Government to Introduce Business Improvement District

The Government plans to institute legislation for the establishment of a business improvement district.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, made the disclosure during Tuesday’s (March 5) meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives, whose members are reviewing the 2024/25 Estimates of Expenditure.

“We’re working on a project with the World Bank to introduce a concept of a business improvement district that will provide the legislative framework for the Government to involve the private sector in the maintenance of an area,” he explained.

Dr. Clarke was responding to concerns about the state of the drainage network along Marcus Garvey Drive and Tinson Pen in Kingston, and the potential impact on commerce.

“The private sector in that area have expressed to the Government their desire and willingness to invest in that area and maintain it at a standard that they believe is consistent with what they need to do business,” the Minister said.

Dr. Clarke pointed out that the concept has been successfully implemented in several countries, adding that the Government desires to make it a reality in Jamaica.