Reggae Falls fee fury - Vendors, operator clash over $500 entrance fee

A dispute is brewing between the operator of the popular Reggae Falls in Hillside, St Thomas, and some vendors at the facility who are opposed to a $500 entrance fee he has instituted for the use of the facility.

For years, patrons visiting Reggae Falls used the facility for free, but this changed when Antonio Porter lease the facility and implemented a $300 entrance fee three years ago. The rate, which is only charged on weekends, was recently increased by $200 per person.

Porter told THE WEEKEND STAR that the fee structure was implemented to help him cover the overhead costs of operating and maintaining the facility.

"I have to pay staff and for maintenance of this place. There are overheads that have to be dealt with. I have leased the property on which the falls exists and I have document to show," the businessman said.

Reggae Falls, renowned for its majestic waterfall, has been a magnet for both locals and tourists for many years. For many residents, the attraction serves as the hub of economic activity, whether through vending refreshments or offering services as tour guides and lifeguards.

Prior to being called Reggae Falls, the attraction was known as 'Dam Falls', reflecting the fact that its creation was a result of an abandoned hydroelectric facility that was being built in the 1920s to supply water to the community. Porter, a returning resident, claimed that he was the one who came up with the name Reggae Falls after the Reggae Boyz made it to the finals at the 1998 World Cup in France. He said he leased the space with the vision of boosting tourism in the parish. Porter said he plans to transform Reggae Falls into a more inclusive facility, which involves the establishment of gazebos, a jerk centre and other amenities.

"As soon as we put in the kind of things that patrons will enjoy, such as park enhancements and rides, games, camp site and so on, we will see the full potential of the falls and the community as well. This will only mean development for the area," Porter said.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett last year announced plans to 'spruce up' the Hillside area and improve the infrastructure in the community.

"We have to make sure that Reggae Falls remains a public good that is going to be available to all the people of Jamaica and all the visitors of the world who will be invited into the area to ensure that wealth is created and good money is left in Hillside when these visitors come," Bartlett said at the time.

In the meantime, Donovan Ross said he wants to see more persons visit Reggae Falls but is concerned that the $500 admission fee will leave patrons with limited funds to spend with them.

"We want people to come and support the people dem who down here a sell, and we nah charge anyone. This Porter man has been collecting from the patrons and we don't want that. We just want dem to come and support the business. You can't be charging them and then expect them to come and buy from us. Is about 10 people sell down here on a regular basis, and none of us nuh want the man fi a charge anybody," he said.

Ross operates Jungle Style restaurant, which has been sitting on the banks of Reggae Falls for close to a decade. He said that his yard was used as a parking facility for patrons, and he has operated as security, lifeguard and a tour guide for them. He said he has never demanded a fee for those services, even though many of the visitors would 'bless' him for his goodwill.

"We nah harass anyone, and we make sure everybody alright. The district have a problem with Mr Porter because dem don't want no charging ting. Leave the patrons alone," he demanded.

But a female resident said she does not see what the fuss is about, stating that $500 is a meagre fee to pay for such a rich attraction.

"I don't know why dem fighting the man (Porter). Is this district him born and grow, and we all know is him lease it. Him not doing anything wrong. If you see the fall and river, you will see how clean it is, and that means that someone has to get paid to clean it up. Five hundred dollar is not a big deal, because the experience is priceless," she said.

Porter told THE WEEKEND STAR that he will not yield to the pressure.

"Dunns River [Falls], Mayfield Falls and others have charges as well, and ours is the cheapest. As a returning resident, I have invested my hard-earned cash into the venture and not one member of the community invested a dime, but they want to tell me what I can and cannot do. The last time I checked, I am living in a democratic, law-abiding country," Porter said.

"I don't charge the vendors who come here to sell. I gave them all of that and they want my blood, and I am not prepare to sacrifice it, because Jesus Christ did already. I will not give up my rights, because I have invested my hard-earned money in this because I have a vision," Porter added.