Black River mayor appeals for funding to restore heritage sites

Mayor of Black River, Everton Fisher, is appealing for funding from the Government and private sector to restore some of the heritage sites in the St Elizabeth town.

Fisher says heritage tourism in Black River has been on the decline and the town is in a dilapidated state, with even government offices trying to move out.

He was speaking on Independent Talk this morning where he said the town’s history is too rich for it to be lost because of lack of upkeep.

Fisher says places such as the Waterloo Guest House, which was the first home to get electricity in Jamaica should be given special grants.

He notes that Falmouth in Trelawny was also facing the loss of its historical buildings, but has been restored through the intervention of the Government.

He says the Tourism Enhancement Fund should also help to revive tourism in Black River.

He says such help could be focused on small hoteliers with bed and breakfast operations.