Dear Editor,

The Free Winnifred Beach Benevolent Society (FWBBS) would like to address the inaccuracies in the recent article by Everard Owen, published in the
Jamaica Observer on September 17, 2024, entitled ‘Health official concerned about sanitation at Winnifred Beach’.

Contrary to the article’s claims, the local community of Fairy Hill has not rejected proposals for improving Winnifred Beach. In fact, during a public meeting held in March 2022, with over 100 attendees, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) publicly asked for our input. We submitted a comprehensive list of ideas, including rainwater collection systems, solar energy, and a parking area, which had already been shared over four years ago, alongside professional architectural plans for beach improvements.

Unfortunately, despite several follow-up attempts, no official communication has been received from TEF since that meeting. The TEF representative has informed us that the Winnifred project is not currently a priority, leaving us still awaiting further discussions. Our community is eager to collaborate, and video evidence of the meeting is available on our website (www.free-winnifred.com) to clarify the situation.

The portrayal of the Free Winnifred Benevolent Society as an obstacle to development is misleading. We have consistently maintained an open line of communication and expressed our willingness to engage in dialogue for the benefit of the beach and the community.

We also wish to clarify that the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) does not operate Winnifred Beach. For the past 15 years, the FWBBS has independently covered all operational expenses, including beach cleaning, garbage collection, and bathroom maintenance. UDC may hold the title to the land, but it is the community, through the benevolent society, that manages its upkeep.

In response to concerns raised about sanitation standards, we are committed to ensuring compliance. While many vendors have already improved their facilities, we encourage those who have not yet done so to make necessary adjustments or face closure.

The bathroom facilities, in particular, are regularly maintained, with water available and recent roof repairs completed. We have repeatedly requested to relocate the bathrooms, and a private foundation even offered funding for new facilities. However, this was blocked by UDC in favour of their own project, which remains pending after four years.

Despite these challenges, we continue to operate Winnifred Beach as a beautiful and peaceful haven, beloved by both locals and tourists. We remain hopeful that TEF and UDC will fulfil their commitments and engage with the community to ensure the beach’s sustainable development.

Nino Sciuto

Chairman

Free Winnifred Beach Benevolent Society

info@free-winnifred.com