Port Antonio mayor: We don’t need any duppy stories about Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon, East Portland

Operations at Blue Lagoon, one of Portland’s premier tourist attractions, are ongoing amid a court battle in which locals and interest groups have claimed that to the facility has been restricted.

During a visit to the world-renowned attraction on Saturday, The Gleaner observed persons swimming and mingling at the picturesque beauty spot, which was recently renovated, and some craft vendors were seen displaying their items.

The Blue Lagoon facility, which, over time, had fallen into a state of disrepair, was ordered closed in 2023 to facilitate not only renovation, but also to curtail incidents of tourist harassment, the peddling of drugs, the presence of crocodiles, and alleged fights among men for control of turf.

Port Antonio Mayor Paul Thompson, who spoke with The Gleaner on Sunday, stated that the facility has seen improvements through the upgrades to the site and that a more organised system is now in place, including the presence of lifeguards.

“I don’t want to say much at this time, but the facility itself is impeccable. It is more acceptable on the part of visitors and locals alike,” said Thompson.

“New bathrooms have been constructed, and the facility is under strict maintenance. Before now, the Blue Lagoon was a painful site to look at, and it was pure confusion as it related to day-to-day operations. There is simply no truth about persons being denied access to the Blue Lagoon, and people have been coming in on a daily basis.

“Truth can only be truth, and those who knew what the Blue Lagoon looked like back then, with all fairness and honesty, will agree that the once deplorable state of that facility has been transformed into a place of beauty. We don’t need any duppy stories, and I am inviting all those who are able to visit the Lagoon to get a firsthand look for themselves. The glittering water of the Blue Lagoon and its lush vegetation is a view to behold,” he said.

The Blue Lagoon is being managed by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), which has ensured that its wardens, private-security personnel, members of the Resort Patrol division of the police, and, to a lesser extent, the local police, provide security for those accessing the facility on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, one man who claimed that he was actively involved in selling craft items, including conch shells, carvings, broaches, and bamboo-fashioned cups and who gave his name as Clive Thomas, was quick to point out that the new look at the Blue Lagoon was a welcome sight for him. According to Thomas, the renovations were long overdue.

“Mi feel like say mi woulda come back come work a Blue Lagoon now because di place clean and it fix up nice. Dem even have new bathrooms there now,” he said. “It look like a place brand new, and mi really feel good and proud ‘bout what a gwaan now. There is a driving road coming from Tropical Lagoon side down to Blue Lagoon, so mi nuh know why dem say that people caan go down there. Mi see people going down there almost every day to swim and have picnic.”

editorial@gleanerjm.com