EDMUND BARTLETT, Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Shadow Tourism Minister, wants the Government to state which company has been chosen to develop the US$1.1 billion resort complex at Harmony Cove in Trelawny.
A developer was to have been chosen from August last year, according to a statement that month from Harmonisation Limited, which has overall responsibility for the project. The statement said two of seven bids by developers had been shortlisted, but Harmonisation was considering carrying out the infrastructure element of the project itself.
Harmonisation is a subsidiary of the Development Bank of Jamaica (JDB), which has 50.5 per cent of the company. The National Housing Trust (NHT) has the other 49.5 per cent.
PM INTERESTED
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has taken a personal interest in the development and has stated that it will provide Jamaica with the best opportunity for creating sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life for the people.
HIGH-END PROJECT
The NHT made a shareholder loan of $684 million at the end of its latest financial year, March 2005, Mr. Bartlett said. He asked whether the funds had been contracted with a company for the development or operation of the project.
"Harmony Cove is a positive way forward for the tourism industry," he said, "but we have expressed before our concern about the methods being employed to ensure the development of the project."
The high-end resort is projected to be built on 1,400 acres of land in Trelawny. The plan includes 4,000 rooms, three luxury hotels, two golf courses and is expected to generate 11,500 jobs in the parish.
