KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances that led to today’s collapse of the building at the Royalton construction site in Negril, Westmoreland.

“Having regard to the fact that development approvals and the enforcement of construction standards in existing buildings, and buildings being built fall under the purview of my ministry, I have instructed that the facts are to be clearly determined, and that I am to receive a comprehensive report containing those facts within 24 hours, that is to say, tomorrow afternoon.”

A section of the building which is under construction at the Royalton Negril Resort and Spa in Westmoreland collapsed this morning, injuring several workers. The property, which is located on the site of the former Grande Lido Negril, is currently being renovated.

In expressing concern for the injured, Minister McKenzie said: “We hope that they will all make it through this ordeal. They are in my prayers.

“I must also recognise the work of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the staff at Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover, and the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland, and volunteers who have simply given unselfishly of themselves to help people at this very difficult time,” he said.