TPDCo explores south Clarendon tourism potential

Newly appointed Executive Director of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Wade Mars, said he was excited about the possibilities that exist in Clarendon that could drive a tourism product.

"We have a lot of virgin opportunities here, both in terms of sand, sea and sun. But culturally... we have the oldest church in the island in this particular area. So, there are a whole lot of different attractions that can be exploited... and bring both local as well as overseas visitors to the area when the right development occurs," said Mars.

The TPDCo head toured sections of the central Jamaica parish last Friday. He was accompanied by Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and Member of Parliament for Clarendon South Eastern, Pearnel Charles Jr, and Mayor of May Pen Winston Maragh. The tour covered areas such as Cockpit, Portland Cottage, Milk River Bath, Salt River Mineral Spa, and Rocky Point.

"From my standpoint, there are a few areas that are relatively low-hanging fruit, and then there are other much grander projects that I know, when I discuss it with [Tourism] Minister [Edmund] Bartlett, he will also give his input... and where we see certain possibilities, he can see even bigger possibilities and help us to secure funding for it," said Mars, adding that the TPDCo will definitely try to do some work in the parish.

Meanwhile, Charles welcomed the visit to the parish by the TPDCo, noting the possibilities that exist to develop the parish as a tourist destination.

the next great thing

"Myself and also councillors for the area, Maragh have always considered Rocky Point, Portland Cottage, Mitchell Town, Salt River and the entire southern Clarendon belt, straight down to Longville, to be the next greatest opportunity for a corridor of tourism to burst open for Jamaica. It's like an untapped opportunity that is in front of you," said Charles.

Maragh pointed to several areas that could be developed as attractions.

"We could do some boating along the Salt River, which runs parallel to the main road. We could look at the Welcome Beach to revive what is there," said Maragh.

He also said that more shops and bars could be built along the white-sand beach at Rocky Point, creating more employment opportunities for residents.

"We could boat along the Rio Minho from Longwood. You can catch crayfish, shrimps and fish whilst doing that - the potential is here," the mayor added.