KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Member of Parliament for East Central St Catherine, Arnaldo Brown, says some $3 billion has been spent over the past four years on development projects in the constituency.

Brown, who is also Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, made the disclosure during his contribution to the State of the Constituency Debate in the House of Representatives, on Tuesday.

He informed that focus was placed on sports, infrastructure, and employment, including economic enablement and training.

On the matter of Sports, Brown said $24 million was spent under the sugar transformation initiative to refurbish the Lime Tree Grove/ Lakes Pen sports complex, where a number of amenities were installed.

The multi-purpose centre houses a police post and facilities for sports and other community activities.

He also cited establishment of the Hamilton Gardens Cricket Oval in Portmore, where some $7 million has been spent to date.

 As it relates to youth engagement, Brown said a marching band has been  established through the provision of $2 million from the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund.

“We do have a band that is in place and keeping young people engaged and active,” Brown noted.

On the matter of housing, the MP said some 61 one bedroom and 276 studio units will be built in the Bernard Lodge area in phase one of the project.

“This is a larger project that will impact three constituencies in that particular area,” Brown said.

On the infrastructure, the MP said several projects have been undertaken to improve the communities under the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP).