Tourism Officials Hail Decision to Place UDC in Charge of Black River Clean-Up

Tourism officials and industry stakeholders are throwing their support behind the Government’s decision to place the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) in charge of the Black River, St. Elizabeth, clean-up.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Dr. Andrew Holness, announced on December 13 during a visit to the town, that the UDC has been assigned the task of cleaning up Black River that was devastated by Hurricane Melissa on October 28.

Residents, business interests and local tourism officials are praising the entity for its track record of speed and quality, arguing it is best equipped to handle the task.

The move, announced amid the fallout from the hurricane, aims to accelerate the restoration of south coast tourism corridors and confidence in the broader economy.

Chairman of the Tourism Recovery Task Force, John Byles, stressed that mobilising the UDC to spearhead the clean-up is a pivotal step towards getting south coast tourism back on its feet.

“Having the UDC take the lead signals a decisive commitment to moving quickly, with precision and accountability. We know what fast, quality restoration looks like, and the UDC has repeatedly demonstrated that capability in complex urban and public space projects,” Mr. Byles told JIS News.

Villa owner and long-time tourism stakeholder from Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, Ernie Muirhead, underscored the importance of a rapid, well-coordinated effort to reopen access and restore visitor confidence.

“Tourists want to return, and they want to feel safe and welcomed. The sooner we can clear roads, reopen attractions, and get our hospitality services humming again, the better for every business up and down the coast,” Mr. Muirhead said.

Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations (JAMVAC), Joy Roberts, highlighted the broader economic stakes.

“South coast tourism is a marker for Jamaica’s brand worldwide. A robust, timely clean-up, backed by professional leadership, is essential not only for today but for sustaining visitor arrivals in the months ahead,” she said.

Ms. Roberts added that JAMVAC remains in close contact with operators and regional partners to ensure that communications and safety protocols align with reopening plans.

For his part, Member of Parliament for the Black River area and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, stressed the linkage between resilient urban recovery and rural livelihoods.

“A clean, navigable Black River corridor supports our farmers, markets, and local businesses that rely on steady tourist demand,” Minister Green said.

He emphasised the importance of protecting livelihoods tied to agriculture and small-town commerce as part of a holistic recovery.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, reinforced the strategic value of restoring the south coast’s tourism backbone.

“Tourism is Jamaica’s economic engine, and every step we take towards restoring tourism infrastructure – air, sea, road access, beaches, and hospitality – feeds the broader recovery with jobs and income,” Mr. Bartlett noted.

In the meantime, Dr. Holness outlined a phased approach to the Black River clean-up, starting in the central business district and expanding to Independence Park and nearby neighbourhoods.

He said that debris will be sorted and metals recovered where possible, with sidewalks and roadways sanitised to reduce health risks.