The Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment says it is pumping millions of dollars from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) into upgrading the resort towns of Montego Bay and Falmouth. In a release, the ministry did not say how much was to be spent over what period.
The projects are being monitored by the Montego Bay Resort Board and on Thursday, minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Dr. Wykeham McNeill, accompanied by state minister for Transport and Works, Richard Azan, received an update on work being done and plans, at a specially convened meeting of the Resort Board at the Sunset Beach Resort and Spa.Dr McNeill said a programme involving members of parliament identifying a tourism project in their respective constituencies for implementation, is being extended to parish councils and non-government organizations (NGOs) in the next budget year. He said these were very important projects as they allow for visitors to learn about the country’s heritage as they drive around the country.Chairman of the Montego Bay Resort Board, hotelier Evatt Bloomfield,outlined a list of items on the Resort Board’s agenda, many of which are in varying stages of development. The list includes beautification of the Sangster International Airport round-about, work on the Ironshore Fire Station and lighting of the Elegant Corridor.The Resort Board is also looking at the redevelopment and expansion of the St. Augustine Prep School in Coral Gardens; addressing the desperate need for public sanitary conveniences in downtown Montego Bay; acquiring and installing garbage receptacles in Montego Bay and Falmouth; and constructing adequate sidewalks from the cruise ship pier at Freeport “as a matter of priority.”Under the linkages programme being pursued between the ministries of Tourism and Agriculture, the Resort Board is also looking into the development of farmer’s markets.There is also the beautification and redevelopment of Falmouth as well as lighting and additional signage at the Martha Brae Bridge to mitigate accidents and the loss of lives.
