KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is looking to provide incentives to encourage private sector investment in unoccupied buildings in Kingston.

He said that there are many vacant buildings across the municipality and it is critical that the Government provide regulatory and incentive support for their restoration.

These structures, he pointed out, could be remodelled and upgraded for commercial use, and to provide much-needed space for the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry.

“It is now time for us to take a general look at the city of Kingston and engage the private sector as to what the Government can do to support them in investing in these buildings for commercial use. That must be part of the economic-growth and job-creation strategy,” he said.

The prime minister was delivering the keynote address at a dedication ceremony for the new premises of the Ministry of Justice, located at 61 Constant Spring Road, St Andrew, on June 15.

The ministry was relocated after its Oxford Road offices were ordered closed earlier this year due to air-quality issues and the effect on the health of the staff.

A sum of $100 million was approved by Cabinet for the move.