St. Elizabeth Parish Council Moves To Attract Investments

The St. Elizabeth Parish Council has moved to offer incentives to investors who want to set up businesses in the capital of Black River.

After establishing a committee at the monthly meeting on January 12, chaired by Director of Planning at the Council, Rohan Blake, Mayor of Black River, Councillor Jeremy Palmer, told JIS News that the idea to robustly bring businesses to the area came recently through a Resolution moved by Councillor for the Black River Division, Mordant Mitchell, for there to be a revival of Black River.

"What we are hoping is that this committee will develop a package of investment incentives that could stimulate investment in the town, so that people would want to come into Black River and invest," he said.

He pointed out that the area possesses potential for entertainment, special fashion promotions and other economic activities. "The town could do with a lot of revival, some very strong encouragement for people to do business and bring investment in the town," he emphasised.

For his part, Mr. Blake said he will submit a report at the next monthly meeting of the Council in February, and the members will be looking to "come up with strategies to lure developers into Black River."

Established in 1773, the town of Black River became the capital of St. Elizabeth in 1773, replacing Lacovia. It was a thriving town, second only to Kingston, where local farmers transported their sugar, and logwood that was used to make dyes, and pimento for trade or export.

In 1999 the town was declared a Protected National Heritage area. The properties are: the Magdala House, the Invercauld Guest House, the St. Elizabeth Parish Library, the Black River Court House, the Public Works Office, the Parish Council Office, the Health Centre, the St. Theresa Catholic Church, the Black River Safari, the Black River Post Office, the St. Elizabeth Parish Church, the Bank of Nova Scotia, the Revenue Office, and all the buildings and warehouses situated along the coastal side of High Street and those situated between the eastern banks of the Black River and Crane Road.