The National Works Agency will be implementing traffic changes in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, today and tomorrow.

These changes are being made to reduce traffic congestion in the town during the traditional Grand Market activities. Community relations officer for the NWA's Western Region, Janel Ricketts, says vehicular traffic will not be allowed along Great George Street between 5:00 p.m. today and 6:00 a.m. tomorrow.

She says Barracks Road, which is a one-way, will be converted to a two-way for the duration of the change. Police officers will also be present to assist with traffic control and to give directions. Additional parking will be provided at the transportation centre and motorists are asked to obey posted warning signs.

- Contributed

Minister of Housing, Transport, Water and Works, Robert Pickersgill, has announced the construction of a multimillion-dollar transport centre for the town of Linstead, St. Catherine.

The minister was speaking recently at the opening of a new taxi stand in the town. He said the taxi stand and the new transport centre would reduce traffic congestion significantly in Linstead. The new taxi stand will accommodate taxis serving the communities of Wakefield, Banbury, Ewarton, Bog walk, Lluidas Vale and Orange Field.

- Contributed

Over 800 people who were affected by flood waters, which damaged the town of Port Maria and surrounding communities earlier this month, received grants to assist in rebuilding efforts from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Flood waters from the Othrum River in the parish damaged many homes and businesses. Families lost valuable furniture and appliances while some businesses not only had there premises totally flooded out, but also suffered from looting.

- Lisia Lynch

Thousands of persons from across Montego Bay and its environs converged on Sam Sharpe Square Monday, to participate in the municipal Christmas tree-lighting ceremony and concert, put on by the St. James Parish Council.

Bringing greetings to the large gathering, Custos of St. James, Clarence Nelson, called on all citizens to enjoy the season in the spirit it was intended to be enjoyed, always mindful of the many blessings from God.

- JIS

A preliminary estimate of damage done to farms in Portland, as a result of last month's heavy rains, has been put at $24.5 million.

Crawford Clarke, Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) parish manager for Portland, said the crops most affected were vegetables, condiments, ground provision, plantain, carrots and corn. He also noted that losses were suffered in livestock production, with 25,000 chickens, 80 goats and 70 pigs destroyed. He said a total of 25 kilometres of farm roads in the parish were badly damaged due to flooding and landslides.