Seiveright, Swaby step up renewal push in New Kingston

MOUNTING concerns over harassment, public disorder, and people with mental health and substance abuse challenges have prompted intensified action across the New Kingston business district.

Minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce Delano Seiveright, and Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby last Friday led police, representatives of government agencies — including the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), which is playing a key directional role — and private sector stakeholders on a walkthrough to identify trouble spots and accelerate corrective action.

Businesses, employees, residents, and visitors to New Kingston have reported threatening and uncouth behaviour, petty theft, garbage being scattered, property damage, and confrontations involving people apparently experiencing serious mental health or substance abuse challenges. There have also been occasional reports of people walking naked through sections of the district.