UDC Constructs Bus Park

(l-r): Paul Griffith, Senior Project Manager and Winston Ritchie, Project Manager, both of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) inspect the excavation works being implemented at the bus park, one component of the Transport Centre planned for downtown, Kingston. The UDC is collaborating with the Kingston City Centre Improvement Company (KCCIC) to construct the bus park between Port Royal Street and Water Lane, at the corner of Darling Street. The scope of works for the bus park includes construction of bus sheds, paving of bus lanes, construction of a parking area and a pedestrian bridge. The bus park will consist of 49 bus bays, with a capacity to accommodate some 273 buses daily on schedule. The KCCIC is responsible for constructing the commercial centre, inclusive of ticket office, shops and other support facilities for the centre. Alcar Construction and Haulage Company will be constructing the Transport Centre.

(l-r): Louise Maitland, Senior Project Manager, Deon Clarke, Architect, both of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and Florangel Serrano, Project Manager, Presport Joint Ventures  examine the blueprint for the development of the Montego Bay Sports in Catherine Hall, St. James. The scope of works for the project which is managed by UDC includes  the construction of  grandstand and bleacher seats, bathrooms, changing rooms, concession areas and storerooms, the construction of a multi-purpose court, parking areas, ticket booths, an entrance feature with the requisite access for the physically challenged and the construction of perimeter fencing. The works currently being implemented at the Sports Complex is funded by the Governments of Jamaica and Venezuela. The Venezuelan loan was provided by the Bank of Economic and Social Development of Venezuela (BANDES) and Venezuelan contractors Presport Joint Ventures are responsible for upgrading the Complex.

Joy Douglas, General Manager, Urban Development Corporation (UDC), Wayne Chen, Chairman, UDC, Lenford Salmon, Director, Jambiz International and Sonia Dowding, General Manager, Urban Maintenance Limited discuss plans for “Fireworks on the Waterfront 2008”. The occasion was a media launch for the event which was held at Hotel Four Seasons on Friday, December 19, 2008. “Fireworks on the Waterfront 2008” is scheduled for New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2008 and will take place along Ocean Boulevard. The event will comprise a kiddies’ area with a variety of rides and activities, an exciting stage show and a party dubbed “Front Row”. Fireworks on the Waterfront was first staged in 1999 and forms part of UDC’s ongoing efforts to promote downtown Kingston as an ideal location for both business and pleasure.

(l-r): Ophlyn Palmer, Principal, St. Barnabas Early Childhood Development Centre, Sonia Hyman, Programme Coordinator, Lift Up Jamaica (LUJ) Programme, Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding and Joy Douglas, General Manager, Urban Development Corporation (UDC) officially reopen St. Barnabas Early Childhood Development Centre in Kingston. The school was renovated by LUJ at a cost of $8.5 million and now boasts two new classroom blocks, kitchen and bathroom facilities, principal’s office, sick bay, library and computer room.  Under phase 2 of the Lift Up Jamaica Programme over $247M has been spent to implement 48 projects in Kingston and St. Andrew providing employment for over 2000 young people.

Veron Hussey (r), Community Development Officer, Urban Development Corporation (UDC) assists Santa Claus to present gifts to children from Belle Caste Infant School in Portland. The occasion was a Christmas Treat organized by the UDC at the Boston Community Centre on December 10, 2008. At this event over 150 children were feted by the UDC as part of the Corporation’s community outreach activities. Christmas Treats were hosted in several other UDC designated areas including St. James, Hellshire and Westmoreland.

Khadine Crooks (l), Student Nurse, Cornwall School of Nursing, tests the temperature of Devena Lewis (r), while her mother Hyacinth Franklin (c) observes. The occasion was a Health Fair held by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) at the Happy Venture Basic School in Lilliput, as part of the Corporation’s community development activities in the parish of St. James. The UDC partnered with several stakeholders in St. James including the Cornwall Regional Hospital and the Foundation For International Self Help Medical Centre (FISH). Other community outreach activities sponsored by the UDC in St. James include Parenting Seminars, Road Saftey Programmes and Values and Attitudes Programmes.

