MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Ground was officially broken in the Mandeville town centre on Thursday to signify phase two of upgrading work.

As part of the project, dilapidated parish council-owned shops rented to retailers were closed and have since been demolished.

Ten modern kiosks will be constructed to replace them, at a cost of approximately US$100,000.

The project has financial backing from the Government of Canada through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (formerly Canadian International Development Agency – CIDA).

Phil Rodriques, local economic development officer for the Manchester region, said that without factors such as rain delaying the project, it should be completed by the end of September or mid-October.

He said that the anticipated project outcomes include direct and spin-off employment opportunities. Canadian representative at the function Kelly Thompson

“Small and medium-size businesses are proven engines of local economic growth. Local governments, as you well know, have a vital role to play as conveners, promoters, alliance brokers, facilitators and advocates to support business and foster social and economic development in their region,” said.

The kiosks are intended to complement the restored Cecil Charlton Park and a green space for special events in close proximity.

The enclosed Cecil Charlton Park constituted phase one of the redevelopment activities. New benches, brick paved walkways, decorative metal fencing, shade and ornamental trees, flowers, solar lights, historical sign boards, busts of National Hero Norman Manley and former Mandeville mayor Cecil Charlton, as well as a water fountain, now adorn the park.

Mayor of Mandeville Brenda Ramsey said redevelopment of the park was taking place within the context of Manchester’s local sustainable development plan.

“Manchester within the last six years has managed to complete a local sustainable development plan that will guide the parish’s development over the next 20 years…With the closure of the bauxite industry and the global recession, the timing could not have been more ideal,” Ramsay said.

She said the Manchester Parish Council has partnered with local, national and international agencies and organisations over the last decade and has successfully developed a public participatory planning approach that became the model for other parishes across Jamaica.