Tourism Enhancement Fund Commences Construction of Artisan Villages

The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has commenced construction of the first of five artisan villages slated to be built islandwide.

This was disclosed by Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, who said the development, to be located at the Falmouth cruise ship terminal in Trelawny, will signal the resuscitation of Jamaica’s craft and artisan industry.

He made the announcement during his 2018/19 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 8), under the theme ‘Sustainable Tourism for Sustainable Development in Jamaica: Plugging Leakages by Strengthening the Linkages’.

Mr. Bartlett indicated that the Falmouth artisan village will comprise 300 shops where craft and other indigenous products are sold as well as an area to facilitate the production of these items by locals.

When completed, the facility is expected to complement the adjoining Falmouth pier and significantly reposition it as the Caribbean’s premier cruise-ship port of call.

“The construction is expected to be completed in the last quarter of financial year 2018/19, with official outfitting and branding (to be) completed by June 2019,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bartlett informed that a Beach Development Programme will be undertaken this fiscal year to enhance access to 11 public beaches, given the high demand for these facilities within the industry.

He indicated that the beaches were selected based on discussions with the technical team from the Beaches and Coastal Resources Conservation Committee, which comprises representatives of the Ministry, Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and TEF.

The Committee also includes representatives from the Ministries of Local Government and Community Development; Economic Growth and Job Creation; and Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, through the Fisheries Division.