Multi- Million upgrading work underway at Rocky Point Fishing Beach

Ground was broken Wednesday (November 10) for a $36 Million rehabilitation of the Rocky Point Fishing Beach, Clarendon, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Christopher Tufton, said the work at the facility is in response to what the Government has seen, as well as representations made by political representatives for improved areas to do business.
“We are responding to a need that we have seen, as we have heard the concerns of the residents. You will be better off at the end of this project. It’s an enabling infrastructure that will allow you to do your work better, more efficiently, with comfort and allow you to earn a better living,” the Minister stated.
Under the project, CIDA’s Improving Jamaica’s Agricultural Productivity (IJAP), a sanitary block with associated upgrade sewage system in an environmental friendly gear sheds are to be built. The beach, which has been in disrepair for sometime, is the fourth to be rehabilitated under the programme.

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton (right) speaking with Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency Stephen Hallihan, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rocky Point Fishing Beach, Wednesday (November 10).

Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for South East Clarendon, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, told the gathering that he was pleased with the cooperation of the community, and the environmental concerns that the project took into consideration.
He said fisherfolk at Rocky Point must view the rehabilitation work as an attempt to provide an environment that is clean and which meets the standard of good hygiene, that will allow them to operate and serve their clients in a significantly enhanced environment.
“It is vital that local communities partner with central and local government to safeguard the health of the nation, which must begin with clean environments in homes, in the communities and at our places of work,” Mr. Spencer stated.
Canadian High Commissioner, His Excellency Stephen Hallihan, said the project will not only create new and/or renovated infrastructure, but also increase the capacity of the fisherfolks to a better fishers, while sustaining the environment and preserving their own lives.
“I expect this beach to be one of our model beaches under this project. I expect you to lead the way in demonstrating sound management by stakeholders in serving country, community and self,” the High Commissioner said.