WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — A fix for water woes within three months, a bypass that will ease traffic snarls, road repairs, a public park, an artisan village and more hotel rooms are all on the list of goodies on the way, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has reminded residents of Negril.

An update on long-awaited construction work for laying pipelines to improve the supply of potable water was at the top of his list. He said there is a US$221-million solution on the way.

“[Minister of Economic Growth and Job Creation] Matthew Samuda called me and told me to make sure I announce it because the prime minister made the commitment to Negril when we came here.

The procurement process has begun. The minister told me that in three months we will begin the construction work for laying the pipes to connect Negril with the water supplies all the way from Martha Brae connecting with Great River, Bulstrode, and Roaring River,” Bartlett promised.

He was addressing the recent grand opening of the Red Stripe Experience at Rick’s Cafe in Negril.
Bartlett noted that the investment will create a water supply system that will ensure that West End and other areas around Little London will have an adequate water supply.

He said the people of Negril, who have been waiting for improvement in their water supply for a long time, are deserving of the project.

During his presentation, Bartlett also spoke about the promised bypass road to be constructed in Hanover. He spoke of the challenges faced by motorists who pass through the congested towns of Hopewell and Lucea in the parish.

“I am advised the construction is expected to start [for] the bypass road. I know the pain we have had and I suffered too, driving from Montego Bay to Negril on the present roadway. Rick’s Cafe, you know what we’re talking about, and Red Stripe understands it because you have to deliver the product.

The prime minister has already announced, and I reiterate that the bypass is intact. We are going to create that bypass, connecting [it] with the Montego Bay development to the perimeter road that is going to bypass Long Hill, to go over into Mackfield, and to connect to White House as a spur.

From that, we will connect straight across the hills bypassing Hopewell, bypassing Sandy Bay, bypassing Lucea, and heading straight into Negril. The Royal Palm Reserve will become the ecotourism destination with a focus on sustainability, supported by a new water supply system, which I just told you about,” he outlined.

Bartlett also pointed to several projects undertaken by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) in the resort area, such as road work being done between Negril and the West End.

He also spoke about the long-awaited construction of the Negril Beach Park, which will be inspired by the concept behind Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay.

“The prime minister told you that you will have your Harmony Park here in Negril and he is committed to that,” assured Bartlett.

He further noted that the Negril Craft and Artisan Village will be upgraded to showcase local talent and offer unique shopping experiences.

“Since 2017, just for the record, $500 million of TEF funds has been spent in the Negril area. We are continuing to do that; and the next budget — just listen to what I’ll have to say in April about further development for Negril,” Bartlett said.

“We just want you to know, Negril is that place that rescued Jamaica in the ’70s, when tourism was not so fashionable for the regime at the time, and the rest of the world didn’t exactly feel excited about coming to Jamaica for the many reasons that you know. We don’t want to go back there,” he said.

“People would land in Montego Bay and say, ‘Okay, so we have landed in Jamaica, where are we going to find Negril?’ People would come and they would wonder if Jamaica is Negril. Because Negril was a different place and carved itself as being a special destination in the global community,” he added.

The minister also spoke about the building of more facilities in and around the town.
“We will break ground later this quarter for the 1,000-room Viva Wyndham Hotel in Orange Bay,” said Bartlett. However, he did not provide a timeline.

“In addition to the infrastructure we’re talking about, we’re going to be building and expanding the capacity in the area to drive more visitors here. Just prepare yourself for greater development, for more revenue flowing to the ordinary people in Negril, but most importantly, to strengthen the economy of Jamaica and to make our island home the best country on planet Earth,” he said.

— Anthony Lewis