On New Year's Day, Desmond McKenzie, Mayor of Kingston, treated about 1,500 to 2,000 mostly homeless persons from the city.

Mayor McKenzie handed out food and gifts to several street people and those living at institutions for safety, on his third New Year's Day tour of the Corporate Area. The treat has been a main feature of Mayor McKenzie's annual Christmas programme since 2003.

From his office on Church Street, the mayor led a motorcade through the streets of downtown, Kingston combing for the homeless, issuing to them box lunches and juices.

"This is just part of our efforts to assist the community," said Mayor McKenzie.

On King Street, he obliged a few pleas, dipping into his pocket and handing out a couple of $500 notes to the homeless.

The motorcade involving councillors and staff of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) also included a stop at public institutions such as the Musgrave Home for Girls.

Requested assistance

Prior to the start of the tour, the mayor handed over a lawnmower and a sewing machine to two members of the municipality who had requested assistance from the KSAC in acquiring the equipment.

Donovan Coley, a gardener of Seaward Drive, said he has been without a lawnmower for about two years.

"This lawnmower will allow me to do more work," said Mr. Coley.

Vinnette Blake, who collected the sewing machine for her mother, Joy McFarlane, said her parent was very elated to receive the gift.

The initiatives were financed by Mayor McKenzie's annual Christ-mas Dinner Fund, which this year exceeded its target of $3.5 million. From the fund, the mayor has treated more than 10,000 persons across the Corporate Area.