THE MINISTRY of Land and the Environment will be working with residents of Negril and surrounding areas to protect reefs and the general environment of the tourist town, says Minister Horace Dalley.
"I pledge to work with you so that Negril regains its beauty and greenery and that the entire environment be enhanced and presented as the jewel of the west," Mr. Dalley told a meeting of representatives of hotels in Negril, the Negril Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and other environmental groups, at the Swept Away Hotel in the town recently.
The Minister, accompanied by Member of Parliament for Western Westmoreland and State Minister for Tourism and Sport, Wykeham McNeill, and members of the business community, had earlier toured areas of the Negril Beach front, which was damaged during the recent heavy rains.
The touring party saw many violations of the building code, resulting in serious damage being done to the reefs.
Minister Dalley said measures would be in place to ensure that developers abide by building and environmental standards.
"We have to be very firm on enforcing building regulations in order that sustainable and orderly development takes place. We must be firm on our people abiding by the law," Mr. Dalley stressed.
On other matters, the Minister told the meeting that there would be comprehensive reviews of all the processes in the Ministry, for a more efficient delivery of service to the public
He said particular attention would be given to all matters relating to the procurement of titles.
