The hilly St Ann community of Watt Town witnessed a momentous event last Friday (June 14), with the grand opening of its multipurpose facility.

Wade Mars, executive director of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), emphasised the historical significance of the project, stating, “It has been said that ‘history is not just about the past; it also reveals the present”.  

“As we gather in Watt Town, a community renowned for its rich religious heritage and the mecca for revivalism, I feel a profound sense of joy and accomplishment witnessing the completion of this transformative initiative,” he added.

Mars highlighted that the facility, funded by TPDCo, Bauxite Institute, Constituency Development Fund,  Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Post and Telecommunications Department, will serve as a hub for education, communication, and community activities.

“This project is tangible proof of what we can achieve through collaboration. The Watt Town Multipurpose Facility represents a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to enhance Jamaica’s tourism product and infrastructure,” the TPDCo head remarked.

This facility, now realised with approximately J$21 million invested, includes a resource room, a computer room, and a post office.

“These are not merely functional spaces; they are essential components that will provide educational resources, communication services, and community engagement opportunities,” said Mars.

In her opening remarks, Kedesha Rochester, director of the Constituency Development Fund said, “The value of collaboration and building partnerships are important to the vision of not only to St. Ann South Western but to Jamaica.”

Postmaster General Lincoln Allen shared his gratitude for the partnerships that made the facility possible.

“Jamaica Post is indeed grateful for the partnership with TPDCo, [MP] Zavia Mayne and other critical stakeholders. The new modernised facility boasts air-conditioning, new lighting features, internet connectivity, and other upgrades. This reopening signifies our ongoing efforts to modernise the Postal Service,” said Allen.

Allen reminisced about the previous structure, stating, “The Watt Town Post Office, originally opened on August 9, 1897, was closed in 2013. Today, we celebrate the reopening of our post office, now a contemporary block and steel structure. The residents of this community will be far better off for it.”

Member of Parliament Zavia Mayne reflected on the journey that led to this achievement, noting the community’s passionate request for a post office.

“When I went to Watt Town School, the people were saying to me, as Member of Parliament, just like how the Jarrett and Baptist Church is important, the post office is important too. The Constituency Development Fund played a pivotal role in the conceptualization and realization of this project.”

MP Mayne also made a heartfelt plea to the residents to take care of the facility.

“This is a facility for you. And if you don’t take care of it, you are going to lose it. You have to guard and protect this facility with all your might,” he urged.

Wesley Harley, project officer from the Jamaica Bauxite Institute, echoed the value of partnership in making the facility a reality stating that the collaboration between the various stakeholders was fundamental in bringing this project to life. Charles Young, legal and corporate secretary from the USF, lauded the development of the facility with an emphasis on digital inclusivity noting that the multipurpose facility is equipped with computers, workstations, and Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring that residents can stay connected, and children can complete their schoolwork.

Built by the St. Ann Municipal Corporation and Syndicate Construction and Cleaning Services, the Watt Town Multipurpose Facility is poised to serve as a cornerstone for future growth and development in the community which has been renowned as the ‘Mecca’ for revivalism, one of Jamaica’s first indigenous religions.