MP welcomes talks on new Portmore park
ST Catherine South Eastern Member of Parliament (MP) Robert Miller says consultations are continuing with the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) on commencing work on the long-promised Resilient Park for Portmore.
“Three consultations were had with the Urban Development Corporation, and work will commence soon on the Resilient Park. This will be a state-of-the-art facility on the parcel of land that is adjacent to the Portmore Mall,” Miller said, as he made his contribution to the state of the constituencies debate in the House of Representatives last Wednesday.
“I have been lobbying for this, pitched the concept with the UDC, presented the idea in my debate last year and was happy to hear through the prime minister’s presentation in Parliament in March of this year that ground will be broken in this financial year,” he said.
Miller had raised the issue in earlier presentations in the House of Representatives last year, as he continued to lobby for the park, as well as the granting of rights for Portmore to become the country’s 15th parish.
His spirit was finally raised when the prime minister advised the audience at a ground-breaking ceremony in Portmore, on August 26, for the construction of the Sandown Palms housing development, that ground will be broken this year for the Resilient Park, which will be developed on 25 acres of land.
Holness said then that not only were things at an advanced stage in terms of the development of the park, but funding is already in place and the designs were being finalised, “to create a magnificent park for Portmore”.
Miller said that he has since met with some individuals who would like to develop all of the green areas in Portmore.
“Let me hope that this will bear fruit. We are at a preliminary stage in the discussions, but things are looking good from my standpoint, as it is our plan to ensure that we have at least one green area in every community that families can enjoy,” he told the House.
“Without a doubt, St Catherine South Eastern will become a model constituency to live, work and raise families in, as we build together, stronger,” he argued.
Turning to his other main issue — support for Portmore becoming the country’s 15th parish — Miller said he was “honoured and humbled’ to have served on the joint select committee which reviewed the proposal.
“I encourage the citizens of Portmore not to fear this breakthrough development, as this will be a win-win for all. We have heard the critiques which have not gone on deaf ears, most of which is not a prerequisite for Portmore to obtain parish status,” he said.
“However, we encourage the powers that be to move hastily for additional amenities to be placed in Portmore. We encourage the municipal council to have dialogue with the citizens, and select a fitting area for a state-of-the-art market for all.
“We would welcome the minister of transport to look at properties available to place a state-of-the art Island Traffic Authority Examination Depot in Portmore, to cater to the citizens and we are anticipating the ‘class A’ hospital that was promised by the prime minister and the relocation of the Waterford Health Centre,” he said.
“We deserve Portmore as the 15th parish of Jamaica, the first parish that we will select as a people, and most citizens like myself are of the view that we can handle our own affairs. We are steadfast as a people, and will work stronger together,” he stated.
Miller also reported that he has been in discussions with Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang and his minister of state, Zavia Mayne, regarding the state of the Waterford and Bridgeport police sub-stations.
“Both areas are in dire need of attention, so the hard-working officers can work in better working environments, as I continue to lobby for more resources, in form of boots on the ground, bicycle patrol, motor vehicles and bikes.
“I need to remind the citizens that each of us have a part to play with this fight against crime. Let us be an informer for a better Jamaica. Let us be our brother’s keeper, as we all curtail this monster of crime and violence,” he added.
Miller also commended the Garveymeade community for reintroducing its community neighbourhood watch programme. He encouraged other communities to follow their example and install CCTV cameras in their homes and connect to JamaicaEye.
“This, in itself, will deter criminals, and assist with protecting our space and communities,” he said. “Criminals must know that there is no place for them in St Catherine South Eastern. We are losing too many of our brothers and sisters, and we refuse to lose any more.”