Wehrli

Consul General of the United States Embassy, Ed Wehrli, maintained this week that ample legal parking space is available near the embassy for visa applicants.

Therefore, Mr. Wehrli said while speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Kingston at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, the embassy has no plans to provide parking space for members of the public.

He said during the luncheon on Thursday, that there are parking spaces which are within 200 yards of the embassy.

"There is ample parking very close to the embassy. I drive into the embassy every day and I see dozens of parking areas, which are free spaces," he said. "Parking lots which are not more than 100 or 200 yards from the embassy."

Mr. Wehrli also cited two parking facilities, which are legal, in proximity to the embassy. He said the addresses for these facilities could be found on the embassy's web page.

Under 'Visa Services' on its website the embassy states: "While the embassy does not provide parking for visitors, ample commercial parking is available in lots close to the embassy such as 27 Munroe Road (parking fee is payable in advance at Paymaster)."

It continued: "The embassy has no contractual or legal relationship with these lots and accepts no responsibility for their condition, operation, or safety."

During the luncheon, Mr. Wehrli also urged persons with appointments that, in order to avoid congestion and long waits, they should arrive at the embassy 15 minutes early.