MONTEGO BAY, St James — Efforts by the St James Parish Council to enhance the physical environment of Montego Bay’s commercial centre, Sam Sharpe Square, are being hampered by thieves.

Within a few months of embarking on a $350,000 beautification project for the repairing and upgrading of damaged flower boxes and the planting of palm trees and flowers in the square, many of the plants have been stolen.

“Unfortunately, some of the smaller plants have been taken out by persons unknown; a simple word for that is stolen,” Mayor of Montego Bay councillor Charles Sinclair lamented.

Last December, before the start of the beautification project, Sinclair had urged members of the public to assist in maintaining the aesthetics of the city.

“From the council’s perspective, we see this project as an integral part of beautifying the city, we simply want to encourage persons to care for the environment as best as they possibly can, while discouraging any attempt to damage or remove plants or any other item used to add to the city’s aesthetics,” Sinclair said then.

Meanwhile, the repairing and repainting of the landmark Montego Bay Civic Centre which is being funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund at a cost of $2 million has not met its March deadline.

According to Sinclair, Superintendent of Roads and Works at the council, Kenroy Stewart had requested a three-month extension to complete the job.

Abuse by persons using the Civic Centre has resulted in defaced walls, damaged flooring and bathrooms.

Additionally, the undercroft to the rear of the building had become a hangout for persons who defecate and urinate in the area and also use it for “nocturnal activities”.

Sinclair told the Observer West that steps are now been taken to better secure the facility.

“The area is to be better secured and the council had also taken a decision on how the Civic Centre should be used going forward,” he said. He conceded, however, that “it is going to take a bit of resocialisation of our people…” for the situation to improve significantly.

The Municipal Police have stepped up their vigilance in and around the facility, Sinclair said.