KINGSTON, Jamaica — Some sections of downtown Kingston are recording measurable gains in cleanliness, safety and business confidence following six months of focused interventions under the Downtown Kingston Redevelopment Initiative (DKRI), according to findings from a new perception survey conducted internally.

According to a release from the DKRI, the areas showing marked improvement are from Orange Street to East Street and Ocean Boulevard to Tower Street.

Michael McMorris, chair of the DKRI committee and past president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), said the findings signal a turning point for downtown Kingston.

“This data confirms what we are seeing on the ground: cleaner streets are changing how people feel, move and do business downtown. When the environment improves, confidence follows, and that confidence is critical to revitalising Kingston’s commercial heart,” McMorris said.

The findings are derived from two surveys conducted, one capturing the perspectives of business leaders within the project area, and the other reflecting the views of shoppers, residents, vendors, and workers. Combined, they offer an overall view of how focused cleaning initiatives are improving everyday experiences and supporting business activity in the city centre. Across both surveys, the results show clear and positive progress: cleanliness improved significantly.

Positive public ratings increased from 39.6 per cent  to 58 per cent in six months. There were reports of fewer environmental challenges for businesses. Reports of negative impacts dropped from 48.6 per cent  to 23.3 per cent.

Overall, the findings point to meaningful improvements in cleanliness, safety, infrastructure, and business conditions within the city centre.

Businesses reported improved street lighting, with positive ratings from businesses rising from 28.6 per cent to 53.3 per cent. There was a greater sense of safety, with public confidence increasing from 49.5 per cent to 73 per cent. The survey also showed that there was improved confidence in policing, with ratings rising from 72.3 per cent to 81 per cent. Perceptions of the overall business environment also strengthened, moving from 45.5 per cent positive to 61 per cent.

While the surveys flagged emerging or continuing sanitation challenges, including sewage overflows in specific locations, the report notes that these issues are becoming more visible precisely because overall conditions are improving.

McMorris said this feedback provides actionable intelligence for targeted responses in the next phase of the programme.

He added that the combined survey results affirm the impact of DKRI’s cleaning-focused strategy, highlighting measurable perception shifts from both public and business perspectives and reinforcing a clear trajectory of progress for downtown Kingston.

“We will never be able to realise our shared vision of a world-class city centre if we don’t master basic acceptable standards. I am happy to say that our success is showing that a virtuous cycle is indeed achievable. We now expect to be able to broaden the subscription among the business community and the participation levels by public agencies,” he argued.

The Downtown Kingston Redevelopment Initiative is a partnership of the JCC and Kingston Restoration Company and is funded by VM Building Society, Pan Jamaica, Scotiabank and GraceKennedy.

In response to the target of broadening subscription, a ‘Keep It Clean’ campaign was launched late last year as part of the DKRI, and seeks to recognise and encourage businesses that actively care for their shopfronts, sidewalks, and surroundings. By promoting civic responsibility and collective pride, the programme aims to help reshape stakeholder participation in changing the image of downtown Kingston into a vibrant, attractive, and prosperous business district.

Approximately 30 businesses in downtown Kingston signed up for the ‘Keep It Clean’ campaign. For many local business owners, joining the campaign is about taking ownership of the space they work and serve in every day.

Karine Chuck, branch manager at Broadbent’s Duke Street branch, said, “We’re happy to be part of the ‘Keep It Clean’ campaign, which aims to restore Kingston to a new level of attractiveness. As a corporate citizen, it’s our responsibility to help maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the environment in which we operate. With the new receptacles and murals, downtown already feels more inviting, and that’s drawing more visitors and customers to the area.”

Similarly, Sherina Whyte, co-founder of Waah Gwaan Café, said supporting the initiative was a natural choice for her business, which has been part of the downtown community since 2021.

“This is our community, and anything that makes it better, we want to be part of it,” said Whyte. “I’d encourage all businesses to come on board; the better the environment is, the better it is for business, for the community, and for the country as a whole.”