MINISTER without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for land titling and settlement Robert Montague says the recently rehabilitated Fontabelle to Geddes Town Road in St Mary demonstrates how tourism revenue is being invested in rural communities across Jamaica.

According to Montague, the $27.5-million project — financed by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) — is part of efforts to extend tourism beyond traditional resort areas and boost community participation in the sector.

The upgraded roadway enhances access to attractions such as Sun Valley Plantation and Tamarind Great House, where visitors can immerse themselves in authentic Jamaican cultural and heritage experiences.

Speaking during the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony in Geddes Town Square to mark the official opening of the roadway, Montague, who serves as Member of Parliament for St Mary Western, expressed his satisfaction that tourism earnings are being invested to support development in rural Jamaica.

“This [road rehabilitation project] is… a reference point in history,” declared Montague as he argued that revenue generated by the tourism sector is being invested, not only in resort areas but also in rural Jamaica.

“It is reaching into the wider community,” added Montague.

He said that developments such as these can help stimulate economic activity and create opportunities for residents in rural communities.

“It is also a lesson that tourism is not only in the resort area. Anybody can start a little business anywhere in the world because with the Internet as it is, you can have the world as your marketplace,” the minister added.

Montague also announced that plans are advancing for the establishment of a HEART/NSTA Trust training centre at Free Hill Primary and Infant School, which will provide community members with access to comprehensive training and certification programmes.

“When it comes to the training of our community persons, we are moving at pace…so that persons in and around the area can make use of world-class training… because if you are moving into tourism and tourism-related industries, it is very important that you are properly trained and certified,” argued Montague.

— JIS