Mayor optimistic about plans to revitalise downtown Kingston

Sunday, November 22, 2009 12:07 AM

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Wednesday, November 04, 2009

MAYOR of Kingston Councillor Desmond McKenzie says downtown Kingston can look forward to a number of positive developments in 2010.

The mayor, who was speaking Sunday at a church service launching Kingston and St Andrew's Local Government Month celebrations, also commended telecommunications company, Digicel, on their decision to move downtown next year.

"I am encouraged by certain recent developments, including the announcement by Digicel that they will be building their new corporate office in downtown Kingston. We hope that it will give a welcome boost to the long delayed redevelopment of the city and encourage other corporate entities to become a part of this very important process," he said.

The service, held at the Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic), kicked off a number of activities planned by the KSAC in observation of Local Government Month.

Mayor McKenzie, making his first public appearance since a recent operation, noted that the foundation was already being laid for the redevelopment of downtown Kingston.

More than $250 million, he said, has already being spent constructing a new urban transport centre, and for the upgrading of St Willliam Grant Park, the main green area in that part of the city. Work has also started on the Simon Bolivar Cultural Centre, North Parade, which will include a 350-seat multi-cultural centre and exhibit hall.

"And, we have the Government's commitment to ensure that none of its agencies which are currently based downtown will move out," said McKenzie.