The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is a statutory body of the Ministry of Health, established as part of the Health Sector reform through the National Health Services Act of 1997. Located in Jamaica’s western region, the WRHA serves four key parishes: Trelawny, St. James, Hanover, and Westmoreland.
The authority delivers healthcare through a comprehensive network of four hospitals and 84 health centers strategically positioned throughout the region. Its key hospitals include Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny, Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover, and Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland. This extensive infrastructure ensures broad healthcare coverage for the western parishes.
Governed by a Board of Directors, the WRHA has distinguished itself as a leader in healthcare provision on the island. Its mission focuses on promoting the physical, mental, and social well-being of the region’s population, with a commitment to enhancing the quality of life through comprehensive and accessible healthcare services. To achieve its mission, the staff and the Board of the SERHA must ensure there is robust corporate governance. Let’s see how they are doing!!
The National Water Commission (NWC), established in 1980 through the merger of the Kingston and St. Andrew Water Commission and the National Water Authority, is a statutory organization dedicated to supporting national development. The NWC provides high-quality potable water and sewerage services to residential and commercial customers in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. It currently serves over 74% of the population with piped water and 19% with sewerage services, through a network of over 1,000 water supply facilities (including wells, treatment plants, and pumping stations) and more than 11,000 kilometers of water mains. In addition, the NWC operates 68 wastewater treatment plants, over 100 wastewater pump stations, and more than 500 kilometers of collector and trunk sewers.
Looking ahead, the NWC plans to invest $10,067 million in capital expenditure for 2025/26. This investment will focus on upgrading infrastructure, expanding the network, and improving service delivery. A key priority for the organization is to enhance energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. As part of this initiative, the NWC plans to install 350kW solar systems at the Leaders Avenue pump station and 100kW solar systems at the Frasers Content pumping station, with completion expected by the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. These installations are projected to reduce energy consumption from the national grid by 800kW during daylight hours by the end of the financial year.
Despite these efforts, the NWC anticipates a deficit of $1,885.57 million for the 2025/26 financial year, an improvement from the $2,036.62 million deficit in 2024/25.
The University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), the first teaching hospital in the Caribbean, was established to provide exceptional training and healthcare services. Located adjacent to the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), UHWI has played a pivotal role in healthcare education and patient care since its inception in 1949. It officially opened in 1953 and has since become an internationally recognized academic institution.
UHWI is a Type A regional referral hospital with 579 beds and a team of over 2,500 professionals dedicated to teaching, research, and providing high-quality patient care. The hospital offers a broad range of services across various specialties, including Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Radiology, and Anaesthetics. It has expanded over the years with advanced departments, research units, and cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the region.
As a major training center for medical, nursing, and other healthcare professionals, UHWI continues to be a leader in healthcare delivery, supporting excellence in clinical education, research, and patient care. Let’s take a look at their corporate governance progress!
The National Insurance Fund (NIF), established under Section 39 of the National Insurance Act, manages the investment portfolio to maximize returns and provide pensions and other benefits to eligible individuals registered under the National Insurance Scheme. The NIF receives funding through contributions made to the National Insurance Scheme, and it invests these contributions. The Fund then disburses pensions and other benefits to those eligible under the Scheme.
The National Insurance Act requires regular actuarial reviews to ensure that payment rates will sustain the Fund’s health in the future. Therefore, effective financial planning is essential. In 1990, the Government established the National Insurance Board, recognising the need for careful management of the NIF’s diversified investments. The current 16-member Board brings expertise in banking, investment, finance, legal affairs, real estate, and social sectors. To fulfill its mandate, the NIF’s staff and Board must uphold strong corporate governance. Let’s take a look at their progress!
The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) was established by the Urban Development Act of 1968 and it plays a critical role in advancing Jamaica’s sustainable and holistic urban
development. The main activity of the Corporation is to undertake urban and rural renewal,
while safeguarding natural resources and promoting economic advancement in specific areas
designated by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ).
During the 2025/26 financial year, the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) will continue to play a pivotal role in transforming Jamaica’s urban centres and rural towns. In alignment with its mandate for urban development, the UDC will advance several major projects, including the Hellshire Sewage Treatment Plant Expansion, Portmore Resilience Park, Kingston Harbour Walk, and the Montego Bay Southern Groyne. These initiatives aim to enhance infrastructure, promote environmental resilience, and improve public spaces.
The UDC forecasts a net surplus of $1,248.06 million for the budget year. To achieve its target, the UDC staff and Board must uphold strong corporate governance. Let’s take a look at their progress!
