Work to Continue on Relocation of Foreign Affairs Ministry

The Government has allocated $195.4 million to continue work to construct new offices spaces downtown Kingston, to house the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

The new facility will provide adequate accommodation for staff, meeting and conference facilities, and waiting areas for diplomats and other visitors.

As stated in the Estimates of Expenditure now before the House of Representatives, the project will contribute to the re-development of downtown.

To date, ownership of the land for the project has been transferred from the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) to the Foreign Ministry, and a review of the schematic design of the building was conducted.  The feasibility, geological and storm surge studies, and bathymetric and topographic surveys, have also been completed.

Anticipated physical targets for the 2015/16 period include the commencement of coastal revetment and drainage works; minor works and land preparation, inclusive of clearing and removal of palm trees as preparatory work for the construction of the building.

Also to be undertaken are: securing of building application and permits from the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC), National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), and the National Water Commission (NWC) among others; installation of temporary access to municipal water supply and electricity; and completion of  construction drawings.

The project is receiving grant funding from the Government of the People’s Republic of China.