There can be no doubt that among the major spin-offs of the dramatic decline in crime, more especially murders, could be added sustainability in Jamaica’s life-giving tourism product.

Our long-standing crime challenge has been a turn-off for potential visitors for as long as most Jamaicans can remember.

Kingston and its environs have suffered as much, if not more, than any other region in this country from crime and violence.

Over the last half a century especially, that fact has hampered efforts to rebrand Jamaica’s capital — among the more historic and culturally rich cities in the Americas — as a place to visit, relax, and enjoy.

Whichever political party forms Government after next Wednesday’s parliamentary general election will be expected to continue the provision of material support for the security forces so that their good work is sustained for the long haul.

Allied to that must be a continuing drive to refresh downtown Kingston and its waterfront by way of restoration efforts which date back to the 1960s.

For sure, the Kingston waterfront has benefited from the migration to that area of a few corporate head offices and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in recent years.

Mass departure by large businesses and well-off residents six decades ago seriously undermined the once-thriving downtown area.

Work to clean up and restore water quality in Kingston Harbour must also continue. The world’s seventh largest natural harbour, protected by the eight-mile long Palisadoes strip, Kingston Harbour is home to one of the busiest ports in our region.

We think it useful to remind readers that a popular swimming event, across Kingston Harbour, was banned in the 1980s because of poor water quality.

Let’s imagine the economic benefits if Kingston Harbour could be restored as a premier venue for water sports such as the cross-harbour swim and recreational/commercial fishing.

Relatively recent wall murals and other beautification projects in downtown communities provide ongoing sources of optimism. And last December we applauded plans by Urban Development Corporation (UDC) for design work to start this year on a 25-kilometre park stretching from downtown Kingston to historic Port Royal.

We were told that the project, Kingston Harbour Walk (KHW), is expected to be a “world-class, green and sustainable public space supported by a multiplicity of experiences to connect Jamaicans (presumably visitors as well) with Kingston’s coastline”.

Now we hear of plans to further enhance Port Royal — the historic pirate city which was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1692 — as a visitor destination.

The Port Royal Saloon Waters Tour will be a collaboration between the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) and Red Stripe involving what’s being described as a curated heritage-based bar-hopping walking experience.

It will feature themed guides, period-inspired storytelling, “while visitors sip on signature cocktails that evoke the history of Port Royal’s maritime trade and exploits of pirates”.

According to TPDCo Executive Director Wade Mars, “This initiative will open new doors for community development, foster entrepreneurial opportunities, and invite visitors to experience Port Royal in a way that is authentic, educational, and sustainable.”

Inevitably, such a project would complement the offerings of adjacent Kingston — just across the harbour.

Hopefully, too, it will play its small part in facilitating meaningful economic growth so badly needed for the greater good of all.