Julian Thompson, Education and Information Officer (r), Road Safety Unit, Ministry of Transport and Works uses the wheel of safety to encourage students at the New Hope Primary and Junior High School in Westmoreland to follow the right procedures when crossing the road. The occasion was a Road Safety Programme organized by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) at the New Hope Primary and Junior High School in Westmoreland recently. As part of its community development activities, during the month of November the UDC also organized road safety programmes at Coronaldi Primary School, in Montego Bay, Fellowship Primary and Junior High School and Belle Castle Infant and Primary in Portland. The UDC launched its first road safety programme in 2002 under the theme “Look out for the Children”.

(l-r): Esther Gooden, Children’s Officer, Child Development Agency (CDA) in Portland informs Dadrian Shepherd of her rights as a child, while her mother Karette Burch looks on. The occasion was a Healthy Lifestyle Fair held by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) at the Windsor Forest Primary School in Portland, as part of the Corporation’s community development activities in the parish. The UDC partnered with several stakeholders in Portland including the Portland Health Department and the Child Development Agency to promote healthy lifestyle practices within the parish. Other community development activities sponsored by the UDC in Portland include Remedial Reading and Community Tourism Workshops and an Annual Students of Excellence Awards and Values and Attitudes Programme.

REMOVING DEBRIS: Phillip Seaton (2nd left), Environmental Warden, Urban Development Corporation (UDC) works alongside members of the community of Hellshire to remove debris from a section of the Half Moon Bay Beach at a Beach Clean Up organized by the UDC recently. Over 40 individuals from the communities of Seafort, Johnson Hill, Hellshire Heights and Hellshire Glades turned out to support the event. The Beach Clean Up is one of several community outreach activities organized by the UDC in Hellshire annually. 

EMPOWERING FATHERS (l-r): Francis Madden, General Manager, Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation raps with fathers from the community of Hellshire while Lorna Blake, a member of Parents of Inner City Kids looks on. The occasion was a parenting seminar, organized by the UDC at the Hellshire Park Basic School in St. Catherine on October 23, 2008. The seminar provided strategies which can be utilized to increase the security and safety of children. The event which forms a part of UDC’s community development activities is hosted annually and is geared towards building the capacity of parenting skills within the community of Hellshire.

Joy Douglas (r), Acting General Manager, Urban Development Corporation (UDC) presents a cheque and winning trophy to Rhoujay McKenzie, student, Sharmar Preparatory and Sharon McKenzie, principal, Sharmar Preparatory. Sharmar Preparatory and Westwood High Schools copped the top prizes valued at $25,000 each in the UDC’s 2nd Annual Schools Enviro Competition. In the background from left are Dayne Buddo, environmentalist, UDC and Fabia Lamm, Manager, Green Grotto Caves. The presentation of awards was made at the 3rd Annual Green Grotto Enviro Fair held at the Green Grotto Caves and Attractions in St. Ann on October 8, 2008.

(l-r): Shavel Walford, student, Westwood High shares information on ethanol production with Zachary Harding, Deputy Director, Attractions, Special Events, Cruise Shipping, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Joy Douglas, General Manager, Urban Development Corporation (UDC), Fabia Lamm, Manager, Green Grotto Caves and Attractions and Sharon Williams, Cruise Liaison Officer, JTB. Westwood High and Sharmar Preparatory Schools copped the top prizes valued at $25,000 each in the UDC’s 2nd Annual Schools Enviro Competition. The presentation of awards was made at the 3rd Annual Green Grotto Enviro Fair held at the Green Grotto Caves and Attractions in St. Ann on October 8, 2008.

Aileen Bailey (r) gives pep talk to (l-r) Christine Murray, Paul Brown, Julian Lawrence, and Venessa Clarke from St. James, participants in the Students of Excellence Competition sponsored by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC). The occasion was a Students of Excellence Awards Luncheon held on September 19, 2008 at the Jamaica Pegasus. The Corporation honoured 140 students from the recent GSAT placement who are children of employees as well as achievers in academics and exemplary conduct from primary and high schools in St. James and Portland.

