $1.7 Billion received in Donations should ALL be given in grants. That is okay.

The problem is that the Government has given more than the amount received in donations away in grants.

The ROOFS programme has close to 118,000 applications. That is less than $15,000.00 JMD per person if the $1.7Bn is handed out in grants. The Govt will be spending over $22 Billion Dollars on the ROOFS Programme alone. More than 10x the amount received in donations.

$500 Million was allocated to MSME's as grants. $192 Million in Agricultural Grants. This does not include the rehabilitation of schools, roads, clearing debris and rebuilding other infrastructure that was damaged including bridges and public services.

"The people who should get the money" is a gross misunderstanding of the relief programme. The $1.7Bn does not include the 2700+ container homes that are to be completed and installed.

The $1.7 Billion is approximately 2% of what is being spent on the relief and recovery process.

[Jay Brown @jayjaybrown97]

What the Prime Minister said today.
Best get it here vs the version the media wants you to get

[Andrew Holness @AndrewHolnessJM]

Olivia’s story is one that touched my heart.

Before his passing, Olivia’s father had sought assistance through the New Social Housing Programme because he wanted to secure a safe and stable home for his daughter. Sadly, he did not live to see that dream fulfilled.

As I listened to her speak about her father and the love they shared, I was reminded of the responsibility we have to care for our most vulnerable Jamaicans. Through the New Social Housing Programme, we are reaching families facing difficult circumstances and helping to provide the security and dignity that every Jamaican deserves.

I know you too will be moved my Olivia’s story which she shares in this video.

Olivia, I pray that this home brings you comfort, peace and the strength to keep pursuing your dreams. Your father wanted you to have a safe place to call home, and today, that wish has been fulfilled.

[Andrew Holness @AndrewHolnessJM]

After losing her home to a devastating fire in July 2021, Doreen Palmer faced the painful task of rebuilding her life and finding a place for her family to call home.

Through the Government’s New Social Housing Programme, Doreen and her family now have a new place to call home at East Palm Estate.

Her story speaks to the importance of providing safe, secure housing for Jamaican families facing difficult circumstances.

Congratulations to Doreen and her family on this new chapter. We are happy to see them settled into a safe and secure home as they move ahead with renewed hope.

[Andrew Holness @AndrewHolnessJM]

A community space reclaimed, and a new future taking shape!

The East Palms Housing Complex in Kingston Central will become a home for residents, following its redevelopment under the New Social Housing Programme.

[Duane C.E Smith, MP @dcesjam]

This is excellent! #NewJamaica

[Andrew Holness @AndrewHolnessJM]

Where there was once destruction, today there is a place to call home.

Today, we are officially opening a newly redeveloped residential complex in Kingston Gardens, rebuilt on the site of a house destroyed by firebombing.

The complex now provides seven residential units, ranging from studios to two- and three-bedroom apartments, along with shared green spaces where residents can relax and connect.

We will continue working to build stronger communities and create better opportunities for Jamaican families.

[Duane C.E Smith, MP @dcesjam]

Today, I proudly accepted the Order of Jamaica (OJ) on behalf of my father, the Honourable Derrick Smith, OJ, CD, in recognition of nearly 50 years of dedicated public service, leadership and community development. His legacy is one of integrity and unwavering commitment to Jamaica. It is an honour to follow in his footsteps and serve the people he loves. 🇯🇲

[Duane C.E Smith, MP @dcesjam]

Today we celebrated the life and legacy of Elizabeth Reid, affectionately known as Ms Lyn. A devoted worker and community advocate in West Central St Andrew, her contributions to her family, country and the Jamaica Labour Party will never be forgotten. Her legacy lives on in our hearts.

[Duane C.E Smith, MP @dcesjam]

The Truth Matters Series was created to help Jamaicans get Factual Information from their elected representatives in an era where so much misinformation and disinformation is spread. I am proud of the work the Area Council 1 team has done in consistently and creatively engaging the people of Kingston & St Andrew and this is just the beginning.

Our commitment to Jamaica is the Truth. Not everyone with a camera and a mic will share the Facts. Let's continue the discussions on Jamaica's development, with the Truth as the foundation.

[Andrew Holness @AndrewHolnessJM]

For years, many residents of Tivoli Gardens have been waiting to secure full ownership of their homes. We are taking steps to help them move closer to that goal.

This afternoon, a total of 221 residents received Certificates of Possession, which will help advance the process of obtaining individual titles for their homes.

As part of this effort, all 250 outstanding accounts under the Tivoli Gardens High Rise Housing Programme benefited from the Government’s $150,000 write-off initiative. The accounts have been closed by the Housing Fund, and occupancy audits have been completed for 221 residents. The remaining 29 audits are to be completed.

We will continue working to resolve the remaining requirements so that more residents can move towards receiving their individual titles.

[Andrew Holness @AndrewHolnessJM]

A total of 221 Jamaicans received Letters of Possession, providing legal recognition of their right to occupy their land as they continue the process of securing ownership.

A Letter of Possession gives you the legal recognition of your right to occupy your property without disturbance. This document establishes your possession and is an important part of the process towards obtaining official titles.

I understand what this means for a family. It means having a place to call your own, building a home and creating something that can be passed on to your children.

Your Government remains committed to helping more Jamaicans regularise their land and gain the security that comes with having a recognised right to their property.

[Duane C.E Smith, MP @dcesjam]

This is a “delay tactic argument”.

Had this been done, the PNP would say the roles should be advertised and accuse the Govt of hand picking the persons to fill the posts.

[Kenneth Russell @tallawah]

Every single staff employed to NaRRA should have been seconded from Ministries and Agencies with consultants for additional technical support.

How much more will this cost us?

[Duane C.E Smith, MP @dcesjam]

Yesterday, I joined Government colleagues, family and friends in celebrating the life of Balford “Bally” Henry at his thanksgiving service. His contributions to Jamaican media and journalism will not be forgotten. Sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing.

[Duane C.E Smith, MP @dcesjam]

Happy Birthday Mom ❤️

[Duane C.E Smith, MP @dcesjam]

Happy Birthday Mom❤️