A plan by the Government to spend some $2.5 billion redeveloping National Heroes Park in downtown Kingston as a major tourist attraction and the home of the Parliament has raised concerns in some circles.

There have been reports that the Office of the Contractor General (OCG) will be investigating the award of the contract. However, this could not be confirmed yesterday.

Opposition MP Daryl Vaz said that the money would be better spent at this time on upgrading the health sector.

The main issue has been the fact that the first $152 million will be spent on a project to erect a perimeter fence around the park.

The issue regained some prominence recently with the tabling of Ministry Paper No 137 in the House of Representatives on October 16. The ministry paper indicated that Cabinet approved the award of a contract in the amount of $151.9 million to Black Brothers Incorporated Limited for the erection of the fence.

The significance of the issue in the media is probably linked to two matters: (1) that Black Brothers is headed by Kenneth ‘Skeng Don’ Black, well-known People’s National Party (PNP) activist and businessman; and (2) that the erection of the perimeter wall is occurring on the eve of a general election and in an area which is surrounded by inner-city communities dominated by supporters of both the ruling PNP and the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

There is also some concern that the funding for the project will be provided by two government agencies — the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund.

TEF was established in 2005 for the sole purpose of implementing the recommendations emanating from the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development, 2002. Funds are raised from tourism enhancement fees; monies received from loans or otherwise; monies earned by or arising from investments made by or on behalf of the fund; such monies and other property as may lawfully be paid to, or become vested in, the fund in respect of any matters incidental to its functions.

Its main function is to implement projects and programmes which impact on the growth and development of the tourism sector.

The CHASE Fund was incorporated in January 2003. It was registered under the Companies Act to receive, distribute, administer and manage the monetary contributions from the lottery companies pursuant to Section 59(G) of the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Act, in connection with: Sports Development; Early Childhood Education; Health; and Arts and Culture.

The Ministry Paper noted that perimeter wall is being erected under the National Heroes Redevelopment Project and represents Part 1A of a phased programme aimed at upgrading the park in its entirety.

“The perimeter fencing is expected to improve the visual appeal and security of the park,” according to the ministry paper.

However, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the redevelopment of National Heroes Park in downtown Kingston, including the perimeter fencing, at a total cost of $2.5 billion actually took place on November 3.

It was announced that the project was divided into five distinct zones, including: a shrine for the national heroes, a passive-contemplative zone, an active zone, a service zone, and a zone reserved for the construction of a new Parliament building to replace Gordon House.

It is understood that the aim of the $2.5-billion project is to have defined space which would house national elements of the country’s history, as well as recreational space for Jamaicans and visitors, and is expected to include space for legal vending.

Dr Omar Davis, whose Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing is undertaking the project, told the audience at the signing that the project, which should begin with the erection of the perimeter wall before year end, should be completed in six-nine months.

Dr Davies has urged Jamaicans not to be frightened by the $2.5-billion price tag, as the ministry could not ensure quality development without adequate funding.

“We are united in the belief that the ordinary people of the Corporate Area deserve a park of the highest quality,” he said.

He justified the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s contribution to the funding as rooted in the projection of the park becoming a major attraction in the rebirth of Kingston as a tourist attraction.

“And it is important that our children have a good knowledge of our history,” he said.

He said that raising the funding was a critical task, but was not the most significant.

“What will be important is the maintenance of the facility, and I appeal to persons to bear in mind the value of this important area and exercise utmost care,” Davies said.