KSAMC pushing to continue restoration of Ward Theatre

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is advancing efforts to restore the historic Ward Theatre in downtown Kingston.

Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby has said he has engaged a broad range of experts to provide critical support in reinstating the facility.

The restoration effort is to include input from creatives, engineers, architects, restoration specialists and members of the business sector.

“I reached out to Howard Mitchell, a highly respected Jamaican businessman who is the former head of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ). We discussed the best strategies to engage the public and private interests to support the completion of the Ward,” said Swaby.

Andrew Swaby

The mayor, who was speaking at the KSAMC’s general meeting at Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston on Tuesday, said Mitchell has already begun leveraging his network to generate support.

“I must also state that I have had this discussion with Minister (of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia) Grange, who has pledged her continued support, and has endorsed the involvement of Mr Mitchell,” he said.

A recent site visit to the Ward Theatre has been conducted, including participation from Mitchell and well-respected architect Peter Jarvis, signalling tangible progress in the restoration efforts.

Restoration efforts directed at the Ward Theatre have been on at the KSAMC for a number of years, but completion of the overall goals has been elusive over the period.