RAFTING IN LIMBO AS COMMUNITY WAITS FOR ANSWERS
OCHO RIOS, St Ann; Feb 24, 2025
There is confusion over the status of rafting on the White River, just outside of Ocho Rios, St Ann.
The authorities have said the facilities have been locked down since February 13. However, people are contending that rafting is continuing on the river that empties at the border between St Ann and St Mary.
(Tourism officials and police on a site visit at White River last week)
The authorities including Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) say because of negative incidents, including violence and lack of conformity to regulations, the facility has been closed to rafting. Dozens of raftsmen and vendors are reportedly out of work although some shops have stayed open. A raft transporting two locals was seen, from the bridge, on Monday morning, February 24, 2025.
(Rafts at rest last year when rafting was taking place)
One raft captain contacted by North Coast Times said “Nutten naah gwaan.” The man who asked not to be identified said a lot of politics was involved and it was not clear when the go-ahead would be given.
Police and tourism officials staged a site visit last week. The visit was led by ACP Gary McKenzie, in charge of PSTEB, and SSP in charge of St Ann Dwight Powell.
(Officials of TPDCO and other tourism entities with police on a site visit at White River last week)
However, North Coast Times contacted TPDCo last Friday, February 21, asking about the status of rafting but up to Monday there was no response.
