New Kingston boost – Government agencies and private sector join hands to improve conditions in key business district

Minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright (centre), is flanked by (from left) mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby; Member of Parliament for St Andrew South Eastern Julian Robinson; Peta-Gaye Simpson, vice-president of real estate, Sagicor Group Jamaica; and Sam Cooper, managing director, Pan Jamaica Property Company, during a meeting last Wednesday where more than 20 public and private stakeholders discussed plans to improve the New Kingston business district.

public-private initiative aimed at accelerating improvements across the New Kingston business district has been launched under the leadership of minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright and mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby.

The initiative will bring together representatives of Government agencies, corporate Jamaica, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community stakeholders.

It follows growing calls from business operators and investors for stronger coordination in addressing issues affecting the business district.

Among those advocating for a more focused response is entertainment entrepreneur Romeich Major, who approached Seiveright following plans to help restore sustained night-life to New Kingston through the opening of the KoMo Mai Lounge along Knutsford Boulevard.

The discussions highlighted the need for a cleaner, safer, and more coordinated approach to managing the district as investment, commercial activity, and entertainment offerings continue to expand.

A recent stakeholders meeting, convened by Seiveright at the ministry’s New Kingston offices, was attended by Swaby, Member of Parliament for the area Julian Robinson, representatives of Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), and others.

A major outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a multi-stakeholder working group to coordinate the implementation of agreed initiatives and accelerate short-, medium- and long-term improvements across the district.

The working group’s day-to-day coordination and implementation will be actively driven by Mikisha Silvera, destination manager at TPDCo, and Dayton Wood, president of the New Kingston Civic Association, working closely with the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), the police, participating government agencies, corporate stakeholders and community partners to maintain momentum, strengthen accountability, and ensure the timely execution of agreed priorities.

Seiveright stressed that the initiative is not about reinventing the wheel but rather ensuring that the many agencies and stakeholders already working in the area operate in a more coordinated, responsive and results-oriented manner.

“There is already some good work taking place across a number of agencies and organisations. This initiative is about bringing everyone to the same table, strengthening coordination, removing bottlenecks, improving communication, and ensuring that issues are addressed more aggressively, more swiftly and more effectively,” Seiveright said.

He added that New Kingston remains one of Jamaica’s most important economic centres and must continue to reflect the standards expected of a modern capital city.

“Any city worth its salt must have business and entertainment districts that are clean, organised, safe, aesthetically pleasing and welcoming. New Kingston is Jamaica’s premier corporate, commercial and entertainment district and one of our country’s most important economic centres. As investment continues to grow and the district evolves, we have a responsibility to ensure the environment keeps pace and continues to inspire confidence among businesses, employees, residents and visitors,” declared Seiveright.

Among the priority issues discussed were homelessness and street vagrancy, public safety, sanitation, vandalism, illegal activity, deteriorating sidewalks and streetscapes, and opportunities to enhance the overall appearance and functionality of the district, particularly along the Knutsford Boulevard corridor.

Swaby reaffirmed the KSAMC’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to deliver meaningful improvements throughout the business district, while Robinson welcomed the collaborative approach and underscored the importance of continued partnership in addressing long-standing concerns affecting the area.

Source: Jamaica Observer