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Gov’t to Improve Sections of Corridor Leading from NMIA

By: , September 12, 2016

The Key Point:

The Government is to undertake plans to improve sections of the corridor leading from the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) into New Kingston as a means to make the city more attractive to tourists.
Gov’t to Improve Sections of Corridor Leading from NMIA
Photo: Yhomo Hutchinson
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (right) is being led on a tour of the Caribbean Cement Company Limited Sports and Wellness Centre by the company’s General Manager, Alejandro Vares, at the facility’s official opening, at Harbour Head in Rockfort, on September 8.

The Facts

  • Mr. Holness indicated that the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) already has plans in place to improve the corridor, known as the ‘Humming Bird Route’.
  • Mr. Holness noted that this plan forms part of another undertaking to transform the Port of Kingston into a “port of call for cruise shipping, tourism and home-porting”.

The Full Story

The Government is to undertake plans to improve sections of the corridor leading from the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) into New Kingston as a means to make the city more attractive to tourists.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the disclosure at the grand opening of the Caribbean Cement Company Limited Sports Club and Wellness Centre, at the Jamaica Gypsum Quarry Port at Rockfort, on September 8.

“This entire area is slated for development. This is probably the first place a visitor will see when they land at Norman Manley International Airport…it is very important that when people come to Jamaica, the first thing they see are signs of development,” he said.

Mr. Holness indicated that the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) already has plans in place to improve the corridor, known as the ‘Humming Bird Route’.

It is approximately a 15-minute drive from NMIA via Palisadoes Road past Harbour View along the Sir Florizel Glasspole Boulevard to the Jamaica Private Power Company and up the Michael Manley Boulevard to the bottom of South Camp Road.

The final leg of the journey is along South Camp Road into New Kingston.

Mr. Holness noted that this plan forms part of another undertaking to transform the Port of Kingston into a “port of call for cruise shipping, tourism and home-porting”.

The Prime Minister suggested that other historical buildings similar to the one, which Caribbean Cement has rehabilitated for its sports and wellness facility, should be transformed into attractions such as museums.

Mr. Holness congratulated Caribbean Cement on this accomplishment and hailed it as a “good thing”.

Meanwhile, Caribbean Cement General Manager, Alejandro Vares said physical, mental and financial wellness is now an important part of his company’s culture.

He cited changes in meal offerings at the company’s canteen, improvement in bathroom aesthetics, reduction of overtime to enable family time and training of employees as the new focus.

Originally built as Jamaica’s first sea plane airport in the 1930s, the facility operated for 10 years and was visited by Charles Lindbergh, the famous aviator and explorer, who landed at the airbase in November 1931.

Since its closure in 1945, in favour of the Palisadoes Airport now called the NMIA, the building functioned as office space for Jamaica Gypsum.

It is now the site of Caribbean Cement’s Wellness and Sports Centre housing a miniature-sized gym, a bar, bathroom facilities and an area for relaxation to name a few.

Last Updated: September 12, 2016

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