Dear Editor,

According to reports, Dunn’s River Falls and Park will undergo major infrastructural development. The area will be transformed into a “modern-day Jamaican Disneyland”. Plans include zip lining, facilities for accommodation and events, lazy river, etc. The development is being led by Urban Development Corporation (UDC).

Dunn’s River Falls is one of Jamaica’s well-known attractions, recognised for its natural beauty and the scenic and lush surroundings, which adds to the ambiance. It is one of the top places tourists want to visit.

Why would anyone want to add zip lines, recreational sports, and accommodation there? Mystic Mountain is nearby and offers several similar activities. If visitors to the falls want physical activity, they have the option to climb the falls. There is also an abundance of places for accommodation in the area. It is unclear if developers engaged with stakeholders before announcing these bizarre plans.

Of course, there has been a lot of negative feedback. Many are concerned about the preservation of the natural environment, which is a part of the the appeal of the falls; others question the need for a Disney-like park in Jamaica. If visitors want the Disney atmosphere, they can go to Walt Disney World or Disneyland.

Someone wrote, “The poor river,” under an online news report about the Dunn’s River Falls development. This resonated perfectly as it referenced the harm and disruption to the natural area. The focal point will always be the river and the falls, there is also a tranquility about the area which should remain — the sound of the water flowing along the rocks down the cascading falls. The picturesque area provides peace, calm, and serenity to visitors. Why disruptthat?

There are other strange development plans which will impact negatively on the natural surroundings and, as usual, the projected cost is not mentioned. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett recently announced plans to transform Montego Bay waterfront into a “Miami-style” Biscayne Boulevard — another major development being led by UDC and other entities.

The immediate focus should be to upgrade the Hip Strip, which has declined over the years, and improve traffic congestion.

I don’t understand the constant referencing to American styles and themes in local plans. Why would anyone want to see a tropical island with such vast natural beauty and diversity transformed into a Miami-style area? If we want to experience Miami, we go to Miami. A waterfront area can be enhanced with scenic trails and boardwalks.

Maybe hiking trails could be added to some parts of Dunn’s River Falls. If anything, we should enhance what is already there.

Development doesn’t have to be suffocating or overwhelming, it should be practical, cost-effective, and necessary. We don’t need to transform everything, and we must protect the environment which affects climate and weather patterns.

In urban planning there should be greater emphasis to support infrastructure for those who live and work there. Why does everything have to revolve around optics for tourism? Urban centres need urgent improvement to roads and traffic, hospitals, education, water supply, etc.

P Chin

chin_p@
yahoo.com