Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter

Work on the multibillion-dollar Fiesta hotel in Point, Hanover is expected to resume today, but under tighter security.

Derrick Kellier, Minister of Labour and Social Security told The Gleaner, yesterday, that all outstanding payments owed to workers should have been paid by then.

Construction work on the facility was suspended over a week ago following a clash between workers and security personnel on the site.

The workers were disgruntled because of what they said were poor working conditions. Several buildings were set ablaze and about 11 vehicles, reportedly belonging to the Fiesta hotel, were damaged or destroyed.

"We expect that tomorrow morning (today) workers with identification will turn up for work so that the site can continue," Kellier said. For those without identification, he said,"The contractors will ensure that they get it speedily."

Issues addressed

The decision was made following Friday's meeting with the project stakeholders at the site. The minister said issues relating to bathroom facilities and potable water on the site have also been addressed.

"It is an ongoing process but for the most part we are satisfied that there is adequate facilities to cover the amount of persons on the site and they also have water connected to the site now. This was a sore point."

Mr. Kellier said the ministry's inspectors would continue to do ongoing checks to ensure that standards are maintained in order to ensure the workers' safety and health.

The US$150 million hotel is being built by the Spanish group, Fiesta, which has, in recent years, invested heavily in Jamaica's tourism product.

dionne.rose@gleanerjm.com