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DEVELOP THE SOUTH COAST IN JAMAICA – THE RESPONSIBLE WAY SAYS CAMPAIGNER
Wednesday, 15 May, 2010
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Diana McIntyre Pike Promoting Jamaica
The recent announcement of the south coast being targeted for mass tourism development has sent ‘shockwaves’ to those of us who have nurtured this area and with pride marketed it as a unique experience with its fragile eco-systems, endemic plants and birds, crocodiles, rivers, wetlands, turtles, farming and fishing communities. Writes Diana McIntyre- Pike
A South Coast Sustainable Development plan was signed off on some years ago by many of the south coast stakeholders who all wanted to see their area developed with the local people as entrepreneurs and to not create another north coast style of tourism. The plan called for low density development, protection of the natural environment, the heritage and culture and to make it the “attraction centre” of Jamaica with some boutique hotels, villas, cottages, guest houses and a few large hotels of not more than 300 rooms. We did not want to create a resort atmosphere as we had a strong desire to retain the natural rustic setting that so many visitors are now seeking more than ever before.
I suppose we became complacent in knowing we had a plan which included the public and private sectors, to protect us for the future.
But alas, this ‘bubble’ of complacency burst last week when we read and saw on CVM TV the news that the Ministers of Tourism and Mining were touring the 3000 acre Font Hill property with Fiesta, the Spanish hotel group, to consider developing it as a large-scale resort with a golf course, marina, convention centre and one of their large resort hotels with over 800 rooms!
Words cannot express how astounded, disappointed and disrespected all of us felt when we heard that Font Hill was being considered for such a development without any prior notification, discussion or consultation with the south coast stakeholders.
But what is being considered is not restricted to one resort hotel. In the Daily Gleaner dated May 8 we read that the Spanish Fiesta Group is not just interested in doing a large scale development but would require an airport as the other airports are too far away! An airport on the south-west coast would destroy the area’s tranquility and affect its birdlife and the internationally-known bird watching market which can be more developed than it is.
We have also read (April 23) that Minister Robertson says "The Font Hill property is ideal for a high-end tourism and new town development, with beach front golf courses, and air-strips. … There is going to be a greater demand for housing … .” In other words, the Government wishes to urbanize this precious and unique area.
It makes no sense to turn a tranquil and environmentally precious natural area into yet another sprawling, noisy, urban environment when we all know that we have allowed our existing towns to deteriorate, and have not found the means to restore their quality of life and environment. The south coast has always been acknowledged as an essential contrast and counterpoint to the north coast tourism model, and its importance in maintaining Jamaica’s distinctiveness and competitive edge is becoming ever greater.
Anita Mendiratta, of CNN Task Group recently wrote an article on the role of government in tourism which said “for all the rich rewards of tourism there are also great risks – and these risks are real, immediate, penetrating and potentially irreversible: risks to the environmental sustainability, risks to greater economic stability, risks to local culture, risks to social value systems to name a few” She continues to say “ simply put, in buying into the tourism phenomena, a destination can face the risk of selling its soul!”
Therefore, for the tourism sector to truly work for Font Hill, for the destination and for the south coast – for the good of Jamaica in the future, clear, visionary, focused leadership by government is vital and equally important, respect for the carefully developed master plan and South Coast Sustainable Development Plan is fundamental.
If the strategic planning that has been done is now disregarded, the south coast risks having its doors thrown open to the world and its soul sold. What makes the south coast unique and precious to its citizens, to Jamaica and to international visitors – its cohesive and caring community, its character and its culture – will be exchanged for more faceless and ultimately unsustainable development.
Anita Mendiratta ends her article by saying “Just as a conductor is responsible for carefully guiding his/her musicians towards the creation of musical magic as one united force, it is the government who must confidently lead the people of the destination’s tourism community, providing them the direction and inspiration they need to live and love the destination they call home – and proudly share with audiences around the world whom they know will truly love their art”
We on the south coast passionately love our home and lifestyle. We are eager to share it with visitors who want the unique community experience of our many diverse villages and natural environment and varied attractions, but we are not willing to sacrifice the irreversible degradation of our natural assets and culture in order to attract visitors. Investment must also be on the terms as outlined in the South Coast Sustainable Development plan
We are expecting the government in association with JAMPRO to seek suitable investors in keeping with the established guidelines and local stakeholders’ vision of a sustainable product. Other countries in the Caribbean like Costa Rica, Belize, and St. Lucia are developing a more responsible tourism product. The south coast is the last region in Jamaica to be developed for tourism – please give us a chance to develop our south coast the responsible way! Only this way, can the south coast retain its unique character and long-term earning power.
By: Diana McIntyre-Pike, BSc, OD
Chairman/CEO Countrystyle Community Tourism Network, President, International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) Caribbean
Mandeville, Manchester. Jamaica West Indies
Feedback welcomed
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