THE EDITOR, Sir:
I HAVE been noting with considerable interest, the cries for the cleaning up of Ocho Rios, starting with Tourism Director Paul Pennicook's appeal to the St. Ann Chamber of Commerce, and echoed by the Prime Minister at the opening of the lovely new park in Ocho Rios.
Many of us resident in the area have for a long time been disgusted and frustrated by the continuous neglect of Ocho Rios. We feel that these expressions of concern, while commendable, are likely to result in some token efforts at window dressing, such as the Mayor's allocation of $3 million for cleaning the market area. Even if contributions can be pulled in from the business community, this too would be a palliative.
ISOLATED AND INSUFFICIENT
Some years ago, Mr. Danny Melville had some managerial responsibilities for beautifying the area, the result of which is that we have a walking path from the bauxite pier to Dunn's River, which, right now is overgrown with weeds. It was another isolated and insufficient effort. What Ocho Rios needs is a total overhaul to make it a model town worthy of the return visit that we seek from the cruise ship visitors, and, just as important, a place that we the residents can be proud of. The question has been asked by many of us residents in the area, "who is responsible for Ocho Rios?" and I notice that high government officials cannot come up with an answer, much to the frustration of the Member of Parliament. Perhaps it is time for the MP and others to consider a new formula. Why not have the incorporation of the area beginning in the west at Drax Hall to Tower Isle in the east (or to the White River) to avoid crossing into St. Mary), with southern boundaries through to Upton and Colegate. We can call this zone The Greater Ocho Rios Area, and it can become a municipality.
I am no expert on Local Government, but would suggest that the businesses and residents of this new entity headed by a mayor, would be totally responsible for all aspects of Ocho Rios' development and maintenance. The beautification of the environs, the regulation of construction, the setting of architectural themes, the fixing of the drainage problems, such as the one which resulted in damage during the Christmas week of 2003, the repair and maintenance of roads, particularly those leading to tourist attractions, and many more would be the responsibility of the municipality. Those of us who fall under its jurisdiction would have a say in the running of our affairs through the ballot box. The answer to the question "who is responsible?" would be clearly answered.
I am, etc.,
DONALD DRAYTON
P.O. Box 27
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
