Several infrastructure works are underway in Granville and adjoining communities in West Central St. James, to improve the living standard of residents and enhance economic activity in the areas.

The projects, being undertaken through the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP), include refurbishing and upgrading of roadways, repair of sidewalks and bridges, and construction of drains and channels.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Sharon Ffolkes Abrahams, who spoke to JIS News during a recent tour of projects in Granville and Mount Salem, said that the aim is to provide the necessary infrastructure to enhance community life.

“We want to ensure that the infrastructure in the communities is properly dealt with as proper roads and sidewalks help to build the community,” she stated.

Mrs. Ffolkes Abrahams, who is Member of Parliament for the area, said that several residents have been employed on the projects and are now better able to provide for themselves and their families.

Turning to other initiatives being undertaken in the area, she informed that 105 business operators from Mount Salem, Granville, and Spring Gardens, are to receive entrepreneurial training this month. The training will be conducted by the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC).

“Persons will be trained in how to manage their businesses properly, how to have a business plan, how to market their business, how to choose the right persons to be engaged in their business and to operate their business on sustainable basis,” she told JIS News.

She said that there is also collaboration with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) to establish projects in pig rearing, chicken farming, backyard gardening, pepper production, among other areas.

By Glenis A. Rose