Minister Floyd Green Announces Start of Independence Park Debris Removal

January 19, 2026 / Jamaica Live Medias /

Jamaica Live News Desk– | Jan 19, 2026

Member of Parliament for South West St. Elizabeth and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green, has announced that cleanup operations are now underway at Independence Park in Black River, as the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) intensifies efforts to remove debris left behind by Hurricane Melissa.

Independence Park had been used as a temporary holding site for hurricane debris in the aftermath of the storm. The current operation aims to fully clear the area, restore the space, and improve the overall quality of life for residents in and around Black River.

Bulky Waste Collection: January 19–24, 2026

As part of the ongoing cleanup, NSWMA has advised residents that bulky waste and debris collection will take place across several communities in South West St. Elizabeth during the week of January 19 to January 24, 2026. The areas scheduled for collection include:

  • Flat Rocks
  • New Town Housing Scheme
  • Piccadilly
  • Luana Housing Scheme
  • Middle Quarters (Main Road to Black River)
  • From Black River Hospital to Border
  • From Sandy Ground Gas Station to Luana Gas Station
  • Exchange Drive

NSWMA teams are already on the ground, working steadily to remove accumulated waste and ensure communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa continue their recovery.

Important Reminder to Residents

Residents are being strongly reminded not to pay sanitation workers for debris or bulky waste collection. These services are provided free of cost by the government through the NSWMA, and no payment should be requested or accepted. Residents are also being encouraged to look out for cleanup activities scheduled for their area and to place any bulky waste or hurricane debris at the roadside ahead of collection.

Part of Wider Recovery Efforts

The cleanup forms part of the broader national response following Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread damage across several parishes. Clearing Independence Park and surrounding communities marks another step in restoring normalcy, safeguarding public health, and enhancing environmental conditions in St. Elizabeth.

Minister Green commended the NSWMA teams for their ongoing work and encouraged residents to cooperate fully with sanitation crews as the parish continues its recovery and rebuilding process.

Jamaica Live will continue to monitor hurricane recovery efforts and provide updates from communities across the island.

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