Perennial issues of flooding and security in the Newport West business community in Kingston, are being tackled by several ministries and agencies.

A high-level government team led by National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang and Desmond McKenzie, the local government counterpart, met with the business operators on Tuesday (August 23), at the Shipping Association of Jamaica, where several concerns were discussed.

Chang said he and Courtney Williams, permanent secretary in the ministry, felt the need to visit the area, and get a “first-hand look” on the drains and how they are impacting security, especially the port, and future expansion of businesses.

“The port is one of the most vital economic infrastructures in this region, the physical characteristics and the security features are crucial to continue growth and development. We can see signals of growth, but we see the challenges which we have to correct to maintain the growth,” the minister said in an interview with JIS News.

Minister McKenzie said dialogue between the Government and the investors has been ongoing, and the visit provided further information for actions to tackle the issues.

“Those problems are not beyond our capacity,” and he will be coordinating with the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation through the National Works Agency (NWA), National Water Commission (NWC) and other agencies, and “we are looking to some positive results,” McKenzie said.

Meanwhile, William Brown, president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), in describing the tour as “good”, said they (business operators) want improved drainage systems to prevent flooding, traffic management, and management of food vending in the area.

“For the…development of the port, to foster growth of the country, it is a good step to collaborate with the Government,” Brown explained, adding that a “process has been agreed” with the Ministry of National Security, and the teams will continue working together for its success.