Musical icons lift Mark Lane

Kingston's Mayor Delroy Williams said that Mark Lane, in downtown Kingston, will be pedestrianised and outfitted with decorative bricks similar to neighbouring Water and Temple lanes.

The mayor made the comment after the Kingston & St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) unveiled its newest set of commissioned murals along Mark Lane. The murals pay homage to some of the pioneers of reggae music.

Painted by Roshane 'Paige' Taylor, Simone Racquel Williams, Joshua Solas, Anna-Lisa Guthrie and Monique Kidd, the murals bring to life the works of Peter Tosh, Gregory Isaacs, Desmond Dekker, Millie Small, Bunny Wailer and Sister Nancy, among other cultural pioneers.

"We have a vision for the space to be transformed into what we have dubbed 'Kulture Kay'. Once the entertainment industry reopens, we will see the spaces used much more and we will continue to facilitate same," the mayor said.

Repair work has already started on the sidewalks in Mark Lane and will continue once the murals are completed.

Kingston Creative, a non-governmental organisation, has been leading the charge to bring light to downtown Kingston through the 'Paint the City' project, with various murals being painted across the creative city.

Williams stated that there will be greater opportunities for local artists to display their talents under a project that is to be launched later this year.

"The Paint the City project will bring the history and culture of many communities to life and provide employment directly to thousands of creatives. Both the ministers of finance and local government are very keen on this, and we are excited about the transformation that it will have in our city," Williams said.