NEW YORK, United States — FORMER Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding said here Saturday that the rapid expansion in housing development, commerce and diversification of the population in Old Harbour, St Catherine, has left the community “at risk of losing its character, its identity and sense of community, which are traditional values and spirit of the area”.

He argued, however, that the risk “can be avoided by simply embracing the cultural infusion of those of different origins, experiences, and skills”, which can benefit Old Harbour as it continues to expand and grow.

Golding, who delivered the keynote address at the 25th anniversary and awards banquet of the Old Harbour and Friends Association, a non-profit body in Queens, noted that the transformation and expansion of Old Harbour has also brought “serious pressure on some services”.

These included garbage collection, roads, public markets and fire services, according to the former prime minister.

Golding said that the situation could become more serious with the continued growth of the population, which he said has moved from 4,000 in 1959 to more than 40, 000 currently, and as other developments such as the 2,000-unit Colbeck Castle housing development take shape.

He commended current Member of Parliament for the Old Harbour area, Everald Warmington, whom he described as a diamond in the rough, abrasive and hostile to the media,“but vigilant and effective, for much of the development and expansion currently taking place in the area”.

Commending the Old Harbour and Friends Association for its 25 years of service to the community, Golding urged its members to visit the community and see the transformation taking place.

“All of us must also help to guide this transformation,” he said, adding that this is to ensure the spirit, culture and values of Old Harbour remain indelibly enduring.