NEGRIL, Westmoreland — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has revealed further details about the Government’s plan to create a new town centre for Negril as part of a wider development plan for the resort area.

Holness told a special meeting held at the James Hunter Event Centre in Negril last Friday that a 40-acre property has been identified along the Nonpareil Road at the eastern end of the current town centre. But he noted that a section of the land now has an informal settlement.

Holness said his visit to Negril last Friday was partly aimed at providing the community with an update on the Government’s plan for the area.

“One of the reasons why I’m here is to put you on notice towards the process of consultation towards the grand objectives and I will name three of them. First, is your new municipal arrangement. Second is the rebuilding and relocation of major infrastructure such as the roadway, and third is the building off the town centre,” said Holness.

“There is the fourth objective and it is to regularise and improve communities,” added Holness as he pointed out that water for the area will be dealt with separately.

The prime minister reiterated the approval of a US$186-million contract aimed at creating a new water distribution backbone for the entire north coast including Negril.

“So, in another two years, you will have a reliable supply and it is future-proof for another 50 years based on the sizing that we have done and projections,” said Holness.

During the meeting president of the Negril Chamber of Commerce Elaine Allen Bradley pointed to the importance of having a public park where people can go and relax. She also reminded the prime minister of plans to construct a fruit and vegetable market in Negril.

Holness was quick to assure her that this would be done.

“The plans that we have for the park and the market and the shifting of the road [inland] and so forth, all of that is going to improve. So, I want to give you hope that that will happen,” assured Holness.

Negril resident and operator of the One Love Bus Tour Lenbert Williams made it clear to Holness that he was unhappy with the aesthetics of the town.

Williams argued that while Negril as a tourism town is a big contributor to the economy, the returns in terms of development are an embarrassment.

He argued that 40 years ago most of the tourists who came to Negril actually stayed on the West End and Red Ground and because of the all-inclusive proliferation other sections of the community have not been developed.

“My community is nothing short of… what some people will say it is a dump. When you drive through Negril and compare it to Montego Bay and Ocho Rios or the other Caribbean islands, Negril is standing more to being a big ghetto or a dump,” charged Williams before Holness interjected.

“I will ask you to withdraw that,” said Holness but Williams insisted he would not “because he knows the potential of Negril”.

In response Holness said he could not allow the town to be described in such a manner.

“So, I am giving you hope, sir that we will be paying attention to the town of Negril and we are going to make it a truly beautiful place,” declared Holness as he promised that efforts are being made to move quickly to improve the look and feel of the urban space.