NEGRIL, Westmoreland — Following a proposal from the Negril Destination Assurance Council (DAC), the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has approved an $18.7-million solar lighting project for Norman Manley Boulevard and is currently reviewing a request to replace the fleet of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) used for beach patrols.

The first phase of the Negril Solar Street Light Project involves installation of 30 solar-powered lights along a critical one-kilometre stretch of Norman Manley Boulevard. The initiative aims to improve safety and night-time aesthetics for both locals and tourists in one of Jamaica’s premier resort destinations.

TEF Executive Director Dr Carey Wallace confirmed that the contract has been awarded and groundwork is already under way.

“I’m aware that they have started the foundations for the lamp posts themselves. I understand that he [contractor] is expecting the shipment of the actual solar lights [at] the end of this month, which is next week. I’m anticipating that you’ll see some good progress with that project within a few weeks’ time,” he assured.

While the boulevard spans several kilometres, the TEF executive director emphasised that this initial phase serves as a proof-of-concept.

“What we’re doing is the first kilometre, making sure they work and they work well and so on before we move on to the next phase,” stated Wallace.

“But the vision that we have is to cover all of the resort town of Negril so that it’s adequately lit and provides an atmosphere of safety and security and is a very attractive destination for locals and visitors alike to enjoy,” he added.

DAC Chairman Richard Wallace — Carey’s sibling — noted that the council lobbied heavily for this pilot programme, specifically targeting the dark corridor leading from the roundabout.

“That one-kilometre roadway, the roundabout coming up on the boulevard, that is very dark. We have requested TEF to help us and they have obliged and are putting in 30 lights in that corridor,” he said.

“This is a pilot project that TEF is doing with the solar lights. If it goes well, then they will continue with it. In the future, we can request more lights for the other dark areas because I know that there are other areas that need lighting as well. But we are starting with the worst area which is the one kilometre on the boulevard,” Richard explained.

In addition to the lighting, the DAC has requested funding to replace the Negril police’s out-of-service ATVs. Carey confirmed the request is being processed and will go before the TEF board for review in April.

TEF has purchased ATVs for Negril in the past.

“Unfortunately they don’t last as long as we would hope because [of] the marine environment — they’re driving on the beach in the salt water and all that kind of stuff,” noted Carey.

“We’re hoping to get ones that have more durability if it comes to that. Because three years is really short for that type of equipment and we want to make sure we get good value for the money that we spend,” he argued.

When asked, the TEF executive director said it is too soon to give an estimated cost for the project.

“It is early days yet. We would have to do the assessment again. The public procurement process is where we have to ensure there’s value for money. That step will come as part of the process — the appraisal of the project,” explained Carey.

Meanwhile, the DAC chairman said work on the long-awaited $20-million Negril roundabout beautification project continues.

“The stonework is slowly going along. I know that is a sore point, as well,” stated Richard, who said he could not provide a time frame for completion.

With funding from the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) the project began in June 2025. The goal was to upgrade the town’s landscaping and signage before the 2025 winter tourist season. However labour shortages have pushed the timeline into 2026.

When contacted for an update on the project, TPDCo Executive Director Wade Mars pointed to a number of projects being undertaken by the entity across Jamaica and questioned the news value of the information being sought. However, he confirmed Richard’s comment that stonework is being done and also said the Negril roundabout project is approximately 85 per cent complete. According to Mars, landscaping is next after the stonework is completed.

When pressed for a completion date Mars was terse.

“I don’t have a timeline for you. I don’t know when I would be able to say it will come to an end. I don’t have anything to share more than that at this time,” he stated.

Asked to indicate when he would have more information Mars replied, “I will speak to the project manager and if anything I will get back to you.”