All constituencies to benefit from ‘Spruce Up Pon De Corner’ Programme
TOURISM MINISTER Edmund Bartlett says that all constituencies across the island are to benefit from the ‘Spruce Up Pon De Corner’ programme, an initiative which operates under the banner of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) Limited.
Bartlett made the disclosure during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Eastern Kingston Promenade Programme on January 15 at 71 Windward Road in Kingston.
“We have $250 million in the budget for spruce-up activities in all 63 constituencies,” he informed.
Bartlett said the programme is in keeping with the Government’s vision to transform urban spaces into vibrant hubs that depict Jamaican culture.
He argued that the Eastern Kingston Promenade Project will add aesthetic value to the heavily trafficked corridor and give the area a sense of identity.
“Making our communities brighter and better is to make our people happier and prosperous,” he added.
The Eastern Kingston Promenade Project is a 138-panel mural which has transformed the Bellevue Hospital walls and the adjoining corridor along Windward Road.
The initiative was rolled out in two phases from November 2022 to January 2024.
The programme encompassed painting of a mural, hardscaping and developmental works within the community.
It was bolstered by a budget of $7 million through the ‘Spruce Up Pon De Corner’ programme.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for East Kingston and Port Royal, Phillip Paulwell, said the programme will seek to improve the environs of communities islandwide and improve the lives of Jamaicans, adding that it also feeds i nto strengthening the country’s larger tourism product.
“We want to focus on the improvements in our communities. It is no longer just about sun, sea and sand… . It has to do with how you bring people to relate to your population. For people to have a meaningful visit to this country, they need to interface with the people of this country,” he said.