Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie (third right) and his wife, Marcia (fourth right), celebrate during the opening of the Desmond McKenzie Transitional Centre for the Homeless on King Street in downtown Kingston yesterday (May 27). Joining in the celebration are Prime Minister Andrew Holness (right); Kingston Mayor Delroy Williams (second right); Deputy Mayor of Kingston Winston Ennis (third left); and Councillor Jermaine Hyatt (fourth left) as two staff members look on.

The centre is the brainchild of the Hon. Desmond A. McKenzie, CD, MP, JP, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, who has consistently worked in the best interest of our most vulnerable citizens. Through his unequalled service, he has demonstrated unrivaled care for the poor, homeless and other vulnerable groups.

Mayor Williams said that it was an honour for the KSAMC to name the building in recognition of Minister McKenzie’s selfless contributions.

The facility will better enable the municipal authority to manage homelessness in the Corporate Area and ease the burden on the Marie Atkins Night Shelter.

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