A new building, constructed by the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing at a cost of $2.9 million, was officially handed over to the Portmore Community College on November 5.

The 549 square-ft concrete post and panel building will serve to boost the capacity of the St Catherine-based institution.

Minister with responsibility for Housing, Dr Morais Guy, said the contract for the undertaking was signed on March 12, 2014 with work commencing on March 24. The project also included electrical works.

Dr Guy noted that Portmore Community College has been providing quality academic and vocational opportunities for young people who reside in the municipality and the wider St Catherine, as well as persons from Corporate Area communities.

“It was therefore not a challenge when the ministry was asked to assist… we acceded to that request,” Dr Guy said.

“This demonstration of collaboration between different areas of government can only benefit the country.”

Dr Guy said initially, the college had wanted three units to be built, including one at its Old Harbour campus, “however, the college subsequently asked that all three units be combined into one structure and constructed at the Portmore campus as it would better serve the intended purpose.”

The Portmore Community College is affiliated with the Council of Community Colleges and the University Council of Jamaica.

It has articulation agreements with the University of the West Indies, the University of Technology, City College, Birmingham, and Monroe College, New York.