Gareth Davis, Gleaner WriterPORT ANTONIO, Portland:
A TRAVEL lift, the first of its kind in Jamaica, was unveiled at the Jason Wood International Boatyard in Port Antonio on Tuesday, as the facility opened its doors for business.
The boatyard, which is located on the $500 million state-of-the-art mega-yacht marina facility, opened its door to the Atlantis, a 45-foot sailboat from Holland.
Jason Wood, owner of the boatyard, told The Gleaner that Port Antonio is privileged to have a state-of-the-art heavy-duty travel lift. The equipment is capable of lifting up to 100 tons.
"We received this equipment in mid-October of this year," he said. "This equipment is the first of its kind to be brought into the island and only a few like this one are in the Caribbean. Yes, other lifting equipment is here, but are only capable of lifting 30 tons, maximum."
Mr. Wood noted that the facility is equipped to carry out cleaning and clearing of branches, repainting and administering of fibreglass, and also to effect repairs and overhaul boat engines.
VIBRANT AND EFFICIENT TEAM
"We have a vibrant and
efficient team. I must point out also that we have 12 of the best workers, locally, that could be found anywhere in the world. I myself made the selection after conducting interviews in the United States and other Caribbean islands."
Mr. Wood added that the 12-man Jamaica working team has shown a level of commitment and dedication that was not seen anywhere else and that they gained the nod over other individuals on merit as their experience was a cut above the rest.
"We are poised to do well in the boatyard business as the Cayman Islands and also Haiti are not operational at this time due to the ravages of Hurricane Ivan. This leaves us with only the Bahamas to compete with," Mr. Wood added.
Sergeant Henry Forbes at the Port Antonio police station is a jet ski and speedboat expert and is also a member of the team. Mr. Forbes acquired a certification from the America Water Craft Institute in Florida, and he has indicated that his speciality is to tear down and rebuild jet ski and speedboats.
"The entire team is enthusiastic and we are all capable of carrying out the highest level of work," he said.
Other members of the work team include electricians, plumbers, carpenters, diesel and gasolene mechanics.
