ST ANN, Jamaica — The White River in Ocho Rios, St Ann will be closed to illegal rafters come next week Thursday, February 13.

The announcement was made by O’Neil Fitten, the visitor, safety and experience coordinator at the Tourism Product Development Company.

Speaking during a meeting under the White River bridge on Friday, Fitten said only one entity is licensed to operate on the river. The rafters are being advised to migrate their services to another entity or proprietor that is registered.

Sebastian Williams, who has been rafting on the White River since 2018, is worried about the upcoming changes. He shared that rafting has been a vital source of income for his family and has helped keep him out of trouble.

“Memba we have kids. Right now mi son just start school and it’s been a while mi nuh go a lock up so the rafting been a do nuff for me. It feeds me, it keeps me active in the day. At night time, I go my bed and get up active in the day so when they are going to take this from we now, it nuh look good,” Williams said.

He is calling on the prime minister for support.

“We a go dead for hungry Andrew Holness, and we really and truly need some help by the White River rafting. Please give we some strength,” Williams said.

— Akera Davis