Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
Navy Island, off the coast of Port Antonio, shown here in this September 19, 2003 photo, has been identified by the Port Antonio Mayor as one of the attractions which could be developed in a bid to generate more jobs for the parish's unemployed. - ANDREW SMITH/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
MAYOR OF Port Antonio, Rupert Kelly, will be implementing a more aggressive style of leadership at the Portland Parish Council as he seeks to tackle the unemployment problem plaguing the parish.
Mayor Kelly said that the unemployment rate in Portland is alarmingly high and needed to be addressed with utmost urgency, so as to enhance growth and development in the parish.
"We want to zero in on the most crucial problems that we now have here in Portland," he said. "With all the difficulties facing the parish, unemployment is the most serious problem at this time. I will be spearheading a team which will be lobbying aggressively to both local and international investors."
Mr. Kelly said the main objective is to get sustainable development going in the parish so as to put a dent into the unemployment situation. He said efforts will be made to persuade hotelier, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart to redevelop and reopen the Dragon Bay Beach Resort, which has left more than 60 persons jobless locally, since its indefinite closure.
Dragon Bay Beach Resort was a favourite getaway for many tourists and was also one of Portland's premier attractions. The facility employed more than 60 persons, but was divested in 2002, after which Mr. Stewart assumed total control of the property, and it was later shut down.
NAVY ISLAND
Mayor Kelly pointed out that Navy Island, former home of Hollywood legend, Errol Flynn, will also come under scope for relentless lobbying with the Port Authority of Jamaica for the facility to be restored to its former glory as an attraction site, so that employment can be generated.
"Other facilities will also be looked at, including the Ken Jones Aerodrome, for commercial flights to be resumed, and also to upgrade the narcotics police post at the airport facility," the mayor added.
NARCOTICS POLICE POST
And although the Ken Jones Aerodrome has been closed indefinitely, Mayor Kelly pointed out that the narcotics police post needs to be restored as there
are reports of incoming flights still taking place at the airport facility.
Just over six months ago, the local health department ordered the police post at the aerodrome closed, as the facility had fallen into disrepair and was heavily infested by roaches, centipedes, rats, and other vermin, and was considered a health hazard.
Mr. Kelly reiterated that in order for the unemployment rate in the parish to be reduced, these plans have to be brought to the forefront and are to be quickly implemented to preserve the integrity and safety of law-abiding residents in the parish, who are fearful that the unemployment situation could lead to criminality.
