KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) is now working on plans to develop an oceanarium in Montego Bay, St James.

The prime minister, who was making his Budget Debate presentation in Parliament today, said this will be the first of its kind in the region.

An oceanarium is a saltwater aquarium for displaying marine animals and plants, particularly oceanic, or pelagic, fishes and mammals. He said it will function as both an attraction and a conservation development.

He said this is being done upon the recent completion of the free access Harmony Beach Park in the parish.

“For 2021, 2022, the UDC will focus on projects that will offer major climate resilient infrastructure and sustainable public spaces for residents and visitors and these include the Montego Bay Waterfront and we will be building on the successful completion of the Harmony Beach Park. There will be additional complimentary Waterfront developments,” Holness said.

“The project supports Jamaica’s expansion on its blue economy platform and will see the convergence of urban development and environmental management in the tourism capital of Montego Bay,” he added.