Negril Benefits from Improvement Projects
By: , March 27, 2023
Photo: CONTRIBUTED
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (fourth left), leads the applause at the unveiling of the new welcome sign for the resort town of Negril last year. Others sharing the moment (from left) are Executive Director, Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Wade Mars; Secretary Manager, Negril/Green Island Area Land Authority, Althea McKenzie-Stewart; Hanover Western Member of Parliament, Tamika Davis; Lucea Mayor, Councillor Sheridan Samuels; Lucea Deputy Mayor, Councillor Andria Dehaney Grant; Savanna-la-Mar Deputy Mayor, Councillor Danree Delany; and Past President, Negril Chamber of Commerce, Richard Wallace.The Full Story
The Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies have undertaken a variety of improvement projects, to enhance Negril’s standing as a tourist destination.
Portfolio Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett said since 2017, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has committed $465 million to projects in Negril, including road rehabilitation, beautification works, drain cleaning, renovation of the Negril Fire Station and the Hanover Parish Church.
“We can also include the purchase of an ambulance for the Negril Fire Station for use in the resort area, the upgrading of the main community centre and the installation of the popular Negril Jam-Iconic sign, just to name a few,” Mr. Bartlett stated.
The Minister was speaking at a Destination Assurance Framework and Strategy consultation meeting, held at the Negril Community Centre, Norman Manley Boulevard in Westmoreland on March 23.
Mr. Bartlett noted that the government is aware that there is still much work to be done particularly concerning the improper disposal of garbage, harassment, crime and violence, and non-compliance with rules, regulations, and licensing requirements.
“Be mindful however, that an enhanced Negril space is a collective responsibility and many of these issues are social, rather than economic and require a shift in the mindset of the people and businesses that reside in and benefit from the town’s tourism economy,” he stated.
Mr. Bartlett informed that the Ministry and its public bodies are willing to work with stakeholders to address “these issues and tackle Negril’s social, civic, and environmental concerns in a tangible way”.
He added that the Negril Destination Assurance Committee will be central to this process.
In the meantime, the Minister said Negril is an integral part of the tourism product, bringing in one-third of all tourism revenue and being the island’s second largest direct employer of tourism workers.
Mr. Bartlett stated that over the decades, Negril has become one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world, with its unique features, including the well-known seven mile stretch of beach.
“The ‘capital of casual’ is the place to do everything or nothing at all and leave knowing you have had a great trip,” Mr. Bartlett said.
Negril’s Seven-Mile Beach has been voted many times over as one of the best in the world, known for its dramatic sunsets, silky white sands, clear turquoise waters, and spontaneous island spirit.