Construction of the highly anticipated Closed Harbour Beach Park in Montego Bay will begin following the official groundbreaking by Prime Minister, the Most Hon Andrew Holness yesterday.
The project, which is being primarily funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and executed by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), will be the largest transformative development for the parish and largest of its kind in the Caribbean.
In addressing stakeholders at the Closed Harbour site, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said, “Montego Bay has a special place in Jamaica and it represents the essence of what it is to be Jamaican with its enterprise, industry and creativity,
This city can become the pearl of the Caribbean and we are making the necessary investments and through development, rule of law and public order this can become a reality.”
Prime Minister Holness added, “As the government undertakes this project, i want to assure the citizens of St. James that we will not allow the tourism industry to grow without including you,
The Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, is the biggest advocate for pensions, training and development and ensuring the profits of the sector redound to the people and this project will be one such example.”
Closed Harbour Beach Park is estimated to cost J$1.296Billion and will include extensive work to create a beach futsal and multipurpose court, basketball and netball courts, kids play area, food kiosks and outdoor dining area.
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, in highlighting the significance of this project, said “Closed harbour is at the core of what Jamaica’s tourism is about and that is to enhance and develop our products which will be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It forms part of our overall vision to reimage tourism in Jamaica,
We are committed to building out these types of spaces because our first obligation is to our people to ensure they have access to the best beaches and experiences such as these.”
Minister Bartlett added, “There’s no doubt that the Closed Harbour Beach Park will be the most transformative development for Montego Bay and we are going to carry out the vision of re-imaging Montego Bay as a premier destination under the direction of our Prime Minister.”
Minister of National Security, Hon Dr. Horace Chang stated that the project represents “Integrated development and will signal the new Montego Bay.”
Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Homer Davis said, “This closed harbour beach is for the people of Montego Bay and people of Jamaica. I am pleased to be Mayor at this time to witness this important development that will benefit so many.”
The UDC will act as project managers for the project which will also see a waterfront rehabilitation component. This will include rehabilitating the groynes that were created in the 1970s that have since been eroded.
