The old May Pen Police Station, which is now set to house a brand new state-of-the-art National Insurance Scheme building. - Photo by Dwight Nelson

MAY PEN, CLARENDON:

The relocation of the May Pen Police Station has brought about the opportunity of advancement in Clarendon.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles, senior adviser in that ministry, Clifton Stone, Permanent Secretary, Alvin McIntosh, and Ludlow Bowie, senior director of investment for the National Investment Fund along with Minister of Transport and Works and Member of Parliament for Central Clarendon, Mike Henry, toured the premises of what used to be the May Pen Police Station on Main Street, May Pen, last Thursday.

In an address to citizens of Clarendon, Mr. Charles said the property was purchased by the National Insurance Fund in 2004 and the site would be developed into a state-of-the-art National Insurance Scheme (NIS) office. The building will also provide commercial office space for rent as part of the National Insurance Investment Programme.

The minister said that through this development there will be proper space for training and certification in Clarendon.

The project will also make returns on NIS funds and at the same time provide facilities to serve customers.

The new building will consist of a skill bank where résumés of skilled workers are kept until there is a recruiting drive. The minister said State Minister Andrew Gallimore will undertake that aspect of the project.

Mr. Charles asked residents of Clarendon to exercise patience as ground will be broken early next year as time is needed to carry out proper procurement guidelines relating to building approvals and the issuing of contracts.

- Dwight Nelson