Dear Editor,

Spanish Town occupies a unique place in Jamaica’s history as the island’s first capital. The time has come to begin a serious national conversation about positioning Spanish Town to attain the city status its history, significance, and potential deserve. Such a milestone, however, must be be built on deliberate planning, sustained investment, and a clear programme of urban renewal.

Before any proposal can be meaningfully advanced, we must first transform the parish capital and its immediate environs. Our priorities should include:

• modernising the town’s infrastructure through upgraded sewerage and water systems as well as improved roads, sidewalks, drainage, street lighting, and other essential public infrastructure.

• a sustained programme of urban renewal through landscaping, tree planting, restoration of public spaces, and effective solid waste management.

• redeveloping the Spanish Town Market while preserving, restoring, and enhancing Emancipation Square and the surrounding historic buildings.

• developing a comprehensive tourism and destination marketing strategy that positions Spanish Town as Jamaica’s premier heritage destination, capitalising on its unmatched history, architecture, and cultural assets.

• establishing an investment framework that encourages meaningful public and private sector investment in the revitalisation of the town centre and surrounding communities.

The improving security environment also presents a significant opportunity. With crime and violence at some of the lowest levels the parish has experienced in recent years, this is the ideal time to encourage investment, expand tourism, and accelerate renewal. We must seize this moment.

This is about more than infrastructure, it is about economic development. A revitalised Spanish Town will create jobs, attract investment, strengthen municipal revenues, and restore civic pride throughout St Catherine.

I, therefore, call on the Government of Jamaica, in partnership with the St Catherine Municipal Corporation, to provide the financial, technical, and policy support needed to develop and implement a clear road map towards city status for Spanish Town.

I also call upon Prime Minister Andrew Holness, members of the Cabinet, Members of Parliament representing St Catherine, the Opposition, the business community, and civil society to lend their voices to this national endeavour. This initiative is about preserving our heritage, unlocking our economic potential, and ensuring that future generations inherit a Spanish Town worthy of its remarkable history.

Spanish Town has already secured its place in our history. Let us now ensure that it secures its rightful place in Jamaica’s future.

Councillor Sydney Rose

Treadways Division

sydneysrose06@gmail.com