David Smith | Fort Rocky: progress or problem?

THE GOVERNMENT’S plan to turn Fort Rocky into an entertainment zone has raised eyebrows – and serious concerns – among the people of Port Royal. Residents are worried that the transformation of this historic site into a 24/7 party spot will change the character of their town, threaten the environment, and ignore the community’s voice.

A BIT OF BACKGROUND

Fort Rocky sits along the Palisadoes strip, just outside Port Royal. Built in the late 1800s, it was part of Jamaica’s coastal defence system. The fort is a reminder of our military past, with large gun pits and thick stone walls that once helped protect the harbour from attack.

Port Royal itself was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique cultural and historical value. Once a major 17th-century English port, much of the city was lost to the sea during a massive earthquake in 1692. It’s now Jamaica’s second World Heritage Site, after the Blue and John Crow Mountains.

NATURE AT RISK

But the Palisadoes isn’t just important for its history. It’s also a natural line of defence. Over time, the area has developed a system of sand dunes and mangroves that help protect against hurricanes and storm surge. These features acted like a buffer during hurricanes Ivan and Dean, shielding parts of the coast from major damage.

Flattening these dunes or removing mangroves to make way for development puts both the environment and local infrastructure at risk – especially with climate change causing more intense storms.

WHAT’S THE PLAN?

The plan is to make Fort Rocky part of a larger entertainment zone that includes the cruise ship pier, the lighthouse, and other historic buildings. The goal is to allow music, events, and parties to run day or night, with few restrictions.

The site is already used occasionally for filming and photoshoots. Now, the aim is to turn it into a year-round destination for large-scale entertainment events.

RESIDENTS SPEAK OUT

Not everyone is on board. The people of Port Royal – and even the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation – have raised concerns. They say the project moved ahead without proper consultation. Some residents have already noticed littering, noise, and traffic congestion during events held nearby. They’re worried this will only get worse if the zone becomes fully operational.

During a recent public meeting in Port Royal, the Jamaica National Heritage Trust presented the findings of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). But residents didn’t feel heard. They pointed out that the EIA didn’t properly address how sound travels across the water, how traffic will be managed, or how garbage disposal will be controlled.

There were also serious concerns about environmental damage. Parts of the natural dune system have already been flattened, and mangroves cleared, raising fears that the road between Port Royal and Kingston could be cut off in a storm.

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN

Let’s be clear: a project of this size needs to be done right. That starts with genuine engagement with the local community. Noise, garbage, and traffic aren’t just inconveniences – they affect people’s health and safety.

For noise, there are proven solutions. One is to create a ‘green zone’ of trees and vegetation around the venue. This helps absorb sound. But this should be based on real data: measuring noise levels, modelling how they travel, and testing how well different solutions work.

On the issue of environmental protection, restoring the dunes and mangroves is key. But given the risks posed by stronger hurricanes, a hybrid solution is best. That means combining natural defences with engineered ones – like adding stone barriers to protect the road and keep it open after a storm.

Traffic is another problem that needs solving now, not later. Options include widening the road or creating designated parking areas. What’s clear is that leaving it as-is will put people at risk in emergencies.

A WAY FORWARD

This project doesn’t have to be a disaster. With proper planning, real community input, and respect for the environment, Fort Rocky could become an example of how Jamaica blends culture, history, and modern development.

But that only happens if we listen – really listen – to the people who live there. It’s their home, their history, and their future that’s on the line.

Dr David A. Y. Smith is the director of research, innovation and brand at Smith Warner International, and also lectures at UWI Mona in the Faculty of Engineering. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com