Ocho Rios stakeholders unite for major cleanup and beautification exercise

Ocho Rios began its latest push to refresh the resort town at 6 a.m. on Sunday, as government agencies, businesses, community groups and residents joined an eight-hour cleanup and beautification exercise.

The campaign covered Ocho Rios and surrounding communities, with work continuing until 2 p.m. Participants repaired roads, rehabilitated sidewalks, cleaned drains, painted curb walls, landscaped public spaces and removed bulky waste and derelict signs. Key locations included Main Street, the Ocho Rios Town Centre, Fern Gully, Development Road, Drax Hall, Priory and St Ann’s Bay.

The initiative was coordinated by the Destination Assurance Council and the Tourism Product Development Company Limited. The St Ann Municipal Corporation, National Works Agency, National Water Commission, Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Jamaica Vacations Limited, Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited, business operators and community volunteers also took part.

“This is something that has been planned for some time and forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure Ocho Rios maintains its appeal,” said Clifton Reader, chairman of the Destination Assurance Council. “We are ensuring that the public and private sectors coordinate and work together because destination enhancement is a shared responsibility.”

Reader said the private sector had an important role in keeping the town attractive and welcoming. The organizers presented the exercise as part of a wider effort to maintain the quality of Ocho Rios for both residents and visitors, while St Ann’s Bay Mayor Michael Belnavis described it as an excellent example of cooperation.

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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.