EARL Jarrett, chief executive officer of JN Group, has urged St Ann stakeholders to explore opportunities for further development of the parish which has a rich history and has contributed meaningfully to Jamaica’s progress.

Jarrett made the appeal during a stakeholder breakfast meeting organised and hosted by The Jamaica National Group as part of its ongoing JN Own Your Journey Tour at Benitto’s Italian Restaurant in Drax Hall, St Ann, last Friday.

“This occasion represents for us at the JN Group a moment to reconnect with a parish that has contributed to Jamaica’s development through tourism, mining, and other sectors. We believe that the parish is poised to continue its growth and will continue to play its role in Jamaica’s growth,” he said.

His invitation was welcomed by president of the St Ann Chapter of the Jamaica Co-operative Automobile Limousine (JACAL) Tours Judie O’Sullivan, who called for greater development support for the parish’s iconic attraction, Dunn’s River Falls, and the historic St Ann’s Bay Clocktower.

O’Sullivan argued that the two attractions could generate increased commerce and economic activity for the parish.

She said that Dunn’s River Falls remains one of the Caribbean’s most recognisable attractions, and there is significant opportunity to further develop Ocho Rios around the world-famous site.

“Ocho Rios, with Dunn’s River Falls being the main attraction in the Caribbean, should be developed around that asset,” said O’Sullivan.

“If you look at Niagara Falls in Canada and what has been created around it, despite visitors not being able to climb those falls, you can see the tremendous economic opportunities that exist when supporting attractions are developed,” added O’Sullivan.

Turning to the St Ann’s Bay Clocktower, O’Sullivan emphasised its architecture, describing it as a historic landmark with untapped tourism potential. She pointed out that the clock tower, which was constructed in 1814, predates London’s iconic Big Ben, which was completed in 1859.

“Yet Big Ben attracts millions of visitors every year and supports significant commercial activity. We can create similar opportunities by developing the area around the clock, encouraging merchandise sales, and increasing business activity in St Ann’s Bay,” argued O’Sullivan.

She said the clock, which has been out of service for some time, requires improved housing and restoration to better showcase its historical significance.

“We repaired it some time ago with the assistance of the JN Group, but it still needs a more suitable structure,” she explained.

“With thousands of visitors arriving through cruise ships and hotels in Ocho Rios, and with plans to accommodate even more ships in the future, we have an opportunity to create heritage tours centred on St Ann’s Bay and its rich history,” declared the JACAL president.

O’Sullivan argued that visitors are increasingly drawn to authentic cultural and historical experiences and that the clocktower could become a key feature of a broader tourism offering in the parish. She also pointed to other opportunities for tourism expansion, noting that two additional waterfalls located near Dunn’s River Falls could be developed to complement the area’s portfolio of attractions.

Custos of St Ann Joseph Issa agreed that the parish possesses one of the strongest tourism products in the English-speaking Caribbean and said there remains considerable room for growth.

“When you look at the parish, there are some 30 attractions within a five-mile radius,” Issa said. “When you combine that with our people, logistics, and the tourism product we offer, there is tremendous potential for expansion over the next 10 years,” added Issa.

Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Michael Belnavis welcomed the suggestion that the clocktower could play a greater role in the parish’s tourism development strategy.

“We light the tower around the clock every Christmas as part of the season’s celebrations, so this is certainly something we can consider and discuss further,” said Belnavis.

Judie O’Sullivan, president of the St Ann Chapter of the Jamaica Co-operative Automobile Limousine (JACAL) Tours exchanges pleasantries with Hugh Reid, managing director, JN Life Insurance, during a stakeholder breakfast meeting organised and hosted by JN Group as part of its ongoing JN Own Your Journey Tour at Benitto’s Italian Restaurant in Drax Hall, St Ann, held last Friday.