CONSTITUENCY REPORT

ALTHOUGH I serve the people of West Portland as their member of Parliament, due to the nature and linkages of the parishes of Portland, St Mary, and St Thomas, I have often lobbied for projects for this region to enable the opening up of the eastern section of the island through roads, air, and sea, which I believe to be the major pillars for the growth of the region. This is in recognition that without the requisite infrastructural development in these areas, the region cannot realise its full developmental potential.

I have, therefore, been at the forefront of several major projects for the region, including the Ian Fleming Airport expansion linked to the re - opening of the Dragon Bay Hotel by Sandals Resorts International; the St Thomas development project being undertaken by the UDC (Urban Development Corporation); the South Coast Highway project; as well as the repairs to and expansion of the Junction Road.

AGRICULTURE AND TOURISM

The nature of West Por tland’s economic activities is agriculture and tourism, requiring supporting pillars of education and training, which will facilitate the creation of new areas of economic activity from which the national economy is benefiting.

I will highlight two projects that have been completed – one which deals with infrastructure and the other which is multidimensional.

BANGOR RIDGE REPAIRS

The Bangor Ridge roadway, in a farming area where easy road access is critical, was in a deplorable condition for years. The project to carry out repairs was undertaken under the Major Infrastructure Development Programme and included paving, retaining walls, and construction of a proper drainage system at a cost of approximately $65 million.

CANEWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE

The other project, the Canewood Community Centre, with the assistance of private sector partner Carib Cement, involved the construction of a building with stands and a roof, rehabilitation of the playing field, construction of a multipurpose court, parking area, fencing, and lighting. We expect to implement this at a cost of approximately $30 million. This facility will allow the youth and adults alike to have a place for interaction and other social gatherings.

FIVE BASIC SCHOOLS

In partnership with Food For the Poor, five basic schools have been built, namely, Angie’s Early Childhood Institution, Mount Pleasant City Mission Basic School, Hart Hill Basic School, Tranquility Infant Department, and Disciples of Christ Basic School. By July this year, we will be constructing two others: Windsor Castle Infant Department and Mount Pleasant SDA Basic School.

In Orange Bay, children with disabilities are now benefiting from the construction of a new facility for the Early Stimulation Programme Intervention Centre through a partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Digicel Foundation.

FIVE COMPUTER LABS

Five computer labs out of a total of eight have already been completed in partnership with the Universal Service Fund. They are in Buff Bay, Hope Bay, St Margaret’s Bay, Mount Pleasant, and Fruitful Vale. This will enhance the prospects for social and economic advancements, especially in light of the opportunities being created in the BPO sector.

JUSTICE CENTRE

The Portland Justice Centre was established to train restorative justice facilitators in order to swiftly resolve conflicts at the community level.

FARMING

As it relates to farming, about 70 farmers have benefited from the Lennox-Low Leyton Land Lease Programme. The farmers occupy about 140 acres of land on both properties and are expected to continue production for the period of the lease.

RIVER TRAINING

We have started correcting the path of the Buff Bay and White Rivers, which were causing major threat to life and properties in the Woodstock Housing Scheme.

BUFF BAY FIRE STATION

Work has also been done on the Buff Bay Fire Station and the Buff Bay Market. On Friday, March 16, 2018, I participated in a groundbreaking ceremony, with the minister of national security, for the construction of the Buff Bay Police Station in collaboration with the National Housing Trust, just weeks after the groundbreaking for the Port Antonio Police Station.

PROJECTS TO COME

There are several projects that have started or are scheduled to begin in the new financial year: Buff Bay Community Hospital Restoration, Woodstock Community Centre Sports Complex, St George’s Sports complex, and regularising the status of the illegal occupants of the Gully Reserve in Windsor Castle/Hart Hill in partnership with the Ministry of Housing.

ATTRACTING INVESTMENTS

It is my intention during this term of office to realise the full potential of West Portland and its people, to tap fully into the vast eco-tourism and agricultural potential, to ensure a healthy and educated population with easy access and modern infrastructure, to attract investments, and to create well-paying jobs.