Government of Jamaica
Fulfilling a well needed resource for residents of Roehampton and its surrounding communities in St. Andrew, the Tourism Product Development Company Limited, as part of its Spruce Up Programme has added another project under community tourism and development.
The project which came at a cost of four million dollars was implemented by the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation and included a jogging/walking trail, installation of park benches, repairing of the perimeter fencing, general beautification and landscaping. This comes as part of efforts to improve local communities and enhance the community tourism component of the TPDCo’s local tourism development mandate.
Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday July 9, 2020 Dr. Nigel Clarke, Member of Parliament for St. Andrew Northwestern, highlighted that it is his mission to improve public spaces and increase the value of the communities in his constituency.
“This (jogging trail) was well needed as we attempt to lessen the impact of non-communicable diseases and to improve the structure of our communities. We are grateful for this partnership and our intention is to maintain these spaces and include all members of the communities to make use of these public spaces. This is the Jamaica we want to build, encourage and nourish. We also want to set the precedence for the next generation to come, as we strive to maintain an organized society that cares about its country”
Mr. Julian Patrick, Director of Product Development and Community Tourism at TPDCo also added his sentiments to development of communities, the country and in turn the tourism product.
“The tourism product is every experience and encounter that one embraces during their sojourn in Jamaica. Tourism is also not solely about the sun, sea and sand experience; it involves communities and, in these times, when we must create and maintain a resilient industry and destination assurance, diversifying the product is our top priority. This park will serve a purpose for those in the diaspora and guests who are interested in exploring the length and breadth of Jamaica.”