PORT MARIA, St Mary – Mayor of Port Maria, Fitzroy Wilson lamented that the parish capital needs a face-lift to make it more attractive for residents and visitors alike.

Mayor Wilson was speaking at the recently held parish council meeting on Thursday, April 11, where he stated that these observations were made on a recent tour of the town. He revealed that on that visit, he toured the newly built market, the Horace Clarke Transportation Centre, the swing bridge and other areas in the town centre, including the Port Maria Infirmary.

Mayor Wilson said following his tour, he believes the parish has immense potential, particularly the market. He said the latter has the space to accommodate more vendors.

“There is still space in the market that can hold more vendors rather than them selling on the streets,” he said, citing that there is a section of the market on the upper floor which has the potential of becoming an income generator for the corporation.

“That space can be looked at to be rented to hold events as the necessary infrastructure is already in place to do so,” he said.

The mayor lamented that there is also a need to make the town more friendly and accessible to the physically and visually impaired without interference from street vendors.

“We are looking at putting up barriers from Jamaica National on that side of the road up to the entrance of Giant car park. That side of the road  is overrun with street-side vending and people are walking onto the street and it poses a challenge for the physically and visually challenged persons.”

Beautification plans for the town centre include painting the curbs in the town centre along with replanting of trees.

The mayor concluded that the overall facelift of the town would bring back its beauty and pride. He further outlined that there will be long-term and short-term remedies to getting Port Maria back to a place of prestige.

He went on to add that the facelift process will also take place in other town centres including Highgate, Annotto Bay, Oracabessa and Gayle.

-Ingrid Henry