Tue | May 21, 2024

Juici gives Clarendon Empowerment Park

Published:Tuesday | July 12, 2016 | 12:00 AMCecelia Campbell-Livingston
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Contributed
Prime Minister Andrew Holness (right) listens keenly to Chairman and CEO of Juici Patties, Jukie Chin, at the official opening of Empowerment Park by the company at Clarendon Park.
Contributed
Governor General Sir Patrick Allen (left), Prime Minister Andrew Holness (right), and Chief Operations Officer and Director of Juici Patties, Edith Chin (second left), cut the ribbon to officially open Empowerment Park, established by the company at Clarendon Park, on Sunday. Others (from third left) are Operations Manager, Daniel Chin; daughter Alyssa Chin, and chairman and CEO, Jukie Chin.
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Clarendonians no longer have to make the long trek to Kingston to enjoy the ambience of Emancipation Park as, thanks to Juici Patties, they now have Empowerment Park.

At the official opening on Sunday at the company's head office at Clarendon Park, chief operations officer and director of Juici Beef Limited Edith Chin said the aim of the park is to create a sense of peace and foster feelings of serenity.

"I hope it will provide a balance of leisure and educational activities," she said, outlining some of the park's other attractions, which include a Walk of Fame honouring outstanding individuals.

The faces that will grace

the walkway are the seven national heroes, Hon Herbert McKenley, George Headley, Dr Louise Bennett Coverley, Robert Nesta Marley and Randolph Samuel Williams (Ranny Williams).

Other features of the park are a football field; a meeting room for business, training or social events; and an area for stageshows - this will form a backdrop that can be converted into a cinema.

Jukie Chin, chairman and chief executive officer of the company, made it clear that the park is their way of saying thanks to their millions of customers all over the world.

"This is our way of saying to all Jamaicans, thank you for your support," he said to cheers from the guests, who included Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, Mayor Scean Barnswell, members of parliament, pastors, government workers, and church representatives.

Chin said it is his hope that the park will help to reduce the crime rate in the parish.

Looking ahead, he said the dream will continue with the erection of a museum to showcase Juici's journey, as well as a netball court.

Keynote speaker Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in praising the Chins for their gift to the people, said the Government, too, must follow suit and invest in its people.

"The Government has to invest in our people. One of the resources we need to develop is the entrepreneurs. The secret to growing Jamaica is growing business that will reinvest in the country," he said.

The evening saw some inspirational performances from The National Youth Orchestra of Jamaica and gospel songbird Dr Carlene Davis.