Nadisha Hunter, Staff Reporter

A day after Anglican Bishop of Jamaica the Reverend Dr Howard Gregory lamented the state of Kingston as a city, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has asked that focus be instead placed on partnership to rebuild the capital city.

In an email response to The Gleaner yesterday, through the Communications Department at King's House, Sir Patrick indicated that despite the challenges that the city faces, it is on the road to recovery.

"Our capital city faces several significant socio-economic issues. However, Kingston has a rich history and a good potential for renewal. There are ongoing efforts to return the city to its glory days, including the project of the Kingston Restoration Company and the declared commitment of the UDC (Urban Development Corporation)," he said.

Sir Patrick added: "Rather than dwell on decay, we should be building partnerships across all sectors to secure the rebuilding of our capital city."

The governor general's comments came the day before he was set to tour sections of Kingston to interact with residents by addressing students and having discussions with a number of leaders, as well as with Kingston's justices of the peace.

Jamaica 50 parish tours

Sir Patrick indicated that today's exercise was one of several parish tours he has done within his programme of activities marking Jamaica 50, with hope of rekindling a sense of pride, confidence and hope among Jamaicans.

The tour comes as the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation continues its plans to redevelop the city which has become run down over the years.

Yesterday, Kingston Mayor Angela Brown Burke said she was confident the plans for the restoration of the city would get under way in short order.

"We have a unique opportunity to make it work. I think we are all tired of talking about it. I think also just in terms of where we are in terms of the development as a city, we have all the actors who want something to happen and so I think it will happen.

"There are a number of plans and as stakeholders downtown, we are all working together to make it happen and we are talking through the plans that are there to see where it is so that we can have quick action and that is what we are looking to do," she said.

Sir Patrick noted his tour would result in his interaction with the people of Kingston and that he would get an opportunity to inspire and motivate young people in the parish. He also said he expected citizens to develop a greater understanding of the role and function of the governor general.

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com

Schedule for Governor General Sir Patrick Allen's tour of Kingston

9:30-10:15 a.m.

Windward Road Primary School: Address to teachers and students

10:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m.

Port Royal: Visit to Fort Charles and Coast Guard Station

12:30-1 p.m.

Caribbean Maritime Institute: Address to teachers and students

3:10-4:30 p.m.

Kingston Book Shop: Address to justices of the peace