SEYMOURTHE KINGSTON Restoration Company (KRC) was founded two decades ago this year to assist in arresting the physical and social decay that had beset the Jamaican capital's downtown core.
Within the period, the agency has had some acknowledged successes in bringing a new face to parts of the city, and has been recognised locally and internationally as a body that shows results, evidenced by the partnerships it has developed over the ten years.
Little by little, the agency has been extending its reach beyond downtown to other socially challenged communities in St. Andrew.
Established in 1983 with a mandate to bring a turnaround in the deteriorating environment and economic prospects of downtown, KRC arrived on the scene at a time when the urban decay seemed almost insurmountable.
According to executive director, Morin Seymour, unemployment downtown the year prior was 36 per cent compared to 24 per cent uptown, almost 7,000 persons had lost their homes to fires and other misfortunes, 4,000 buildings were destroyed, and shelter was scarce while social unrest was abundant.
The KRC was incepted at a period when violence and criminality was at a peak, and the fact that murders and extortion remain serious challenges for the state, suggests that KRC and other agencies have much more to do.
Mr. Seymour, acknowledging that many challenges remain, appealed yesterday to American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) associated businesses to come on board, ostensibly with their cheque books, and assist with some of programmes. The trust fund set up to fund "development initiatives" in low-income communities needs $32 million.
That need, he said, affords corporate interests the "opportunity to realise their dream to heal Jamaica".
The executive director, speaking at an AmCham breakfast meeting at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, gave an overview of a number of initiatives that are ongoing in which it has partnered with some local businesses, as well as the United Kingdom Government, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), United States Agency for International Development and the Inter-American Development Bank.
Here are some of the achievements of the various projects as outlined by Seymour.
JAMAICA URBAN POVERTY PROJECT
Improved sanitation facilities for more than 1,000 persons;
$12 million amphitheatre complex built in Jones Town;
Public services returned to several garrison communities;
An 'arts renaissance project' that includes a pottery and music studio in Rema.
PEACE AND PROSPERITY PROJECT
On-going dialogue with communities like Grants Pen and Standpipe to build their capacity for conflict resolution;
Providing employment and business opportunities.
MICRO ENTERPRISE FINANCING LIMITED
Started in November 2002 to provide a source of capital for low income/inner city entrepreneurs
Offers loans of $6,000
Loan disbursements made to 118 persons, totalling $716,000
TOOLS FOR DEVELOPMENT JAMAICA
Provides machinery and equipment for small entrepreneurs within the inner cities at concessionary prices;
Over 400 items distributed to 240 persons;
Started in February 2001.
URBAN RENEWAL TRUST FUND
Established to fund key developments in 'at-risk' communities;
Has available capital of $32 million;
Requires counterpart funding of another $32 million;
Provides training in information technology.
INNER KINGSTON PROJECT
4,614 jobs created between 1986 and 1995;
KRC investments see returns, having generated private sector investments amounting to more than twice what it has spent;
600,000 square feet of space created for production; and another 87,700 sq. ft. for Government offices;
30,000 gain access to health clinics
Street facade improvements along three corridors in the business district;
Derelict properties converted into commercial space, leading to investments that topped US$50 million;
Youth Educational Support System, YESS programme, reaches 160 youngsters;
Gold Street Police Station renovated with financing from a privately placed 10 per cent community bond, and assistance from the CIDA.
