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KINGSTON, Jamaica — Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen says amendments will be made to the Disaster Risk Management Act to sufficiently meet ever-changing realities.

Delivering the Throne Speech at the ceremonial opening of Parliament at Gordon House today, he said the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and its portfolio agencies, and local authorities, play a pivotal role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been charged with the responsibility of the Disaster Risk Management Act, which has formed the basis for the national response. In keeping with ongoing efforts to be sufficiently responsive to ever-changing conditions, amendments will be made to the Disaster Risk Management Act,” the governor-general shared.

 

The throne speech outlines the Government’s plans and programmes for the new legislative year, which begins on April 1.

 

Meanwhile, the Governor-General said through social protection programmes and initiatives, several activities were undertaken to care for the vulnerable.

 

He said care packages were provided to the homeless and a special feeding programme was initiated to provide at least two meals per day for them.

 

The Governor-General noted, too, that the Church Street shelter was opened to provide accommodation to more than 70 homeless persons in the downtown area of Kingston, while temporary shelters were established in St Catherine

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