Unfinished projects pile-up

Barrington Flemming, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

THE RICHARD Bourke-led Trelawny Chamber of Commerce has said it is allowing the new Government time to settle into office before it pushes ahead with its lobby to stimulate the implementation of incomplete projects in the parish.

"There are a number of projects, which have been left hanging and we need to have them completed. First on the list is the police station which should have been completed for Cricket World Cup in 2007," Bourke said.

Still incomplete

"It is now going into five years and it is still incomplete. A new craft market is to be built, as well as a transportation centre. All these need urgent action."

According to Bourke, a hotelier, the construction of a stationhouse has been protracted, while police personnel in the parish capital have been operating under less-than-suitable conditions.

He indicated that the area being used for the transportation centre is woefully inadequate and steps are urgently needed to address the constant traffic pile-up.

"It is a situation that needs to be addressed immediately. The congestion is really a major cause for concern. It is frustrating for motorists who struggle every day to find a place to park, let off, and pick up passengers," Bourke stated.

The chamber president also bemoaned the lack of businesses in the main commercial area of the capital town, Falmouth, despite the presence of the new cruise ship pier.

"We find that the transportation sector benefits the most from the advent of the pier. What happens now is that whenever the cruise ships come, the visitors are whisked away to other attractions outside the parish," he pointed out.

"It is understood that some of the persons involved in the transportation sector in Falmouth take the visitors to out-of-parish attractions in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, because they earn more when they do so."

"The area (pier) offers a real Jamaican setting, but needs a proper plan. The parish council could take control of this. There was a plan to restore the historical buildings and offer a tour, but so far only the courthouse has been done. The parish has attractions including the Good Hope Estate and the newly reopened Swamp Safari."

Bourke said Albert George Market has architectural significance and the town centre has a number of craft stores, bar, and restaurants and cafés which would appeal to tourists.

barrington.flemming@gleanerjm.com