Work to Beautify National Heroes Park Begins September

A sum of $25 million has been earmarked for phase two of an extensive facelift of the National Heroes Park, which is scheduled to begin in mid-September.
This project is part of the Ministry of Local Government and Environment’s thrust to “create the opulent look which a park of that magnitude should have,” Lorna Perkins, Director of Urban and Regional Planning in the Ministry, told JIS News.
She also pointed out that the Government was committed to preserving major historical sites in the island, and particularly because “the National Heroes Park is one of the last recreational facilities in Kingston and because it is of significant national importance, as it is the final resting place of our heroes, past prime ministers and icons”.
The Director said that phase two would include, “the erection of a perimeter fence, the entry gate would also be addressed and external planter boxes will be installed” around the 2.4-hectare park by March 2007.
She told JIS News that the car park facing the Ministry of Finance and Planning would also be enclosed and used exclusively for Heroes Park purposes.
On the matter of funding, the Director said the project was largely financed by the Government of Jamaica through the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), the Ministry of Local Government and Environment and the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica. She also informed that the GSB Credit Union had donated park benches, which would also be installed in the park.
Although the tendering process has not yet begun, the Director said that, “we have advertised for a contractor to start with the perimeter fencing around the park and the selection process will adhere strictly to the government’s procurement guidelines”.
The TEF was established last year and funded from fees collected from visitors to the island. The funds are to be used in a prudent manner to finance projects that are intended to enhance the tourism product.