KINGSTON, Jamaica— Social media has been a tizzy of negative reviews since photos of the construction underway at the Courtyard at Devon House hit the media.

The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has since released a statement explaining that the development, which began March 2022, will address concerns related to “safety, pedestrian flow, the functionality of the courtyard, and accessibility to the differently abled.”

As for the lack of greenery that the many visitors to Devon House are accustomed to, TEF responded stating that the project is not yet complete, but once it is, the space will have more plants.

“The completed space will consist of more plants to ensure that the public can continue to enjoy the oasis in the middle of the city while they shop and enjoy the world-famous Devon House I-Scream. Furthermore, we assure the public that the area will appear lusher after the trees are allowed to mature, the shrubs are planted, and the vines begin to grow on the pergolas,” TEF said.

They added that only one tree was removed during construction— under the advice of the Forestry Department— for safety reasons and a young Lignum Vitae tree has been planted in its place.

“With the removal of the Poinciana tree, six other trees have been planted, including a Blue Mahoe, Lignum Vitae, and Cordia Sebestena, as well as assorted plants and shrubs,” the Fund disclosed.

The agency further stated that with Devon House’s history, rehabilitation and maintenance is needed to ensure sustainability. It also disclosed that only 2.4 per cent of the entire property was redeveloped.

“The redevelopment was, therefore, very timely as we strive to maintain our historical and cultural spaces across the island,” TEF said.

TEF went on to outline the following issues which the redesign of the area targeted:

Uneven surfaces from tree roots in the vicinity

Poor drainage, which led to flooding when it rained

Limited seating for patrons

Challenges regarding the movement of patrons within the area