UDC Plans for a Digital Future
The team formed to support the Corporation’s transition to new normal
Kingston, Jamaica: June 4, 2020 – The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) advises that its Corporate offices have re-opened to the public effective June 1, 2020. This is in keeping with the expiration of the Government of Jamaica’s ‘work from home’ order. UDC offices in Downtown Kingston, Runaway Bay, Ocho Rios; Montego Bay and Negril have all restarted its public-facing services, with enhanced measures implemented to secure the well-being of all staff, visitors and clients.
In keeping with the Government’s key areas of focus as the economy prepares to rebound from the effects of COVID-19, UDC has begun preparing for its digital future and the safe reopening of all its attractions. The UDC’s flagship construction project, Closed Harbour Beach Park, is ongoing and is scheduled to be completed in December of this year.
Further to this, the Corporation has formed a Response and Recovery Task Force to manage the safe transition to full-scale operations. UDC’s Management Team established the Task Force to guide the processes of the various business operations of the Corporation and to manage the phased reopening of corporate services to the public. Task Force lead, Frank McKoy shared that “COVID-19 has redefined life as we know it on a global scale. Despite this, we are presented with opportunities to utilize technology to reengineer the UDC’s business operations within the context of the digital environment. The Task Force will be identifying and promoting best practices to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus while maintaining productivity.”
UDC’s General Manager, Heather Pinnock sees the Task Force as an essential move for the Corporation, to manage the reopening of public-facing services. “The UDC is positioning itself, with readiness, to welcome visitors to do business with us at our Corporate Offices while adhering to the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Our scaled-back operations have provided an opportunity for the Corporation to reassess its practices and determine if and how they can be improved in the best interest of public safety. We also are keen to maintain safe working environments for all staff. The Task Force is also preparing for how we will welcome visitors to our attractions and properties when that time comes. Our Corporation remains focused on construction, tourism and our digital futures, which are in line with the Government’s guidance.”
The Corporation advises the public that all UDC-owned attractions remain closed to the public at this time and will be reopened on the advice of the Government.