Joy Douglas (r) Acting General Manager at the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) congratulates students from Portland (l-r) Kisone Currie, Clayton Gordon, Princeton Brown, and Salama Johnson winners in the 2008 Students of Excellence Competition. The students were honoured at a luncheon held on September 19, 2008 at the Jamaica Pegasus. The Corporation honoured 140 students from the recent GSAT placement who are children of employees as well as achievers in academics and exemplary conduct from primary and high schools in St. James and Portland.

L- R David Dacosta and Maureen Nain complete steelwork as Antonio Hernandez, project manager Racar Ingenieros C.A and Anthony McDonald, construction manager Urban Development Corporation (UDC) examine drawings for the restoration of the Port Maria Civic Centre in St. Mary. The Corporation is spending approximately US$2.5M to continue the restoration and refurbishing of the Civic Centre. At the end of this phase, a mayor’s office, council chambers, retail shops, restaurants, craft museum and commercial shops will be constructed. The eight month project is being carried out with financing from the Bank of Economic and Social Development (BANDES) of Venezuela in partnership with the government of Jamaica under the San Jose Accord.

Lloyd Coulson (l) fits a khaki uniform on his son, Collin Coulson (c), while Lori-ann Smith (r), Sales Representative, Garment Plus assists. The occasion was a Back to School Fair, held by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) at Port Antonio Primary School in Portland on August 21, 2008. Other participants in the Fair included Hamilton’s Book Store, Portland Health Services, National Commercial Bank and the Registrar General’s Department. The Back to School Fair which is held annually was replicated in several other UDC designated areas.

(l-r): Berchel Gilbert, Environment Warden, Urban Development Corporation (UDC) assists children from the community of Hellshire to prepare for a skit about burning. The occasion was a summer camp hosted by the UDC in Hellshire from July 29-31. Approximately 45 young people from the community participated in the summer camp, which focused specifically on the protection of the environment. The summer camp forms part of the UDC’s community development activities in the community of Hellshire, one of the UDC’s designated areas.

For further information, please contact
The Corporate Relations and Marketing Department
Urban Development Corporation
12 Ocean Boulevard
Kingston, Jamaica
Tel :(876) 922-8310-4
Email cr@udcja.com
Website: www.udcja.com

August  2008

(l-r): Doreen O’ Connor, Director, Corporate Relations, Urban Development Corporation (UDC) presents Jermaine Wright and Sidonie Amber with stationery and books for the upcoming school year. The occasion was a Back to School Fair held by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) on the Kingston Waterfront on July 31.  Other participants in the Fair included, Bashco, Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation, the Jamaica Library Service and the Registrar General’s Department.  The Back to School Fair which is held annually forms part of the UDC’s community development activities in the corporate area and is replicated in other UDC designated areas.

(l-r): Sandra Miller-Hall, Community Development Officer, Urban Development Corporation (UDC) examines the scrap rugs being made by Lacie-Ann Lawrence and Katherine Elliot, students attending the Lilliput summer school.  The occasion was the Lilliput summer school hosted by the UDC from July 7-11 in Lilliput, St. James. Over 200 young people participated in the summer school, which was held at the Lilliput Seventh Day Adventist Church. The summer school forms part of the UDC’s community development activities for the parish of St. James.

Members of the community of New Milns in Hanover, exit the New Milns Community Centre which was recently constructed by Lift Up Jamaica (LUJ) at a cost of $5.8M. The facility now boasts a brand new kitchen, bar, office, storage room, male and female bathroom facilities. Under phase 2 of the Lift Up Jamaica Programme over $202M has been spent to construct and upgrade 26 community centres across the island.

Sergeant Brown, Area 1, Road Safety Unit, St. James advises students of the proper precautions to follow when crossing the road. The occasion was a Back to School Fair held by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) at John Rollins Success Primary School in St. James. Other participants in the Fair included, Bryans Book Store, the Registrar Generals Department and the St. James Health Department. The Back to School Fair which is held annually forms part of the UDC’s community development activities in St James.

