Jamaica opens $42.7 million road upgrade to boost tourism

Jamaica has officially opened a $42.7 million road rehabilitation project in St. Mary, a move designed to expand the island's tourism offerings beyond its established resort areas. The upgraded 1.6-kilometer roadway connects Robin's Bay and Strawberry Fields, enhancing access and supporting community tourism initiatives.

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What we are doing now, deliberately and in sequence, is extending that corridor eastward, through St Mary and on toward Portland, so that the strength of Ocho Rios becomes the gateway to a much wider tourism footprint rather than its outer boundary.

Officially opened on Wednesday, the project was completed under the Tourism Enhancement Fund's (TEF) Roads to Attractions Programme. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett stated that this initiative is part of a strategy to integrate more communities into the tourism economy. He described the project as extending the tourism corridor eastward from Ocho Rios into St. Mary and potentially Portland.

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The value of this project is not measured only in metres of asphalt or millions of dollars. It is measured in what the rehabilitated road makes possible: easier movement for residents, improved access for visitors, and a stronger connection between community enterprise and national growth.

Bartlett emphasized that the project's value extends beyond infrastructure, stating, "It is measured in what the rehabilitated road makes possible: easier movement for residents, improved access for visitors, and a stronger connection between community enterprise and national growth." The rehabilitation works, executed by Wadmar Construction Limited, included site clearance, earthworks, drainage improvements, and paving.

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We see the vast potential in this area for tourism, community tourism in particular, and, therefore, we feel this is our investment in the community.

Dr. Carey Wallace, TEF Executive Director, highlighted the area's potential for community tourism, viewing the road as a catalyst for growth. He anticipates a partnership where the community of Robin's Bay can become a significant tourism asset. Businesses like Strawberry Fields Together, along with local guides, cooks, drivers, and craft producers, are expected to benefit from improved accessibility and increased visitor spending. Bartlett also stressed that while infrastructure is crucial, the community's role in delivering a positive visitor experience is equally important.

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It is not the big investment that the visitor consumes. It is the little things that you do in your own areas. The Government can deliver the road. The community delivers the experience.