WESTERN BUREAU – There is to be a US$25-million development at the wharf in Falmouth, Trelawny, from which some 2000 persons are expected to derive employment.

The Wharf Development – which was announced by head of the Development Bank of Jamaica, Kingsley Thomas last week – is to form the nucleus of heritage tourism in Falmouth. Located at the site of the former Hampden Wharf Estate property, which was taken over by FINSAC in the 1990s, the development will provide the home for the Jamaica Music Review and Slave Museum in the town. In addition, it will see the upgrade of the neighbouring fisherman’s village and that of the historic Tharpe House, which was owned by wealthy planter, John Tharpe.

“I am extremely happy over the prospects of employment that the various projects in the parish are expected to offer. Over 2000 persons should be employed in the construction phase of the wharf development project,” said Member of Parliament (MP) for North Trelawny, Dr Patrick Harris.

The MP was particularly ecstatic at the prospects for the development of heritage tourism in the parish, which would provide additional jobs over time.

“I have been constantly pushing for heritage tourism and the development of this particular area as the fulcrum for the development of the town and now I am elated that it is a reality,” Harris told the Observer. “This is now a part of the Greater Falmouth Development Plan, which is development for Falmouth and surrounding areas,” he added.

Meanwhile, Thomas told last week’s luncheon of the Rotary Club of Falmouth that the project, which is also to include a 1,000-seat theatre/concert hall, would be completed by May of next year.

“Part of the wharf development is the construction of a minimum 1000-seat… theatre/concert hall that will ever be in Jamaica to be the home of Children of the Drum. My commitment to the Jamaica Music Review Committee is that the first show will be in June 2005,” he said. “My task is to make sure that the building is ready by May 2005. I have already spoken to three contractors. I am setting up a team of architects and designers at the Development Bank within the next week and a half because we have to do some reconfiguration of the plans,” Thomas added.

The Jamaica Music Review will showcase the history of Jamaican music from gerreh, ska and rocksteady to mento, reggae and dance hall.