Jamaican Beaches to Get $2.2 Million Facelift

Some of Jamaica’s magnificent beaches will be even better by the end of the year. The country this week announced a $2.2 million project to provide new recreational facilities and amenities at public beaches used by tourists and residents.

The National Beach Development Program, sponsored by Jamaica’s government through its Tourism Enhancement Fund, will equip beaches in parishes including Montego Bay, Negril, Trelawny, St. Elizabeth and St. Ann with children’s play areas; picnic seating and tables, gazebos, restrooms and changing rooms, plus lifeguard towers and parking facilities. In all, beaches in 14 parishes will receive enhancements.

“We want to make these as natural as possible so it does not take away from the beach and tropical feel,” said Clyde Harrison, TEF’s executive director. Harrison said concessionaires, plus soccer and beach volleyball courts are also planned at some beaches. Work is currently underway at Boston Beach in Portland, Norman Manley Beach in Negril and Providence Park Beach in Montego Bay.

The program is expected to be complete by December 2015. The beaches are designed to be self-sustaining said Harrison, with water sports and other activities provided at a cost to cover operational expenses.

Source: Travel Pulse