KINGSTON:

The Government will be setting up a skills training centre and sports facility in Glendevon, St James, to meet the training and recreational needs of young people in the community and surrounding areas.

The move is in keeping with social intervention initiatives being undertaken across the island aimed at reducing crime and violence.

Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Daryl Vaz at the post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, announced the award of contracts totalling just under $70 million for the projects.

Of the amount, Share Con Limited has received a $36.8 million for the rehabilitation and renovation of facilities to house the skills training centre, which will also cater to residents of Rose Heights, Mount Salem, Canterbury, Norwood and Rosemount.

structured programme

"It will, initially, facilitate the conduct of a structured programme by HEART Trust/NTA in the areas of welding, carpentry, auto mechanics, and technician training," he said.

Meanwhile, Alcar Haulage and Construction Limited has been awarded $32.5 million to undertake rehabilitation works and construction of a multi-purpose court and mini football field at the Glendevon Primary and Junior High School.

Vaz said the community is being targeted by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), under the second European Union Poverty Reduction Programme II (PRP II) to improve socio-economic conditions and quality of life for residents.

The contracts were awarded on the recommendation of the National Contracts Commission and the infrastructure subcommittee.