MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Mayor of Mandeville Donovan Mitchell says with this south-central town expanding rapidly and with provisions made to accommodate more rooms per acre, institutions such as Church Teachers’ College (CTC) should capitalise on the opportunity presented.

“The vision of Church Teachers’ College has to be putting up a five-storey boarding accommodation here because we have, at the Manchester Municipal Corporation now, began discussions with NEPA [National Environment and Planning Agency] about establishing what we call the per acreage,” he said last Thursday during an address at the college.

NEPA last met with the municipality on July 15.

“Anybody who does real estate would understand that in Manchester we have a maximum of 30 habitable rooms per acre. What we have done now is to extend it in some areas to 50 habitable rooms, and if you are so obliged you might get 80 habitable rooms,” Mitchell said.

He pointed out that Mandeville, often regarded as a university town, is attractive for multi-storey buildings.

“Here at Church Teachers’ College it would fit well into making sure you have a lovely five-storey building so that you can accommodate more students,” he said.

“The other thing we are looking to do is the roadway that leads to Church Teachers’ College — whether to make it [a] one-way or to have it remain as it is — because we understand the traffic congestion that is coming into the town,” he added.

Mitchell, who noted that Mandeville’s commercial zone is to be expanded, said: “We are also extending the roads — Greenvale Road, New Green Road, Manchester Road — into Mandeville to make them commercial belts so that as you build Mandeville you have more space for commercial activities, because some people say that Mandeville is a very quiet town, there is no commercial activity. So, we want to make sure that those who go to school in Mandeville will stay in Mandeville and help to build Mandeville, and don’t move back to Kingston, because Mandeville is the place to live, learn, do business, and retire,” he said,

Mitchell, in the meantime, commended CTC for its legacy of six decades.

“It has not only stood the test of time but has flourished, evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of the 21st century. For six decades CTC has been a beacon of excellence, shaping the minds and characters of countless individuals who have gone on to impact the world in immeasurable ways,” he said.

“The legacy we honour today is built on the dedication, passion and vision of those who came before us,” he added.

Mark Kerr-Jarrett, executive chair and managing director of Barnett Limited, also commended CTC on its milestone.

Jarrett is the grandson of former St James Custos Francis Kerr-Jarett, who spearheaded the fund-raising and contributed to the purchasing of lands and building of the college in 1965.

“Perhaps his most profound legacy lies in unwavering belief in the power of education. Sir Francis recognised education as the cornerstone of a prosperous nation, a beacon guiding future generations towards empowerment and advancement,” said Jarrett.

State minister in the Ministry of Education Marsha Smith also commended Church Teachers’ College on its milestone.

“We are not just celebrating the passage of time; we are also celebrating impact. It is a recognition of the countless educators who have dedicated their lives to the noble profession of teaching and who have played a critical role in building the foundation of our society,” she said.