KSAMC concerned about 'unapproved development' at Fort Rocky

Works are being done at Fort Rocky in Port Royal “without the necessary approvals” from the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), the local government body has charged.

Fort Rocky is one of several venues being transformed into specially designated entertainment zones.

The concerns follow what the KSAMC described as an urgent visit to Fort Rocky by Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby to assess recent developments at the “environmentally sensitive” area.

According to the KSAMC, the works undertaken include demolition of structures, clearing of mangrove-covered lands and “an unregulated layout”.

The municipal authority said its understanding is that the process is being led by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust “without any consultation with the KSAMC".

“The KSAMC was neither consulted nor involved in the approval process for these works, yet as the local authority, we have to intervene to assess and address the breaches,” Swaby said in the statement.

The Gleaner is awaiting a response to questions submitted to Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Olivia Grange, on the matter.

The KSAMC said it intends to serve notices on the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, the lead project manager.

It claimed, too, that the National Environment and Planning Agency has already issued two enforcement notices “for multiple environmental breaches.”

- Livern Barrett

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