US$2 Million for Fantasy Beach Park Development in St. Ann

The Government is investing US$2 million in the development of the Fantasy Beach Park in Priory, St. Ann.

The project will be undertaken over the next 18 months, through support from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), and will be similar in scope to the Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the announcement in his contribution to the 2024/25 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday (March 21).

He said that the Government will be upgrading several beaches across the island for public access.

“The Government will further upgrade another nine free community beaches this year. Beyond 2024/25, we will develop the Boston Beach Park in Portland and a major beach park in Negril,” Mr. Holness informed.

In the meantime, the Prime Minister said the Beach Access and Management Policy is complete and will be tabled at the next sitting of the House of Representatives.

“The policy seeks to ensure that Jamaica’s beaches are preserved and sustainably managed for present and future generations, and provision is made for Jamaicans to be able to access their beaches,” Mr. Holness said.

The Prime Minister further reported on the progress being made in completing development orders to ensure orderly development and sound environmental management of parishes and towns across the island.

“Last year, you will recall that we confirmed the Kingston and St. Andrew Pedro Cays development orders. We are actively working to complete Parish Development Orders for St. Thomas, St. Elizabeth, Hanover and St. James,” he told the House.

He said that the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has completed the master plans for Constant Spring, Half-Way-Tree, and Negril, and the Portmore Confirmed Development Order has been promulgated.