Rockfort Mineral Bath still not ready

After five years of closed gates and shifting timelines, the long-promised reopening of the Rockfort Mineral Bath has again been postponed, this time to the end of July, causing disappointment among hopeful patrons.

This promise was made early last month, following several date announcements and subsequent date changes over the past few years.

For many, the lack of visible progress is disheartening.

Danielle Mullings, CEO and founder of Blue Mahoe Capital, who shared fond memories of Sunday outings to the mineral bath with his family, said, “We definitely will revisit if it reopens … . Dad and Mom used to take us out there a lot, mainly on a Sunday. … We would eat some KFC, rest, and then we’d go to Rockfort.”

As a father now, Mullings said his children have never experienced the site.

“The oldest is 13 … I don’t remember it being open during that time,” he said as five years seemingly felt twice as long.

After following all the past announcements, Mullings has grown skeptical.

“I expect more delays … [but] when it is open, I will show up and I will attend, and I will bring the children there, and I look forward to supporting it for as long as it is open.”

Mullings also recalled using the bath for recovery during his school sports days.

“Having played football and swam in school, … I would make sure I come out there and soak my ankle. Rockfort was the most convenient one.”

He believes that if the attraction is marketed well, it would attract tourists. As for locals, the bath remains just as important.

“Kingston needs more things for families to do. Rockfort fits squarely into that. It’s something that’s different. It’s healthy, it’s family-friendly, it’s clean, it’s safe … very convenient location.”

When asked if, hypothetically, the bath was located in another parish it would see faster progress, Mullings bluntly said, “No, I don’t think it would exist … .”

He mentioned the overlooked Milk River Bath and another in St Thomas that have been underdeveloped.

“I think we wouldn’t even be talking about Rockfort if it wasn’t near the population centre of Jamaica.”

He called for better communication and transparency.

“Just be honest and transparent with people and they will understand ... with timely updates.”

When asked about the constant delay, Chad Bryan, CCCL’s communications and social impact coordinator, explained that although structural renovation may be complete, there still remains a pending approval and a site visit from the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) and permits from the relevant government agencies.

“We haven’t finished tightening up. It’s still a work in progress,” he said. “We would do an official opening either in the late part of July to the first part of August.”

FEELING MISLED

Despite this renewed commitment, many stakeholders and community members still feel misled as they were previously under the impression that the facility would reopen last month.

“I wouldn’t call it a delay,” said Bryan while also noting that the CCCL is still trying to tidy up some housekeeping matters.

He also stressed that the setback was related to structural and safety procedures. “We have to be very conscious of health and safety practices and the other permits that do exist.”

When asked if there are any known safety issues delaying the process, he clarified: “No. It’s just standard procedure. You need an inspection.”

The facility is monitored under a partnership between the CCCL and the JNHT as both entities have a 25-year lease agreement for the complex located in Kingston.

The CCCL has been responsible for the rehabilitation and reopening of the complex after committing to a $57 million investment.

According to Culture Minister Olivia Grange, the reopening comprises two phases: the first being the reopening of the facility to the public, and the second phase will be the building of private facilities such as private rooms.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture Dean-Roy Bernard confirmed that the Government has fulfilled its role and that the project is now fully in the hands of Carib Cement.

Bernard also added that the JNHT has been monitoring the rehabilitation works carried out by Carib Cement. “The JNHT team is working and has been working … monitoring Caribbean Cement as they are doing it to ensure that the project is executed. And there have been management meetings going on.”

As for long-term plans to manage the site once reopened, Bernard offered little detail. The Mineral Bath has remained shut for half a decade yet the specific reason for the extended closure is unclear.

The Rockfort Mineral Bath was declared a national monument in 1992, known for its therapeutic waters and its origin believed to be from the ruins of a British fort.

The mildly salty, warm, soothing, and radioactive water is believed to have healing qualities. The mineral spring was found in 1907 after the Kingston Earthquake. The site also contains the historic remains of an old fort, which was reinforced in 1694 to strengthen the island’s defences following the 1692 Port Royal earthquake.

mickalia.kington@gleanerjm.com