THE EDITOR, Sir:
WE WRITE to correct the inaccuracies in Mr. Delroy Chuck's contribution in The Gleaner of March 24, entitled 'Urban planning, renewal'.
Mr. Chuck stated inter alia that 'the UDC has lost its sense of mission and purpose'. The mission and purpose of the Corporation is that of 'making development happen' in its widest sense and within a coherently planned framework as shaped by national imperatives. To this end, we do not consider our mandate to be confined to physical development or large projects only, but extends to community-based ones as well.
The Lift Up Jamaica programme is one such and Mr. Chuck's mention of "building sidewalks, repair community facilities, etc.," does not do justice to the impact it has had on the national landscape. In addition to improving the built capital of the country, providing employment for 55,000 young adults, it has provided training opportunities for many who have since used the Programme as a stepping stone to other jobs. This has been the feedback from the beneficiaries.
The UDC has an unparalleled track record of implementation of projects in all areas and sectors of the economy and country namely: Health, Tourism, Housing, Education, Infrastructure Development, Sports and Culture. All these are very important and key national development imperatives to which the UDC must contribute if as a country we are to achieve sustainable development.
Although the Corporation has been integral to major developments all across Jamaica, this does not mean, however, it has all-encompassing power and responsibility for urban planning and development in the country. There are other agencies charged with various elements of development. It must be noted that the UDC by law, primarily operates in the designated areas of Hellshire, Caymanas, Kingston Waterfront, Montego Bay Waterfront, Ocho Rios Waterfront and Negril. We have, also, through ministerial direction, undertaken specific projects on behalf of government ministries and agencies in other areas.
We suspect however, that it is the high levels of performance and visibility in so many areas that has led persons such as Mr. Chuck to ill-conceived notions and expectations regarding the UDC and the work it is legislated to perform. Indeed the cadre of professionals mentioned by Mr. Chuck in his letter belies the magnitude of the contribution that the UDC has been making to national development.
The process of development is dynamic and the UDC as the leading public sector agency must be responsive. Over the past 36 years of our existence, the imperatives of national development have impacted on the work of the Corporation as they do now. Consequently, our projects are as diverse as the comprehensive nature of the development we undertake.
In keeping with its role of catalyst, the UDC has completed development plans for the northeast and southwest coasts, with a view to encouraging private sector activity. We anticipate that the hotel being built at Whitehouse, Westmoreland, will be the catalyst for the southwest region of the island, similar to what was done by the UDC in Negril and Ocho Rios. The Greater Spanish Town Redevelopment Plan, which is in progress, is formulating strategies for this very important historical town.
CONTINUED URBAN RENEWAL
The Government fully recognises the importance of continued urban renewal in downtown Kingston. The latest initiative in this regard is the establishment of the Kingston City Centre Improvement Company aimed at the revitalisation of Downtown Kingston. Whereas we see this new programme as a collaborative effort between the UDC, the private sector and community groups, we must correct Mr. Chuck in his misconception that this was spearheaded by the private sector. Indeed it was Prime Minister Patterson, who has portfolio responsibility for the UDC, who mandated us to spearhead this initiative.
We must reiterate that the UDC operates in designated areas or on specific projects as requested. For the record, since 1990, the UDC has contributed to national development in critical sectors. In education, 10 new schools were constructed in St. Catherine and 17 are currently being provided in Western Jamaica. In health, five major hospitals were refurbished across the island and a new one constructed in May Pen.
In the area of infrastructure development, the Corporation was responsible for the upgrading and realigning of the east-west road network in eastern Kingston which has resulted in the Michael Manley and Sir Florizel Glasspole Boulevards and has opened up the entry to our capital city. In Montego Bay, dualisation and upgrading of the Howard Cooke Boulevard from Queens Drive to the Alice Eldemire Drive and Bogue Road intersection is almost complete and again is a major catalyst for the expansion and development of the town.
CONTRIBUTION TO DEVELOPMENT
As its continued contribution to the development of tourism, the UDC undertook resort residential projects such as Sandcastles, Ocho Rios, Seacastles, Rose Hall and Point Village, Negril. The UDC has played its role of catalyst in the development of the prime resort area of Bloody Bay in Negril where hotels such as Couples and the Spanish Riu Hotels are located. Other residential developments include Manley Meadows in East Kingston, Bridgeview in Portmore and Canon Ridge and Cave Hill Estate, Hellshire. The Manley Meadows housing has been an integral factor in arresting the spread of urban decay by bringing working middle class Jamaicans back to living on the edge of the city. Along with the road network, the inner city clean-up programme of Rae Town, the Lift Up Jamaica programme, which included the refurbishing of schools and sidewalks and construction of bathrooms are critical activities towards achieving sustainable development.
The development of sporting and cultural facilities are also high on the priority list and has included the refurbishing/upgrading of Independence Park/National Stadium Complex, Montego Bay Sports Complex, Montego Bay and Port Maria Civic Centres.
I am, etc.,
MARJORIE CAMPBELL
General Manager
Urban Development Corporation
