Management plan for Little Dunn’s River in St Ann

The Government, through the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), has announced plans for the management, operation, and infrastructure upgrade of Little Dunn's River in St Ann.

The popular beach attraction was reopened on Boxing Day last year, allowing residents to enjoy its shores during the Christmas season.

The beach has since been accessible to the public every Sunday.

During a visit to the area on Thursday, January 25, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation, Matthew Samuda, indicated that the existing infrastructure's capacity to handle the increased pressure has prompted the Government to take proactive measures.

“The Prime Minister has committed that through the UDC, we will look at a management plan and operating plan and the infrastructure requirements over the course of this calendar year,”  Samuda said.

“We have to put in that management plan, which will include security, and put in arrangements for lifeguards and more,” he added.

The Minister also clarified that the decision to open the beach only on Sundays was deliberate, citing a series of security incidents.

He said the management plan now aims to strike a balance between accessibility and security. This approach will involve careful planning to create a safe and enjoyable environment for the public, he noted.

“Now everything has to be done under structure and in order,” Samuda explained.

“There are other beaches that will be restored and renovated for free access also, as there is work to be done at Priory Beach. These facilities will be upgraded to the standard that would be offered anywhere in the world, but for our citizens,” he added.

For his part, General Manager of the UDC, L. Robert Honeyghan, reassured the public that beach access remains a top priority for the entity. He affirmed the UDC's commitment to addressing concerns and improving facilities across the parish, not just at Little Dunn's River.

“[We are] going through the parish to ensure that the concerns and the items that are in the best interest of the people are addressed,” he noted.

- JIS News

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.