Jamaicans should not be deprived of country's natural assets - Holness

 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has stated that Jamaicans must not be deprived of the use of the country's natural assets, such as beaches.

 

He made the comment as he delivered remarks at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new RIU hotel in Trelawny on Wednesday.

 

Mr. Holness said development must take place with Jamaica's social context in mind. 

 

"We never escape our history, and our history has not always been kind to the generations. But as the generations progress and we emerge as new leaders, we must ensure that we don't make the mistakes of the past, that we don't dispossess our people of their natural assets, and that as we pursue economic development which we oftentimes conceptualize in buildings and roads, that we do not deprive the people of the use of their natural assets," he declared. 

 

As such, Mr. Holness said the Tourism Enhancement Fund is financing the improvement of public beaches islandwide, with at least one to be addressed in each parish. 

 

"At a minimum, where applicable, each beach will be getting changing areas and restroom facilities, perimeter fencing and parking, gazebos, bandstands, children's play areas, seating, lighting, walkways, electricity, water and sewage treatment facilities," the prime minister announced. 

 

Winnifred Beach in Portland is among those to be developed but this project has so far been met with apprehension from residents of the surrounding community.