MONTEGO BAY, ST JAMES — Councillor for the Montego Bay North East Division Senator Charles Sinclair believes the introduction of commercial and social activities at the entrance of Flanker has contributed to a change to how people perceive the community.

In a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer, Charles, a former mayor, revealed that the work done in the space has been integral in bringing together not only residents from the community but those from outside as well.

“What we have here is just a major transformation of the space and have made it inviting for everybody from within the community, wherever they are, whichever section they are from within the community and a space that can attract persons who even come from out the community to come here and to enjoy what [is now] taking place within the community of Flanker,” he remarked.

“I think persons who pass see our lovely sign that we have constructed, through funding from the municipal corporation. The sign ‘Welcome to Flanker’ is at the front, it just brings a different look,” he added.

In 2019, through funding from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to the tune of $20 million, work was done that has transformed the area, providing opportunities not only for vending but also recreational activities as well.

It has resulted in the establishment of a food court, inclusive of fruit stalls, commercial space where a car sales business is now ongoing and also sporting facilities for football, netball and basketball.

“It has given an upliftment to the entrance to the community. If you know how Flanker operates, this is what you call a communal space, so persons would come to the entrance of Flanker and it don’t matter where they come from,” Sinclair said

At the same time, chair of the TEF Godfrey Dyer said the feedback received since the development of the space has been a positive one.

“We have been getting positive feedback from time to time. Even the football field… has lights and all that sort of thing, so we’ve been getting very positive feedback from the people of Flanker,” he remarked.

“We wanted to change the image of Flanker and we thought if something like that was done, especially at the entrance, to uplift the life of people that are there, and give them somewhere good to sell their war and do what they have to do; it could help to enlighten everybody and uplift everybody and it’s certainly is working,” Dwyer added, saying he is proud of the TEF in the project.

The space has been further enhanced with the construction of facilities for the Jamaica Defence Force which lies just across the road and also the further expansion of the Sangster International Airport.

Senator Sinclair, meanwhile, indicated that the municipal corporation would be looking at further additions to the space to include putting establishments in place to get visitors to stop and enjoy what is on offer in the area.

“Across here where you have the stalls; we want it to basically be a stop for tourists. Think about it, tour companies, tourists coming here they can stop there and can get every Jamaican food you can possibly think of from the stalls.

For Senator Sinclair, Flanker individuals need to recognise that there is a lot of good in the community.

“Many persons pass along the corridor, they hear stories about Flanker, they hear the bad things that are published in the newspaper, in the media, various media saying, ‘Oh, a man was shot in Flanker’. But there are many good things that come from out of the community,” he remarked.