Action to Transform New Kingston Moving Forward

Efforts to transform New Kingston into a cleaner, safer and more attractive business district are moving forward, with stakeholders identifying a series of priority actions to address public order, sanitation, infrastructure and social challenges across the area.

The priorities were identified during a recent multi-agency walk-through led by Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Delano Seiveright, and Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, as part of the wider New Kingston Renewal Initiative.

The exercise brought together government agencies, including the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the New Kingston Civic Association and private-sector stakeholders to assess conditions on the ground and determine areas requiring immediate attention.

Mr. Seiveright said the walk-through provided stakeholders with an opportunity to examine challenges first-hand and establish clear priorities for follow-up action.

“New Kingston is one of Jamaica’s most important commercial centres and Kingston’s principal hotel district. Thousands of Jamaicans work and conduct business here daily, while international business travellers, investors and visitors regularly use the district. We have to maintain a clean, safe, orderly and attractive environment,” he said.

During the exercise, stakeholders examined conditions along Knutsford Boulevard, Grenada Crescent, Trinidad Terrace, Dumfries Road and surrounding areas.

Priority actions identified include more consistent street sweeping along Knutsford Boulevard; drain and gully cleaning; repairs to uneven and hazardous sidewalks; tree trimming and removal where roots are affecting infrastructure; improved street lighting; and additional streetscaping and beautification works.

Attention is also being given to activities affecting public spaces around Emancipation Park, improvements to the craft area opposite Bijoux, and environmental and public order concerns in the Dumfries Road area. A broader streetscaping plan is also expected to guide future improvements across the district.

The interventions will require coordination among several entities, including the National Solid Waste Management Authority, National Works Agency, National Water Commission, National Housing Trust, Jamaica Public Service and the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC).

Public order and safety remain key components of the initiative. Inspector Florezel Thompson and members of the JCF participated in the walkthrough and are assisting with public order and security concerns across the district.

Mr. Seiveright said the renewal effort is also focused on addressing social challenges, particularly issues affecting persons experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges and substance-use disorders.

“Compassion and public order are not mutually exclusive. Persons who need treatment and social support must be connected to those services, while businesses, employees, residents and visitors must be able to safely and comfortably use public spaces,” he said.

He noted that discussions are continuing with Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, and relevant agencies to strengthen mental health services, outreach programmes, rehabilitation initiatives and other support systems for vulnerable individuals.

The wider New Kingston renewal initiative brings together the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, KSAMC, the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), government agencies, the JCF, health and social service entities, the New Kingston Civic Association and private-sector stakeholders.

Member of Parliament for St. Andrew South Eastern, Julian Robinson, whose constituency includes New Kingston, has also been actively engaged in the wider initiative, while President of the New Kingston Civic Association, Dayton Wood, has continued to provide input on issues affecting businesses, property owners, employees and other users of the district.

Mr. Seiveright said early improvements are already becoming visible in some sections of New Kingston but emphasised that sustained implementation will be critical to the initiative’s success.

“This is not a one-off clean-up exercise. We are seeing some early improvements, but there is much more to do,” he said.

“The objective is a New Kingston that is cleaner, safer, better organised and more attractive, with the public and private sectors working together to maintain the standard that such an important business and hotel district requires,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mayor Swaby said the on-the-ground assessment was important in ensuring that concerns raised during stakeholder consultations are translated into practical action and measurable improvements.