Kingston, Jamaica – Over $1.2 billion have been earmarked by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to undertake four major projects across the island in keeping with a policy directive from Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill that “the TEF must be a transformational agency and implement projects that will transform the landscape of Jamaica.”
Announcing the projects during his Sectoral Presentation in Parliament today, Minister McNeill, said Memoranda of Agreements have been signed already and a total of $550M put in place to start four major projects in resort towns. Funds have already been transferred to the implementing agencies.
Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Pier
The Minister said the first project, to be implemented in Ocho Rios, was to assist in countering the “deleterious effect on the other ports,” of the Falmouth Cruise Ship Pier coming into operation. The $400 million Ocho Rios transformational project is a partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment (MTE), the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) and embraces the area between the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa and the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Pier.
Lighting along Montego Bay’s ‘Elegant Corridor’
The second major initiative announced by the Minister will provide lighting along Montego Bay’s ‘Elegant Corridor’ (Segment-2a of the North Coast Highway from the roundabout at the Sangster International Airport going east to Lilliput), at a cost of $400 million. The project’s design is completed and ready to go to tender. LED lighting powered directly from the national electric grid will be used.
Bicycle Tracks and Pedestrian Pathways
The third project will build bicycle tracks and pedestrian pathways. These will stretch six kilometers. The paths will run between the roundabout and the aerodrome on Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril. The project will cost $170 million.
“These improvements will encourage greater visitor mobility and safety, promote inclusiveness and stimulate increased spending in small businesses,” said Minister McNeill as he noted, “This venture is an extension of the project that is currently underway and is slated to be completed by the first quarter of 2014.”
Rehabilitation of the Naval Hospital
The fourth major initiative will greatly change Port Royal. It involves fixing up the Naval Hospital. A museum will be created in that building. This museum will display many valuable artifacts recovered from the sea over the years.
About $220 million has been allocated for this project. It will include an interactive children’s museum. There will also be a cobblestone historic walking trail. This trail will have storyboards and support services. It will connect the Naval Hospital and Fort Charles.
Smaller Initiatives and Projects
In addition to these major transformative projects, Minister McNeill said TEF funding was also being used “to implement a number of smaller initiatives and projects,” including upgrading of public beaches, the birthplaces of National Heroes and Prime Ministers, Devon House, Milk River Bath and Spa and Bath in St. Thomas.
