Christmas Comes Early for Residents of Renovated Torrington Park Housing Scheme
By: , December 16, 2025
Photo: Deron Douglas
Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with Responsibility for Land Titling and Settlements, Hon. Robert Montague (third left), and Opposition Leader and Member of Parliament for St. Andrew Southern, Mark Golding (centre), cut the ribbon to mark the completion of the $58-million Torrington Park Housing Rehabilitation Project on December 9. They are joined by (from left) Caretaker for St. Andrew Southern, Carlton Allen; Ministry officials – Senior Director, Christina Gardner, and Director of Projects, Phillip Stephenson; Councillor for the Admiral Town Division, Louise Newland; and Contractor, Orrett Wellington.The Full Story
One of the hallmarks of Christmas in Jamaica is the tradition of sprucing up homes and living spaces for the festive season.
For residents of the Torrington Park Housing Scheme in the Corporate Area, Christmas has come early, as the complex has received a facelift through a $58-million rehabilitation project undertaken by the Government.
Among the improvements were the reconstruction of a collapsed staircase, repainting of external walls, stairwells and common areas, as well as the replacement of defective water closets and corrective plumbing to eliminate leaks.
The project, undertaken by Doks Well Construction, was completed in November; however, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday, December 9 to formally mark its completion.
Speaking with JIS News following the ceremony, resident, Althea McIntosh, recounted the moment when the staircase to her building collapsed last year.
“On the 17th of November [2024], I was sitting in front of the door to my house, and I saw some cement falling from the building. So, I got up. I was about to go inside to my house. I made one step on the floor to my door and the step collapsed,” Ms. McIntosh explained.
The 61-year-old noted that she sustained several injuries, including bruises to her face, neck, back and legs.
Ms. McIntosh said that while she escaped with minor injuries and received swift medical intervention, aided by local police who transported her to the hospital, the incident left her traumatised.
She indicated that she feels relieved now that major structural repairs have been completed and the apartments and their occupants, including several children, are safe.
“I don’t have any more fears that it is going to fall down again. They actually spent two months casting it, so it’s well [done]… . I don’t have to fret anymore,” the Torrington Park resident told JIS News.
Ms. McIntosh added that the children who live in the housing scheme are now safe to play and utilise common areas of the complex.
Meanwhile, another resident, Joy Moore, expressed gratitude to all those involved in rehabilitating the housing scheme.
She noted that the building had fallen into disrepair and was experiencing leaks in several areas.
“Look at the beauty [of the renovations]. I am pleased to know that [this] Christmas, we will have [something] different,” Miss Moore added.
The Torrington Park Housing Scheme, built in the 1980s, is among several government-owned housing complexes rehabilitated in recent years by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development to address ageing infrastructure and improve living conditions.