Kingston Mayor Desmond McKenzie says he will not be tolerating any form of extortion on a $21 million project signed with Cable and Wireless to rehabilitate the Pearnel Charles Arcade in downtown Kingston.

"There is no protection money or extortion money on this project to be paid," he said. "I want everybody to understand that and no dons or donnettes are going to put any claim on this project."

Agreement signed

Rodney Davis, president and chief executive officer at Cable and Wireless, signed the agreement Friday during a press conference held at the Pearnel Charles Arcade. Cable and Wireless has committed to providing $10 million to the project.

"It is anticipated that the work will last nine to 10 weeks and, at the completion of phase one, we will start phase two," said the mayor.

He said phase two would entail the rehabilitation of the infrastructure, including public sanitary conveniences and electrical work.

The mayor said, during the period of rehabilitation, he was willing to make any concession to have the vendors relocated to another area.

Cable and Wireless will also be partnering with the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) to repaint the Constant Spring Market along with EdgeChem Jamaica Limited, which will supply all the paints at a reduced cost.

The mayor said work would also take place on the Rose Lane where the KSAC will be spending $3.5 million to rehabilitate the road.

Proud to be associated

Meanwhile, Mr. Davis said the telephone company was proud to be associated with the project.

"For us the contribution is only the beginning," he said. "The idea of going to Constant Spring Market and to work with other environments like this where we can brand the Cable Wireless brand and where we can play a part in beautifying the city and making it a better place to work and to live is something that Cable Wireless tries continuously (to do)."

Meanwhile, Brenda Christie, vice- president of the United Vendors Association, said the vendors were very grateful to corporate Jamaica for coming to their rescue, as they had to sell their wares in the sun and rain.

Mayor McKenzie said that since 2003 the Council had received a total of $40 million from the private sector.