Minister Robinson Welcomes Upgrading Works in Ocho Rios

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson, has welcomed upgrading works being undertaken by the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) in resort town Ocho Rios, noting that the projects will boost tourism and create employment.

“I am all about employment and what is in the best interest of the people,” said Mrs. Robinson who is also the Member of Parliament for the area.

“I have always maintained that Ocho Rios, with Dunn’s River Falls and other first-class attractions, has the potential to be one of the premier tourism hotspots in the entire region,” she added.

Mrs. Robinson was speaking to JIS News at a St. Ann Chamber of Commerce meeting at the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios on October 19.

The Port Authority is carrying out infrastructure work on the Ocho Rios Fishing Village at a cost of $220 million. The first of two phases of the project is on schedule for completion by December 2016, to coincide with the start of the winter tourist season.

The entity will also be embarking on a US$20-million upgrading of the multi-purpose Reynolds Pier to bring it on par with the port of Falmouth.

Senior Civil Engineer and Procurement Specialist at the Port Authority, Leonard Bailey, told JIS News that “we are literally working around the clock to meet the December deadline” for the completion of the fishing village.

He informed that the old fishing village has been demolished and will be replaced by a new facility where visitors will be able to enjoy quality seafood in a first-class atmosphere.

Mr. Bailey informed that 14 shops will be built to house four restaurants and a number of souvenir shops and small bars, which will be leased to local entrepreneurs.

“Two of the restaurants will be medium-sized while the other two will be major specialty-type eateries,” he said.

“The souvenir shops, bars and the smaller restaurants will be part of phase one while the two large restaurants will be a part of phase two,” Mr. Bailey told JIS News.
Space will also be provided for fisherfolk, who will supply the restaurants.

Fisherman and President of the Sailor’s Hole Benevolent Society, Orville Grant, said he is happy about the project, noting that it will provide an opportunity for the local fisherfolk to conduct business in a pleasing atmosphere.

“What I am happy about is that they are taking the welfare of the fishermen into consideration. We have been a part of all the discussions and an area has been created to accommodate our boats and fishing gears,” he informed.