KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Ministry of Tourism is at the procurement stage to select contractors to carry out major upgrading work on three public beaches in three parishes.

These are the Priory Bathing & Fishing Beach in St Ann, Success Beach in St James, and Paggee Beach in St Mary.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett provided the update on Tuesday during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

“We are currently in the procurement stage to select the contractors, which will wrap up by the end of this calendar year. Construction is slated for full completion by the end of the 2027/2028 fiscal year,” Bartlett shared in his prepared speech.

He said the developments will feature revenue centres like restaurants and shops, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

“To ensure peace of mind, the sites will include dedicated security, medical areas and lifeguard facilities. In addition, essential amenities, including wastewater infrastructure, expanded parking, and full accessibility features, will accommodate all visitors, while unique architecture celebrates Jamaica’s rich cultural aesthetic,” said Bartlett.

He said his ministry, through the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), was aggressively pushing forward with the National Beach Development Programme.

“Our philosophy is simple: Jamaica is blessed with some of the best natural beaches in the world, and every day Jamaicans deserve access to world-class, pristine and safe recreational spaces,” he said.

Bartlett told the Parliament that these projects may not always carry the profile of major hotel developments, but their impact is immediate and human. “They improve the spaces where Jamaicans gather, trade, commute, create, and welcome visitors. They also strengthen the tourism product by making communities more attractive, accessible, organised and visitor-ready,” he said.

The tourism minister pointed to the Negril Solar Street Light Project along Norman Manley Boulevard in Westmoreland as a practical example.

The TEF project will install 30 solar street lights and construct 30 plinths along one of Negril’s most important tourism and community corridors, to a value of J$19.25 million.