Rasbert Turner, Portmore Star Writer

Consideration is being given to utilising the defunct Forum Hotel in Portmore as the offices of the Portmore Municipal Council (PMC).

This was revealed recently when Local Government Minister Noel Arscott visited the municipality.

The move was proposed by Portmore Mayor Keith Hinds, who lamented the need for the council to have its own space.

The minister said he would be in dialogue with the Urban Development Corporation as soon as possible.

The PMC will have to try and acquire at least two acres of land to erect a new building.

Several Portmore residents supported making the hotel the home of the council. "I fully endorse the proposal to give consideration to making the property of the old Forum useful and assisting in the development of Portmore," Melvin Tummings told THE PORTMORE STAR.

His view was echoed by others who said for too long, the property had been allowed to descend into ruins.

During the visit, the council was given a mandate to be accountable and transparent to the people they serve. Arscott told the councillors gathered that his recent withholding of funds was for transparency and that that had been achieved. There is the need for continued dialogue, Arscott said.

He implored the councillors to work and strengthen the council's revenue through effective enforcement.