KSAMC Engages Support for Ward Theatre Restoration

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is advancing efforts to restore the historic Ward Theatre in downtown Kingston.

Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, said he has engaged a broad range of experts to provide critical support in reinstating the facility.

The restoration effort will include input from creatives, engineers, architects, restoration specialists, and members of the business sector.

“I reached out to Howard Mitchell, a highly respected Jamaican businessman who is the former head of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ). We discussed the best strategies to engage the public and private interests to support the completion of the Ward,” he said.

Mayor Swaby, who was speaking at the KSAMC’s General Sitting of Council at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston on Tuesday (March 11), noted that Mr. Mitchell has already begun leveraging his network to generate support.

“I must also state that I have had this discussion with Minister [of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia] Grange, who has pledged her continued support, and has endorsed the involvement of Mr. Mitchell,” he said.

A recent site visit to the Ward Theatre has been conducted, including participation from Mr. Mitchell and well-respected architect Peter Jarvis, signalling tangible progress in the restoration efforts.