ST ANN, Jamaica—Government agencies, private-sector organisations, community groups and residents came together Sunday for a major cleanup and beautification exercise across Ocho Rios and surrounding communities, underscoring a shared commitment to maintaining the resort town’s reputation as one of Jamaica’s premier tourism destinations.

The initiative, which ran from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, was coordinated by the Destination Assurance Council (DAC) and the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) with support from numerous stakeholders, including the St Ann Municipal Corporation, National Works Agency (NWA), National Water Commission (NWC), Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Jamaica Vacations Limited (JAMVAC), Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM), business operators, and community volunteers.

Participants carried out a range of improvement activities, including road repairs, sidewalk rehabilitation, drain cleaning, curb wall painting, landscaping, and the removal of bulky waste and derelict signs. The works were undertaken in key locations including Main Street, the Ocho Rios Town Centre, Fern Gully, Development Road, Drax Hall, Priory and St Ann’s Bay.

Chairman of the Destination Assurance Council, Clifton Reader, said the exercise forms part of a broader effort to ensure that Ocho Rios continues to deliver a quality experience for residents and visitors alike.

“This is something that has been planned for some time and forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure Ocho Rios maintains its appeal. We are ensuring that the public and private sectors coordinate and work together because destination enhancement is a shared responsibility. The private sector also has an important role to play in ensuring the work gets done and that our town remains attractive and welcoming,” he said.

Reader also commended the strong support received from government agencies, private-sector partners and civic stakeholders, noting that their collective efforts continue to contribute to improvements across the resort town.

Michael Belnavis, mayor of St Ann’s Bay and Councillor for the Ocho Rios Division, described the initiative as an excellent example of what can be achieved through collaboration among residents, businesses and public-sector organisations.

Robert Chandiram of Bijoux Jamaica Jewellers lends a hand during the Ocho Rios Cleanup and Beautification Exercise on Sunday, September 6, applying a fresh coat of paint as part of efforts to enhance the appearance of the resort town. The initiative, coordinated by the Destination Assurance Council (DAC) and the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo), brought together public and private sector stakeholders, community groups and volunteers in a collaborative effort to improve and maintain Ocho Rios’ appeal as a premier tourism destination.

“Everybody has come together to make this a true public-private-community effort. The support from the business community, tourism stakeholders and residents has been tremendous, and it demonstrates the pride that people have in Ocho Rios and their willingness to work together to improve the town,” he said.

Mayor Belnavis noted that the cleanup and beautification activities complement ongoing improvement works taking place throughout the township, including road rehabilitation, landscaping and regular maintenance initiatives aimed at enhancing the appearance and functionality of the area.

TPDCo’s Destination Manager for Ocho Rios, Antoinette Bernard, highlighted the strong turnout from volunteers and stakeholders despite the short preparation period.

“Today is a very good day for Ocho Rios. Many stakeholders came on board to assist with the beautification and cleaning of the destination, and the response from volunteers has been encouraging. It shows what can be achieved when partners come together with a common goal,” Bernard said.

Bernard also recognised the significant contribution of Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM), noting that the organisation played a key role in mobilising support for the initiative and strengthening engagement with businesses and local stakeholders.

She further emphasised that the exercise is intended to be part of an ongoing programme of destination enhancement activities aimed at ensuring that Ocho Rios and neighbouring communities remain clean, attractive and welcoming.