Black River, St Elizabeth, December 15, 2025: The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) is confirming its readiness to lead the cleanup of the town of Black River following the Prime Minister’s announcement directing the Corporation to assume responsibility for this phase of post-Hurricane Melissa recovery.The directive was issued during a site visit to Black River, where the Prime Minister outlined the Government’s expectations for timely execution, public health protection, and the restoration of normal activity within the town.
Chairman of the Urban Development Corporation, Norman Brown, said the Corporation is mobilizing its resources in keeping with the Prime Minister’s guidance.“The Prime Minister has made it clear that this work must be done efficiently and with a clear focus on restoring normalcy,” Chairman Brown said. “We have assessed the situation on the ground, and the UDC is prepared to move forward with the cleanup of Black River in a way that supports businesses, residents, and public spaces.”Chairman Brown noted that the assignment aligns with the Corporation’s responsibility to support urban environments, particularly in periods of disruption.“Our role is to help stabilize urban spaces so that communities can recover and function,” he said. “That is the focus of the work we are preparing to undertake in Black River.”UDC General Manager, Bobby Honeyghan, said operational planning is underway, with emphasis on sanitation and environmental health as outlined by the Prime Minister.“The Prime Minister underscored the public health risks associated with post-disaster debris, and our approach reflects that,” Mr Honeyghan said. “The work will include sanitization of sidewalks and roadways to help improve conditions and allow people to move through the town safely as recovery continues.”
Mr Honeyghan added that the Corporation is focused on timely execution and coordination. “We are preparing to move quickly and methodically,” he said. “The objective is to clear debris and support the return of daily activity in the town.”
The UDC said its work in Black River will be carried out in coordination with the wider national recovery effort following Hurricane Melissa, in keeping with the Prime Minister’s direction that recovery activities remain focused and complementary.Chairman Brown also noted the importance of morale and community confidence as recovery progresses. “The Prime Minister spoke about the importance of lifting spirits and restoring a sense of normal life,” he said. “Clean, safe public spaces are part of that recovery, and the UDC is committed to delivering on that expectation.”The Urban Development Corporation expects to commence work shortly and will provide updates as cleanup activities progress.“Our priority is to support the people of Black River through practical, visible action,” Mr Honeyghan said. “That is what we are preparing to deliver.” –
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