Children from childcare and protective institutions in the Corporate Area build a sand castle at Hellshire Summer Fun 2008. From July 8-10, over 700 children from 15 institutions were treated by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) at the 28th Annual Hellshire Summer Fun which was held at Fort Clarence Beach in Hellshire. This community outreach activity is geared towards treating children to a day at the beach during the summer holidays.

Isaac Gordon (l), Area Manger, Urban Development Corporation (UDC) presents cheques to Nia Vidal and Jermaine Mckenzie the most disciplined girl and boy at Mount Salem Open Bible School in St. James, while Valrie Clarke (2nd left) principal of the school and Kerriann Clarke(r)  their teacher look on. The presentation was made on July 3, at the graduation ceremony held for Mount Salem Open Bible School. The Mount Salem Open Bible School was awarded 1st place in the Land of Manners Corner and is one of 10 schools participating in the Values and Attitudes Campaign organized by the UDC in St. James. 

Reginald Peddy, Chief Plant Protection Officer, Apiculture Unit, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands examines the bees at the apiary at Spot Valley High School in St. James, while students from the school look on. The occasion was an Income Generating Workshop hosted by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) as part of its community outreach programme in St. James. Other community outreach initiatives sponsored by the UDC in St. James include, Back to School Fairs, Christmas Treats and Values and Attitudes Programmes.

(L-r) Louis Williams, chairman of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) updates Prime Minister Bruce Golding and His Worship Mayor Desmond McKenzie on plans for downtown Kingston while Joy Douglas, acting general manager, UDC looks on. The occasion was a stakeholders meeting held on June 25, 2008 at the Jamaica Conference Centre, where the UDC presented proposals for the phased redevelopment of the downtown Kingston area. The plans will be implemented over a ten year period, 2008 to 2018 in four phases and will include an Urban Transport Centre, the upgrading of St. William Grant Park, creation of Kingston Harbour Causeway Bridge, establishment of Justice Square and renovation to Jamaica Conference Centre and adjoining 200-room Oceana Hotel.

Keith Hastings (r), Construction Manager, Lift Up Jamaica (LUJ) raps with students at Kendal Basic in Cessnock, Hanover, while Genese Peterkin (l) Principal at the school listens attentively. The school which was recently constructed by Lift Up Jamaica (LUJ) at a cost of $6.7 million now boasts three new classrooms, kitchen facilities, bathroom facilities for teachers and students, sick bay, principal’s office and a storage area. Under phase 2 of the Lift Up Jamaica Programme over $24M has been spent to implement four projects in Hanover providing employment for over 100 young people.

(l-r): Donovan Beckford, Engineer and Sonia Hyman, Programme Coordinator, both of the Lift Up Jamaica (LUJ) Programme inspect Maloney Park, located at the corner of Park Avenue and Havendale Drive in St. Andrew. The park was recently refurbished by LUJ at a cost of $6.8 million. The work implemented included the refurbishing of bathroom facilities, restoration of an existing gazebo, construction of a tuck shop, a play area for children and construction of perimeter fencing. Under phase 2 of the Lift Up Jamaica Programme over $247M has been spent to implement 48 projects in Kingston and St. Andrew providing employment for over 2000 young people.

Margaret Chin (r), Lecturer, Mico University College recaps some of the highlights of a lesson planning exercise with Tracia Morgan-Brown (l) and Andrea Smith (c), teachers at Titchfield High in Portland.  The occasion was a Remedial Reading Workshop organized by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) from June 5-6, 2008, at the Port Antonio Methodist Church in Portland. Thirty eight teachers from 20 primary and high schools in Portland were exposed to strategies to identify and correct learning difficulties which impact on students’ ability to read well. Other community development activities implemented by the Corporation in Portland include Healthy Lifestyle Workshops, Small Business Workshops, Road Safety and Values and Attitudes Programmes.

