KINGSTON, Jamaica – A Stop Order has been placed on the construction project at the Blue Diamond Royalton Negril.

This was disclosed by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, who has also indicated that the Order, which was issued by the Hanover Parish Council, will be in force for an initial thirty days, after which the status of the project will be reviewed.

The Minister also revealed that he has now received a Preliminary Report from the Hanover Parish Council, into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the building at the construction site. This occurred less than two hours after he instructed that a report should be provided to him after today’s incident.

In commending the Parish Council for its swift response, McKenzie also announced the formation of a three-member committee, which will use the preliminary report as its initial point of reference to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the building collapse. The committee is comprised of: E G Hunter, Chief Executive Officer, National Works Agency

Norman Shand, City Engineer, Kingston & St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) and Dwight Wilson, Chief Technical Officer, Ministry of Local Government and Community Development.

The committee will have seven days in which to investigate and produce a report to the Minister.

“The gravity of the situation requires not only quick answers but also clear and accurate ones, in the context of actions taken in relation to any Approvals given and our laws and regulations, including the National Building Code. Given what I have seen of the preliminary report, this period is sufficient for the completion of a comprehensive investigation. I am aware that the principals of the project are en route to Jamaica from overseas, and so I expect that there will be clear opportunities for them and for us, to meet and to develop a clear path to the resolution of this very serious incident,” McKenzie said.