SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:
DEPUTY CO-ORDINATOR of the Portmore Community Tourism Association, Yvonne Bicknell, says Portmore is ready for tourism development but is in need of a creative plan of action to guide the process.
Portmore has a rich history that needs to be tapped into, developed and promoted, said Mrs. Bicknell, pointing out that there are over 50 historic sites, cultural centres and monuments in the community.
Speaking at a community tourism consultative meeting at the Bridgeport High School in Portmore on Wednesday, Mrs. Bicknell said while a creative plan is presently being looked at, the residents and the government need to pay special attention to the environmental problems in the area.
The few residents attending the meeting voiced their concerns at the state of the Forum Hotel and fishing village, which they describe as eyesores that deface the community.
Plans are in place to host a major community tourism conference during Portmore Week, set for April 22 to 28. The next general tourism meeting is to be held on March 21.