Hon Daryl Vaz, Minister of State, Project Implementation & Service Delivery in the Office of the Prime Minister (r) along with Louis Williams, chairman (c) and Wentworth Charles, director, both of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC sign contract for the upgrading of Reach Falls in Portland. Vivalyn Downer Edwards, senior deputy general manager and Paul Williams, acting chief project manager, UDC oversee the signing. The contract valued at J$25M was signed at Jamaica House on June 11, 2008.

Orlando Robinson (r), Curator, Hope Zoo allows students from the School of Hope to pet a rabbit, while Valcia Ellington (l) a teacher from the school looks on. Over $10 million has been spent under phase 2 of the Lift Up Jamaica Programme (LUJ) to construct a petting zoo and vending shops at Hope Gardens in Kingston. Under phase 2 of the Lift Up Jamaica Programme over $247 million has been spent in Kingston and St. Andrew to implement 48 projects which include the construction and renovation of schools, the renovation of community centres, recreational areas and parks, the rehabilitation of drains, gullies and cemeteries and the removal of zinc fences and construction of concrete walls.

(l-r): Doreen O’Connor, Director, Corporate Relations, Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and Lawrence Madden, CEO, Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), present first place trophy and a cheque to Nicholas Welch, from Camperdown High School. Camperdown High and Half Way Tree Primary copped the top prizes valued at $25,000 each in the inaugural Hellshire Schools’ Environment Competition, which was organized by the UDC. The presentation of awards was made at the 2nd annual Hellshire Enviro Fair held at Two Sisters Caves in St. Catherine on May 22, 2008.

Staff members and well-wishers turned out to participate in a Service of Thanksgiving for the UDC on March 16, 2008, held at the St. Andrew’s Scots Kirk United Church on Duke Street, Downtown Kingston to mark the Corporation’s 40th Anniversary. From right Prime Minister Bruce Golding and His Worship Mayor Desmond McKenzie converse with Joy Douglas, Acting General Manager, UDC, and Rev. Dr. Ralph Hoyte.

Dayne Buddo, environmentalist, Urban Development Corporation (UDC) introduces students to the different organisms which live in the root of a mangrove tree including crabs, shrimps, oysters and sponges.  The occasion was a tour of the Bogue Lagoon in Montego Bay on Friday, February 1 in celebration of World Wetlands Day which is held on February 2 each year.  Under the theme “Healthy Wetlands, Healthy People” the UDC in collaboration with the Montego Bay Marine Park and the Marine Police conducted talks and  tours of the lagoon with students from five secondary and tertiary institutions in Montego Bay as part of its public education programme on the environment.

February 5, 2008

Eric Norman, bee farmer displays honey reaped at a bee farm in Kenilworth, Hanover to students of Spot Valley High School during a tour of the apiary.  The school has recently established an apiary as part of the teaching and learning programme for Agricultural Science.  The project was established in collaboration with the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the Ministry of Agriculture.

For further information, please contact
The Corporate Relations and Marketing Department
Urban Development Corporation
12 Ocean Boulevard
Kingston, Jamaica
Tel :(876) 922-8310-4
Email cr@udcja.com
Website: www.udcja.com

February  2008

L-r   Patrick Smellie, managing director of Jatlin Construction and Associates, Louis Williams, chairman of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), Junior Leslie, managing director of Alcar Construction & Haulage Company examines official blueprints. Joining in the occasion is his company secretary Euvine Dare and Joy Douglas, acting general manager of the UDC. The occasion was the contract signing for the construction of the Urban Transport Centre and upgrading of the St. William Grant Park on January 15, 2008 at Jamaica House. Alcar Construction & Haulage Company will be constructing the transport centre and Jatlin Construction & Associates, the upgrading of the St. William Grant Park.

For further information, please contact
The Corporate Relations and Marketing Department
Urban Development Corporation
12 Ocean Boulevard
Kingston, Jamaica
Tel :(876) 922-8310-4
Email cr@udcja.com
Website: www.udcja.com

January 2008