Simpson Miller PORTLAND:
PORTIA SIMPSON Miller, the Tourism Minister, has advised Portlanders to rid their homes and businesses of garbage and wastes, so as to best accommodate visitors.
The Minister was addressing a crowd at the Port Antonio Marina on Thursday at a meeting called by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo).
"One has to understand that garbage and filth cannot and will never work alongside tourism," she said. "Local residents along with persons in the business sector should also make the effort to upgrade and improve their businesses and facilities," the Minister added.
She said that 25 shops, bathrooms, and an amphitheatre will be completed in phase one of the craft village which is being built at Allan Ave., Port Antonio. The craft village will have a craft boutique, and a shopping centre, and phase one of the project will cost $50 million.
"I am making a special appeal to craft vendors and craft producers, to ensure that quality products are displayed," Mrs. Simpson Miller said. "TPDCo, along with the Jamaica Tourist Board, will render their support in assisting craft vendors with the marketing and promotion of their products."
The Minister, in describing Port Antonio as "special", said it was not by accident that the resort town was chosen for what she said were some major developments.
She said it should now expect to take its place as one of the premier destinations in the country and would feature in the "highest dimension of tourism." The West Harbour Marina Development Project which is nearing completion was poised to provide mass development and investment, not only for the parish but for the entire country, she said.
