Sun | May 28, 2023

Argument done! Downtown Kingston the place to shop, worship or party

Published:Tuesday | December 3, 2013 | 12:00 AM
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From left: Minister of Education the Hon Ronald Thwaites with Senator Sandrea Falconer, minister of information, and Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) President Jenni Campbell at the PAJ church service at the Pentecostal Tabernacle on Wildman Street on Sunday, November 24.
Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) members Christine King (left) with Kay Osborne (centre) and Wyvolyn Gager at the PAJ church service at the Pentecostal Tabernacle.
Press Association of Jamaica members Elizabeth Bennett-Marsh (left), Byron Buckley (centre) with Arthur Hall and Archibald Gordon (right) at the PAJ church service at the Pentecostal Tabernacle on Wildman Street.
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Arthur Hall, Senior News Editor

IF THERE was any lingering doubt about the attractiveness of downtown Kingston to host social events, these should have been put to rest on Sunday, November 24, when members of the media, the police and Caribbean Broilers headed to the heart of the city to host special events.

The Press Association of Jamaica kicked off its 2013 National Journalism Week with a service at Pentecostal Tabernacle on Wildman Street.

With members of the surrounding community out in their numbers, the journalists gave thanks for the year that was and sought blessings for the future in the community church that is fondly dubbed 'Pentab'.

"Downtown is certainly open for business," declared mayor of Kingston Angela Brown Burke as she reflected on the recent activities in the commercial district.

"Let us continue on the mission to make downtown Kingston a place to work, live, raise families and do business," added Brown Burke.

From the church, the journalists, families and friends headed to the waterfront, behind the imposing Bank of Jamaica building for a Sunday brunch hosted by Sagicor.

Against a beautiful backdrop and with Jacqui Tyson's From Thought to Finish pulling out all the stops, it was an afternoon to remember.

And while the journalists were in church on Wildman Street, Police Commissioner Owen Ellington was leading several of the men and women under his command and scores of guests in worship at the East Queen Street Baptist Church where the force staged its 146th Annual Commemorative and Memorial Church Service to kick off Police Week 2013.

If that was not enough, the Caribbean Broilers Pan Chicken finals was also held on the waterfront, with scores of competitors and hundreds of patrons turning out for a day filled with music and fun.

It now appears that downtown Kingston is poised to be the party centre of the Corporate Area this Christmas, with several other social events scheduled before the end of the year.

arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com