PM Holness inaugurates state-of-art Transitional Centre in Kingston

Jamaica: Prime Minister Andrew Holness inaugurated the state-of-art Transitional Centre for Downtown Kingston’s homeless residents.

The centre has been named after the Minister of Local government, former Councillor and former Mayor of Kingston – Desmond McKenzie.

He expressed honour to officially open on social media and mentioned, “It was an honour to officially open the new state-of-the-art Transitional Centre for the Homeless in Downtown Kingston.”

He further stated, “It was named in honour of former Councillor and former Mayor of Kingston, now Minister of Local Government, the Hon. Desmond McKenzie.”

He further stated that the Desmond McKenzie Transitional Centre for the Homeless is a symbol of hope and transformation.

PM Holness further added, “I commend Minister McKenzie, Mayor Williams and the KSAMC for their tremendous work in getting this facility completed and for all the work they continue to do to support the homeless, the poor and the marginalised in our society.”

After the transitional centre was opened, Local government Minister McKenzie said a temporary shelter that was established on Church Street while construction was taking place would continue to be used.

Making his contribution to the 2022-23 Sectoral Debate on Wednesday, McKenzie disclosed that night shelters are under construction in St Ann and Trelawny.

The government is looking to provide each parish with a drop-in facility and a building to temporarily house homeless people.