‘It’s a good look’ - Black River gets eye-catching improvements

The aesthetic appeal of Black River in St Elizabeth has been improved, following the completion of a project which involves the creation of a streetscape, a new sea wall and an earth drain to the sea.

Undertaken at a cost of $25 million, the project now provides a wider and safe area for pedestrians to traverse the town. The main bus stop in front of the J.A.G. Myers Municipal Park has also been improved.

"It really does solve some of the big problems we have been having in Black River. We want to see Black River capture pride of place in terms of the cultural heritage tourism market," Member of Parliament Floyd Green said.

He said that the improvements will facilitate the walking tours in the town, which is among the oldest in Jamaica and the first to receive many technological advances.

"This is an extremely important project and part of our drive to re-energising the town of Black River while strengthening its ability to capitalise on its cultural heritage tourism potential. It has truly enhanced the appeal of the parish capital and lifted the spirits of our people," Green said.

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, who recently toured the improvement works and cut the official ribbon to signify the completion of the project, said "the streetscaping of Black River is part of a wider vision to improve the aesthetics of the town".

"This was not just money well spent, but it has created an important asset facilitation that is enabling the town to really boast in having walkable spaces, that is so important for the safety of the people that live in the area, as well as visitors who have to traverse this historic town."