Devon Evans, Freelance Writer

St Ann, Ocho Rios:

Kiwanians want the Government to develop Fern Gully and Seville properties so that these places can become major income-earning attractions.

The Kiwanians want both ies to be developed into national parks in which their historical and cultural significance would be highlighted. They have submitted detailed recommen-dations to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett for his consideration.

The club, which has already had a comprehensive feasibility study done on both projects, said that when fully operational, these attractions will together create direct employment for more than 3,000 persons and indirect employment for an additional 5,000 persons.

Members confident

Citing the need for more income-earning opportunities for the growing number of unemployed people in the area, the Rev Carlton Mullings, director of the club, said members are confident that the implementation of these proposals will make a positive impact not only on the people of St Ann, but on the country's economy.

In the case of Fern Gully, the club stated that this project could help enhance the economic and social conditions of the people living in the surrounding communities, including craft vendors through a properly managed system.

The club wants the proposed development of Fern Gully to include a reforestation project with the planting of additional ferns. The club also wants Fern Gully closed to vehicular traffic. The club also suggested that a fee be charged for persons wanting to go on a tour of Fern Gully.

Villages

Concerning Seville, the Kiwanians want the property developed to become a historical, cultural and enter-tainment centre. The plan includes scope for the creation of an Indian village, a Spanish village, and a village depicting the British plantation system, and a typical Jamaican village.

The club is suggesting that funding for the Indian, Spanish and British villages be sought from their respective governments while a local initiative should help to develop the Jamaican village.

The more than 2,000-acre Seville Property represents the site of Jamaica's first inhabi-tants, the Tainos, and the site where three distinct cultures, the Africans, Amerindians and the Europeans had their first encounter and gave birth to modern Jamaica.

Features

The Kiwanians in their proposal said each culture should be highlighted in their respective village, displaying food, lifestyle and other features of that generation.

The club is recommending that the University of the West Indies and the University of Technology be given the task of researching and designing each village. The club is confident that on completion, this project could become Jamaica's major tourist attraction.