THE EDITOR, Sir:
I NOTE your editorial of Tuesday, February 4 urging action by the Prime Minister in respect of the report of the working group appointed to bring together proposals for the redevelopment of downtown Kingston.
The group was constituted on December 10 with instructions to report to the Prime Minister by mid-January, which they did. The Gleaner of last week Friday, January 31 carried a story quoting the Prime Minister's Office as confirming receipt of the report. The same article indicated that the report was being circulated to the representatives of the Government and interest groups who met on December 10. It was also pointed out that another meeting of this broader group was scheduled for Wednesday, February 5 at Jamaica House at which time the report would be considered.
You could hardly expect the Prime Minister to "take action" in advance of the consideration by all the partners who must make the development happen.
In convening the December 10 meeting of the interested parties and establishing the working group to pull together proposals and suggest priority action as well as financing options for the redevelopment of downtown Kingston, the Prime Minister has reflected the urgency which he attaches to correcting the economic and social problems plaguing the nation's capital city.
The Prime Minister will continue to give personal attention to this matter and to lead the process of action in this regard as part of his and the Government's firm commitment to rehabilitating urban centres and rural townships across Jamaica.
I am, etc.,
HUNTLEY MEDLEY
Communication Consultant/Press Secretary
to the Prime Minister
