The Government will be spending just over $4 billion to construct new and renovate several existing facilities in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, beginning this year, according to a JIS report.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, said the undertaking forms part of measures to boost the resort town’s tourism product, consequent on discussions with industry stakeholders.
Speaking at the inaugural ‘HOPE for Jamaica’ town hall meeting at the Ocho Rios High School on Thursday, May 4, Mr. Holness said that among the targeted expenditures is $2.5 billion to upgrade the Reynolds Pier to enable the facility to accommodate cruise ships. This, he noted, will complement the Ocho Rios Pier, for which $270 million is earmarked to improve the adjacent promenade.
“So, you will now have two berths at which you can receive cruise ships… which means you can accommodate two (vessels) at a time,” the Prime Minister said.
Additionally, Mr. Holness said $100 million will be spent to renovate the town’s market, while a new artisan village is to be built at a cost of $80 million.
He informed that the village will facilitate craft-making as well as the retail of products manufactured, and will be a significant improvement on existing arrangements.
“It is time that we take a different view of craft and treat it as an important pillar of the tourist experience,” the prime minister said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Holness informed that $100 million of a $1.2 billion allocation will be spent to refurbish the Ocho Rios market to transform it into an attractive facility for tourists and locals.
“So this Government is not just talking… we are doing things. We are taking the lead in (not only) transforming your town, but also in the transformation of your outlook and view of the future, which cannot and should not be pessimistic… (but rather) optimistic,” the Prime Minister added.
