FALMOUTH, Trelawny

The real work on the US$224-million cruise shipping pier in Falmouth is not expected to start for the next six weeks, according to the relevant authorities in the coastal town.

“To the best of my knowledge work is not expected to start until another six weeks,” Member of Parliament Dr Patrick Harris told the Observer West.

Caretaker for the area Senator Dennis Meadows concurred.

“Construction has not yet started,” he insisted. “Right now the only thing that is happening is the demolition using about six workers and a few trucks.”

Angry residents have reportedly been converging daily on the site, where demolition work has been ongoing since last week, demanding employment on the billion-dollar project.

Harris said he understood the concerns of the residents but noted that nobody would be getting work now as, simply put, there was nothing to do. “I think there is high unemployment in the area right now. I understand and empathise with the people but at this phase of the work there is just nothing to do.”

In the meantime, local contractors YP Seaton is now in the process of setting up their offices in the town and will be hiring a Human Resources company to employ workers.

Work will consist of two aspects, the Marine aspect and the building on land aspect. The former will be specialised work requiring divers and a dredging company while the more labour-intensive latter is expected to employ some 400 persons. According to Pat Bellinfanti, the PAJ’s assistant vice-president with responsibility for public relations, some 600 individulas will be employed on the project.

Meadows said he was working closely with Harris to ensure that the work was distributed equitably on the project. “We can’t afford a stoppage on this work,” he outlined. “We have to ensure it is done in a timely manner and ready for March 2010.”

Mayor of Falmouth, Colin Gager said he understood the frustration of the residents over jobs but warned against panic.

“I know that unemployment is sort of high and that a large number of persons are looking work but they just have to be patient.”

Demolition work resumed Tuesday after a stop order against the work last Friday owing to outstanding documentation from the Port Authority. “The work resumed today and this are moving smoothly.”

The pier is a collaborative effort between the government, the Port Authority of Jamaica and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Limited.

It will see the government spending US$122 million to develop the port infrastructure, while Royal Caribbean is expected to invest US$102 million to build out structures on the landside, including retail shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities.

The port is scheduled for completion by March 2010 to accept the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, as well as a Genesis ship, currently under development and scheduled for delivery in late 2009.

… First preference for Trelawny residents

North Trelawny MP Patrick Harris, says priority will be given to Trelawny residents when work on Falmouth’s US$224-million cruise shipping pier starts.

“There is absolutely no problem if you are from the parish and qualified you will be given first preference,” Harris told Observer West this week.

Meanwhile, according to the employment liaison officer, Gladston Lebert these positions will be filled on a strictly bi-partisan basis.

Lebert explained that his modus operandi is sourcing the names of prospective employees from both North Trelawny MP Patrick Harris and the JLP caretaker Dennis Meadows.

“At all times a balance is maintained between JLP and PNP supporters,” Lebert told the Observer West.

“Everytime the Port Authority needs workers they liaison with me. For instance presently they are fencing and the contractors needed six workers aand I contacted the MP and the caretaker who submitted three names each,” he said.

In reference to the demolition exercise currently underway, Leebert said the same method was used to fill the vacancies.