MINISTER TURNS ON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN TRAFALGAR PARK

Mr. Fraser of LOJ, one of the sponsors of the beautification project addresses the audience at the Christmas Lighting ceremony.

Minister Robert Pickersgill on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 turned on Christmas lights in Trafalgar Park as well as those which adorned the several JPSCo poles along Trafalgar Road, New Kingston.

The turning on of the lights was part of the ‘Tree-mendous Beautification: Adopt-a-Roadway Programme’ which was conceptualized by the Ministry of Transport and Works and the National Works Agency in 2002. Sponsors of the programme in New Kingston are National Commercial Bank (NCB), Life of Jamaica Ltd; (LOJ), Jamaica National Real Estate, Guardian Life and Jamaica Mortgage Bank.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Pickersgill commended the five companies for the interest they took in beautifying Trafalgar Road. Said he, ‘ The Ministry of Transport and Works and the National Works Agency commend you for your efforts in bringing cheer to the many motorists and pedestrians who will traverse Trafalgar Road during this season.’ Gratitude was also extended to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo) ‘who unselfishly gave of their time and manpower to decorate the light poles along Trafalgar Road…such is the unity between government and the private sector which we seek to foster.’

The Park is a ‘green strip’ of land at the intersection of Lord Nelson Way and Trafalgar Road in New Kingston. The area was left bare following the road widening project which was carried out on Trafalgar Road. On completion of that Project, the five companies along with NWA and MTW collaborated on planting grass and trees on the strip. In addition, LOJ has placed various pieces of sculpture in the park, thereby adding to the aesthetic appeal of the park.

Minister Pickersgill flicks on the switch to turn on Christmas lights in Trafalgar Park. Looking on is Dr. Fenton Ferguson, Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport and Works.

Other companies which have contributed to the ‘Tree-mendous Beautification Programme’ are Red Stripe which has adopted the Three Miles Intersection; Petrojam which is responsible for 1,100 feet of the median strip along Marcus Garvey Drive; NCB which adopted the median island in front of 1-7 Knutsford Boulevard; Terra Nova Hotel which adopted the verges separating the four lane roadway at Waterloo Road (immediately in front of the hotel); The Banana Company which adopted a section of the Junction main road in St. Mary and McIntosh Bedding which adopted a section of the Spanish Town Road. Nature’s Paradise is the latest company to get on board the programme and are responsible for the newly created intersection at Munro/Old Hope Road.

In other parts of the rural area, companies are expressing interest in the programme. Over in Westmoreland for example, the following hotels are all planning to be a part of the programme:

The Minister expressed the wish that other entities will come on board the programme.