THIS DAY IN OUR PAST

The following events took place on May 17 in the years identified:

1967:Affairs Minister of Home Roy McNeill announces that at the request of Jamaican authorities, the British Government agrees to provide a police training mission to assist the Commissioner of Police to carry out reforms in the organisation and training of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. This agreement follows discussion between the Jamaican and British governments in London and Kingston and recommendations, which were made by Mr Michael Macean, overseas police adviser to the Commonwealth Office, during his visit to Jamaica.

1985:General Governor Florizel Glasspole and Archbishop of Kingston Samuel Carter break ground for the erection of an auditorium complex for the St George’s College on North Street. The auditorium is being constructed with the assistance of an overseas grant by USAID and the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad, together with a local fund-raising drive called Campaign’85. Another high

1991:class hotel, Ciboney Ocho Rios, opens with ceremony, expressions of optimism and high hopes for the future of tourism in Jamaica. Prime Minister Michael Manley, back from a weeklong visit to the United States, is guest speaker at the opening. The hotel is formally opened by Minister of Tourism Frank Pringle. Frans Soler, president of the International Bank of Miami, one of the major investors in the hotel, says that his business involvement with Jamaica extends more than 20 years.

1997:P.J. Prime Minister Patterson breaks ground on segment one of the Northern Coastal Highway Improvement Project at Point Estate, Hanover. He says this is the culmination of a dream for a modern highway. Mr. Patterson, speaking at the official ceremony, states the highway will result in substantial improvement in property value. That is in an apparent bid to allay the concerns of property owners who expect the opposite. “North coast properties carry premium prices, indeed,” says the prime minister.