THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE CONCEPT of addressing the upgrading of downtown Kingston is a laudable venture considering the general decay that has prevailed for sometime. The initiators of this undertaking should, therefore, be commended highly.
A major concern, however, relates to the delineation of the designated area for redevelopment. This is so because the entire downtown area is in such a dire need for redevelopment that selecting one small area despite being the commercial core will only result in continuous degeneration from the surrounding communities that are neglected.
The interaction between this central core and the other communities is so intertwined that a comprehensive approach to development appears to be a more desired strategy. No doubt available resources is a major deterrent to adopting this strategy. However, when negative factors like extortion, illegal vending and general crime are considered the stability of the inner-city communities should be prioritised, including a social reorientation and economic upliftment of inner-city residents. For that project to be successful, it will require the co-operation and involvement of these residents which I am sure has been considered.
Take, for example, the matter of street vending, which has been a sore point for years. It is illegal. It is unsightly. It encroaches on public spaces and causes great inconvenience to pedestrians and traffic; it encourages illicit activities. But the vendors contend that in a depressed economy it is their only means of 'making a living'. The KSAC and other agencies are committed to relocating them but the arcades and other alternative facilities are in decrepit condition and the vendors contend that they will be separated from readily accessible customers.
The established merchants are also uncomfortable about this invasion.
Why, therefore, can't we broker a vendor/merchant partnership with a productivity orientation/ emphasis in which productive enterprises are developed utilising the capabilities of the vendors to produce items now being distributed by both entities as well as other items and which would be marketed by the established merchants and some vendors.
This approach would (a) improve the employment situation; (b) reduce importation; (c) uplift the economy; (d) improve the foreign exchange status; and (e) enhance human relations.
Consider the following:
Identify certain items now being imported that can be produced locally;
Identify available raw materials and manufacturing spaces;
Identify skilled or trainable personnel with good potential from the inner city/vendor communities;
Identify incentive-type financing;
Organise contractual/equity relationships to ensure a desirable production/distribution process
Explore the export market.
If this joint venture relationship can be realised then a social reorientation will have its genesis through this mutual trust. The rest of the rehabilitation programme would be more easily pursued and a new order attained in a practical manner. Vendors, merchants and the country as a whole would benefit from this magnanimous effort. The details will follow.
I am, etc.,
ALFONSO F. JACQUES
Padmore P.A.
St. Andrew
