It was some months ago that Prime Minister Andrew Holness passed on to the public his declaration that he and his Cabinet will get going with plans to change the status of the mid-Kingston area known as Heroes Circle. The prime minister revealed the intention to re-develop the area to locate a new parliament building and other ministry offices in what is to be described as the “Government Oval Campus”.

The portion of lands, for many years, was once popularly known as Race Course. It served as a recreational space for the residents of Allman Town as well as the adjoining neighbourhood of Kingston Gardens. Over the years, Race Course has provided an open space for adults and youth alike to play games and sports, while some after-work activities brought valuable compensation.

At another end of the mid-sitting National Heroes’ Park, there is the ‘Place of the Heroes’, where leaders of the nation who have passed away are remembered and revered. Adjoining is a place of burial for citizens who, in their time, contributed to the nation with their creative talent. As a result, in appreciation, they were shown the love and respect in the burial at the special location. In this section of the park lies some of the heroes of the arts and culture, among them the Louise Bennett-Coverley and her spouse Eric Coverley, fellow thespian Ranny Williams, and popular singer Dennis Brown.

The surrounding community hosts government departments, many homes, small businesses, schools, and churches, including the long-established St Matthew’s Anglican Church which has been at that site on Weeville Gordon Street (formerly Hitchen Street) since 1895 and has continued to serve the community along with other places of worship which are located near Race Course.

The new vision for the 40-plus acres of Heroes Circle and adjoining areas is now the topic of conversation. Perhaps the most important change will be the relocation of the House of Parliament from Duke Street. A design competition has been launched in the hopes of coming up with a plan that will provide a more effective home for the seat of government as the day-to-day business of governance has outgrown the current space.

One of the most challenging areas is the re-shaping of the residential areas which surround Race Course. On Tuesday night of this week, the RJRGleaner called together a wide spectrum of citizens, especially those who have their own concerns as to what will happen to their community in the process. The largest concern was caused by a lack of information. Residents felt that they were not being included in discussions and this would affect their lives. Many of the questions of the evening were: Would residents be relocated to other areas? How would they be accommodated during the re-development plan? Who and what would have to go? Who or what would remain?

At the public gathering, officials insisted that they were still in the “visioning stage” and residents would have to exercise patience until the full plans are made known to the public. Representatives of the Urban Development Corporation and the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation did their best to give answers, urging calm to the people of the wider community who were anxious to know what lies ahead. The phrase “no loss of use” was brought out to give assurance to soothe the concerns of the citizens. Promises have also been made to speed up the timetable for community consultations. What is clear is that there is much more that the people want to know.

Many citizens, architects and historians are deeply concerned about the future of Allman Town. The families there are anxious to get to the truth. It is not just the current residents alone who are concerned, but the many other persons who have a shared history with Race Course. They cannot be treated lightly, although we would assume that there is a needed spirit of co-operation to press forward even more determinedly. Improvements to infrastructure are not only necessary, but likewise are the needs and wishes of the people.

Question of the day: Will the Government listen to the voice of the people?

Artisan villages

Earlier this week I made a stop at the Kingston Craft Market to make a purchase. Art and crafts were fully on display. Brightly coloured clothing, imaginative wooden carvings, intricately woven straw products and other goods filled the market, but unfortunately business was slow.

Despite that, the vendors were doing their best to be upbeat. The goods were attractive, so where were the buyers? As some of the vendors sat waiting on chances for sales, the topic of conversation was: What will happen when tourism takes root in Port Royal, just across Kingston Harbour? Isn’t it is being said that tourists are going to be over there?

Plans have been announced of artisan villages being set up in resort areas where artists and artisans will have their work on show allowing for more interaction with visitors. We are hearing that Port Royal is to be developed to attract cruise ship visitors. It is said that other tourists who can now take the trip from the north coast are expected to get to know attractions in Kingston and St Andrew.

The biggest question was: Where we fit een?

Everybody had the same concern, why not work to improve the craft markets and give everyone a chance to make a living like other people?

There have been meetings among the vendors in the various craft markets across the island who are deeply concerned about their living too. Many craft vendors have been promoting Jamaican art and crafts for several years, despite the difficult times and promises of better to come. The current president of the Downtown Craft Market Association Karol Stubb-Jamieson and the other vendors are hopeful that these planned developments will give fair treatment to those who have worked so long and so hard.

Sitill, development of downtown Kingston is underway. New buildings are being erected and old ones given new purpose. The waterfront has been greatly improved. Effort is required now to ensure that the Kingston Craft Market continues.

Barbara Gloudon is a journalist, playwright and commentator. Send comments to the Observer or gloudonb@yahoo.com.