KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for information, Robert Morgan, is encouraging Jamaicans to visit and experience the Creative District downtown Kingston, as the city continues to undergo a major transformation.

Morgan, who was speaking during a tour of the area on Friday with Mayor of Kingston, Delroy Williams, noted that the municipality has done a lot of work in the area, which has improved the space for the better.

“Kingston is changing and it’s changing for the better. I think more Jamaicans need to see and know what is happening down here,” Morgan said.

“The municipality has done a lot of work in terms of improving the space and Jamaicans would be happy with what is going on,” he added.

The murals, which include bold, larger than life paintings, tells the stories of Jamaica’s musical past and depicts icons such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Millie Small.

Some have been painted by international artists as gifts from other governments, but the majorities are the work of local talent.

In addition, several murals and improvement activities have been taking place along Mark Lane and Water Lane. These streets are part of the city’s ‘Kulture Key’ project, which also covers sections of Tower Street, Duke Street and Church Street.

The objective is to transform the area, which is designed to have the shape of a key into creative spaces that showcase Jamaican food, craft, artwork, music and dance, with the intent to attract locals and tourists to provide income-earning opportunities.

Additionally, as tourists continue to flock the space, local business operators along the streets have indicated an uptick in activity.

“Speaking with some of the people who have businesses here like a bar owner and restaurant owner, they spoke to me about how their businesses have improved (because) people from all over the world are coming to enjoy the environment,” Morgan said.

“I think that whenever you have a change that takes place that benefits ordinary Jamaicans that is something that is very good,” he noted.

One of the main features of the district is the pedestrianisation of the streets, which includes the erection of concrete bollards, and preventing vehicular traffic from entering some areas.

As such, Williams indicated that the aim is to allow different experiences within the downtown space, which would entail a mixture of restaurants, bars and leisure (activities),” he said.

“Generally, five to 10 years from now this space is going to be loaded with economic activity with visitors, people, leisure and recreation. That’s the idea behind it and its part of the transformation of downtown…which will only grow from here,” he added.

City Engineer, Xavier Chevannes, added that plans are in place to include mobile vending carts in the space.

– JIS