By Monique Hepburn, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
BUSINESS LEADERS in Hanover are set to take advantage of upcoming investment opportunities in the parish and have unveiled the first draft of a development plan, which will guide investment and expansion.
"Hanover is pregnant with business opportunities and is waiting to be delivered," said Paul Trench, executive director of the Hanover Homecoming Foundation (HHF), at its inaugural Business Forum in Negril, Westmoreland, on Tuesday.
AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT
"Hanover is sandwiched between two major tourism meccas, which can only be to its advantage."
As part of their vision for the parish, the HHF is in the process of implementing strategies for its economic, social and environmental development, while creating and facilitating investment opportunities.
To this end, the development plan is being spearheaded by the University of Technology (UTech), under consultation with various stakeholders in the parish such as ordinary citizens, churches, businessmen and related agencies. The plan has identified several areas for development such as Fort Charlotte, Old Steamer Beach, the Great River, Saxham and Harding Hall.
"We have a rich history and heritage tourism is a major priority for the Foundation," said Mr. Trench. "We see it as an excellent chance to showcase our natural resources in a sustainable way."
According to the HHF head, the education of the parish's citizens is essential to the development objectives of the foundation, as bridging the information gap will enable citizens to become aware of business opportunities.
"There might not be large-scale opportunities for everyone but cottage industries can come about from things that are readily available," he said.
