MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Monday, March 27, 2023: [As a resident of Negril over a period of 10 years, I have seen the private sector advocate and compete to build a hospital that would be subsidized to accommodate residents and visitors alike. This dream has not yet materialized, instead we have accepted privitized medical care in Negril, Jamaica's most complete resort. Those without medical coverage would be shuttled to overcrowded hospitals which sometimes have no space for the sick and dying. What is Jamaica's Health Ministry going to do about this as Jamaica continues towards its goal of Vision 2030 (Jamaica will become a place to live, do business and raise families.) as it races towards becoming a First World Caribbean nation. The following question begs for an in-depth response: How can a "first world" Caribbean nation not afford to care for its people, the most valuable commodity, in modern, affordable-care hospitals or urgent-care facilities?
In regard to Lucea, Hanover becoming a resort, does a Bypass, alone prepare this bypassed parish for the glory that it could become as a Thriving Marina with an active Town Centre, Tours and Reinactments at Fort Charlotte? Why has it taken so long Honourable Edmund Bartlett and Prime Minister Holeness? ]
Caribnewsroom commentary
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Both the Hanover parish capital, Lucea, and the popular resort of Negril are being earmarked for major development to enhance them as tourist towns.
With key hotel developments currently underway east and west of Lucea, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says much is in store that will make this area rival other existing resorts.
Construction is underway on the 950-room expansion of Grand Palladium Resorts as well as the new 2000-room Princess Jamaica Resort. Also, work is expected to commence shortly on construction of the Viva Wyndham Resort in Hanover.
Further details on these developments will be known when Minister Bartlett makes his Sectoral Presentation in Parliament on April 18. Meanwhile, he has also signalled that one of Lucea’s historical treasures, Fort Charlotte, is to receive attention and play an important role in marine life in the west.
