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40 41 patrols for ten years and we have developed an excellent relationship with them. After a decade on the property, they’ve come to know the site and the community very well. They work closely with our property management supervisors to ensure the safety of the patrons and the Super- centre, itself. In addition, we have surveillance cameras throughout the property that we mon- itor from the property management office.We also have a good relationship with the nearest police station so, if there is an incident, the police work with property managers and the security guards to ensure the safety of the mall. “Generally speaking, there are issues of crime in various areas of Jamaica, and places like the Boulevard Supercentre play a very important role in that regard.My supervisor recently reminded me that people really do have a sense of owner- ship and pride in the surrounding community, and they believe the Supercentre isn’t just a pleasant place to shop, but they feel safe and secure when they are there.We’re happy about that.” BOULEVARD SUPERCENTRE BVC: How do technology and sustainability factor into the operations? Graham: “The focus at the Boulevard Super- centre is to continually keep up the high stan- dards of maintenance and repair through an ongoing program of upgrades and maintenance. As things come up in the repair process, there is a conversation about how things can be done better and sustainably. One thing we’re having discussions about is installing the type of roof- ing that will withstand the elements and heavy rains we have from time to time and provide a level of insulation that will bring down the cost of energy to the mall. In 2016, the Lee family did quite an expansion at their Red Hill Road flagship location and are planning to expand even more this year with the addition of 30,000 square feet. That development will be state-of- the-art and sustainable, and lessons learned there will be applied to our present location. “There is wi-fi throughout the mall and an internet café, as well. The Kingston Book Store has a whole section that offers internet services, and the Royal Tech computer store offers the latest in technology and electronics. Jamaica has become very tech savvy, as most people operate with their smart phone and you need to keep abreast of it and offer places with wi-fi and internet access.” BVC: What do you anticipate for the Boule- vard Supercentre in the next five years?

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