Section of Highway named after former Prime Minister

THE KINGSTON to May Pen leg of Highway 2000 has been renamed in honour of former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Patterson said he was proud to be acknowledged in this way.

"It makes me very proud to be acknowledged by so many in this function, and I regard it as the icing on the cake," he said

The elder statesman, who celebrated his 80th birthday this week, noted that the construction of roadworks such as Highway 2000 are important for economic development.

"We don't just build roads for the sake of seeing new stretches. We build them because they are an essential element in economic development in any country at any time," the former prime minister asserted.

protect infrastructure

Patterson was lauded for his vision in pursuing the Highway 2000 project through public-private partnership and for improving the social and economic welfare of Jamaicans.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, who delivered the keynote address, heaped praises on Patterson and lauded him for his contribution to national development.

While commenting on the quality of the work on the highway done by TransJamaican Highway and National Road Operating and Constructing Company, Patterson is urging Jamaicans to protect infrastructure works that are in progress against any criminal activity.

"As we undertake major infrastructure projects, we cannot afford any spectre of hooliganism. We, as a country, must act responsibly. Even as we rename the highway, I want to urge the residents of the communities where new construction work is going on to become more protective of these projects," he said.