PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson announced on Tuesday that considerations are being made to construct a two-storey building to replace the historic Jubilee Market, downtown Kingston, that was gutted by fire earlier this year.
He pointed out, while on a tour of the market district Tuesday, that the development would be part of the wider Kingston Redevelopment Plan.
"We are going to see how it is possible ...a two-storey building instead of a one-storey building which will allow more people to be accommodated there...," the Prime Minister said.
The Jubilee Market was destroyed by fire on April 27, causing millions in damage while displacing scores of vendors.
Mr. Patterson also expressed satisfaction with efforts by the Kingston and St. Andrew Corpo-ration (KSAC) to sties in the busy commercial district.
"I am pleased with what I see so far ...I have been able to tour the entire area and I notice that vending is far more orderly than it was before," said the Prime Minister. He also commended the private sector companies which have been supporting initiatives to restore downtown, Kingston. He emphasised that his tour on Tuesday was a precursor to the start of phase one of the Kingston Redevelopment Plan to restore the area.
The tour, which began with the heads of various private and pubic sector companies at minutes after 3 o'clock, started at the Ward Theatre at North Parade and proceeded through St. William Grant Park, over to the Pearnel Charles Arcade and then along King Street.
VENT GROUSES
While some were fascinated by the Prime Minister's visit, several vendors used the opportunity to vent their grouses. After emerging from the Ammar's store on King Street, a group of vociferous vendors decended on him chanting: "We want de road! We want de road!". This happened while others stood by the sides, more interested in whether the Prime Minister had brought anything to give. "Missa Patterson a carry yuh carry something fi gi wi," some asked. Overwhelmed by the crowd, Mr. Patterson sought refuge in his vehicle.
He went on to tour the Oxford Mall and the Urban Development Corporation's vending arcade where he chatted with the vendors and bought a hat and some sorrel in the market.
Mr. Patterson said his visit was "a demonstration to the rest of Jamaica and particularly to the consumers that it is possible to come and shop downtown."
He noted that he would be reviewing the progress from time to time and I will be making visits to see how the redevelopment is taking place.
