A new fishing village is to become operational soon at Fisherman’s Beach in Ocho Rios following an agreement reached between the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), and the Sailor’s Hole Fishermen Benevolent Society.

The UDC, which was the registered owner of the land, transferred the property to PAJ which will undertake major redevelopment of the facilities.

As part of the agreement, the current occupants of the village will be compensated for their stake in the area totaling $75 million. Sixteen of the persons with structural holdings will be accommodated by way of leases at the redeveloped property. These include four large restaurants and 12 smaller facilities.

Fisherfolk as well as other stakeholders are already excited about the new development, which is not only expected to boost the tourism product, but will improve lives of those who operate from the area.

President of Sailor’s Hole Fishermen Benevolent Society Orville Grant said the group of fisherfolk at the village welcomed the initiative which is expected to boost their livelihoods.

“We welcome this initiative which is expected to improve the welfare of members and their families,” he told the Jamaica Observer North East.

The group, he said, was anticipating working with the different partners to ensure success of the project.

He, however, asked that construction be done in a short time span, since many individuals will be out of jobs while the construction is taking place.

“I hope this construction will be short because people will be out of jobs for a while,” he opined.

President and CEO of the PAJ Professor Gordon Shirley said the redevelopment is a part of a bigger development that will include the development of Reynolds Pier and other sections of the town. Professor Shirley said the development is expected to also see an increase in cruise ship passengers in the resort town. He pointed out that the figures have fallen significantly over the years. However, with new developments, including the fishing village, Ocho Rios is expected to return as the top destination in the Caribbean

Speaking at a ceremony observing the agreement last Thursday, attorney-at-law Christopher Townsend described the agreement as a landmark one.

Member of Parliament Shahine Robinson described the moment as a ‘heartening one’.

“What is heartening about this is I think it is about those who matter,” she said, adding that the people’s needs were being met. Robinson said the new fishing village is expected to bring social and economic renewal to the people of Ocho Rios.

Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Desmond Gilmore also expressed joy that the new facility will be built as he noted that the modern fishing village will add to the menu of offerings to the town and visitors.

The modern complex will include a jetty for storage of fishing boats, cold storage for the catch, lockers for storage, facilities for scaling and gutting of fish and disposal of water used in the process, facilities for fish vending, and sanitary conveniences.

In the meantime, Dr Omar Davies, who said the new fishing village was long in coming, said as major developments happen in the parish, there is a need to look at housing for tourism workers. He said he intends to work to address that concern.