Ocho Rios stakeholders unite for major cleanup and beautification exercise

ST ANN, Jamaica—Government agencies, private-sector organisations, community groups and residents came together Sunday for a major cleanup and beautification exercise across Ocho Rios and surrounding communities, underscoring a shared commitment to maintaining the resort town’s reputation as one of Jamaica’s premier tourism destinations. The initiative, which ran from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, was coordinated by the Destination Assurance Council (DAC) and the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) with support from numerous stakeholders, including the St Ann Municipal Corporation, National Works Agency (NWA), National Water Commission (NWC), Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Jamaica Vacations Limited (JAMVAC), Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM), business operators, and community volunteers. Participants carried out a range of improvement activities, including road repairs, sidewalk rehabilitation, drain cleaning, curb wall painting, landscaping, and the removal of bulky waste and derelict signs.

The works were undertaken in key locations including Main Street, the Ocho Rios Town Centre, Fern Gully, Development Road, Drax Hall, Priory and St Ann’s Bay. Chairman of the Destination Assurance Council, Clifton Reader, said the exercise forms part of a broader effort to ensure that Ocho Rios continues to deliver a quality experience for residents and visitors alike. “This is something that has been planned for some time and forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure Ocho Rios maintains its appeal.

We are ensuring that the public and private sectors coordinate and work together because destination enhancement is a shared responsibility. The private sector also has an important role to play in ensuring the work gets done and that our town remains attractive and welcoming,” he said. Reader also commended the strong support received from government agencies, private-sector partners and civic stakeholders, noting that their collective efforts continue to contribute to improvements across the resort town.

Michael Belnavis, mayor of St Ann’s Bay and Councillor for the Ocho Rios Division, described the initiative as an excellent example of what can be achieved through collaboration among residents, businesses and public-sector organisations. Robert Chandiram of Bijoux Jamaica Jewellers lends a hand…