Clean-Up Activities in Montego Bay to Last for One Month

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says the Government has a vested interest in seeing the city of Montego Bay cleaned, transformed and befitting of its status as the tourism capital.

Speaking at a press conference at the St. James Parish Council, on April 22,

Mr. McKenzie said Montego Bay is critical to the Government’s growth agenda and every effort will be made to ensure that it doesn’t fall into disarray.

“We have to develop an environment where investment and job opportunities are not deprived by people not wanting to come to Montego Bay, because it is in a dirty state,” he stated.

The Local Government and Community Development Ministry is spearheading a National Task Force established by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, to address the island’s state of cleanliness.

The Task Force will take on a multi-agency approach and will also be responsible for a National Clean-Up Programme across all 14 parishes.

Mr. McKenzie also cited the increased commercial activities, in addition to the heavy influx of persons migrating to the city in search of opportunities, as major challenges.

“Recently, I visited a community here in Montego Bay and what I saw only confirmed how challenging this clean-up effort will be. I am appealing to residents to take better care of their communities. They need to understand that the Ministry can only do so much and that it is up to them to give us the support,” he said.

The Minister added that additional funding will be provided to ensure that drains are cleaned and that each Councillor in the St. James Parish Council will be given $100,000 to carry out clean-up work within their divisions.

The clean-up exercise in St. James will last for a period of one month.