The Government could be announcing today who will get the contract for the development of a cruise ship docking facility at Port Royal, the former pirates’ haven east of Kingston which was dubiously dubbed the wickedest city in the world.
“A cruise ship docking facility, that is environmentally friendly, will be installed at Port Royal this year,” minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Dr Horace Chang said, responding to weekend claims that the Government had failed to remove obstacles to the development of the area.
The claims were attributed to director of Port Royal Development Company, Robert Stephens who was reported yesterday as charging that Jamaica National Heritage Trust had been a major stumbling block in the way of the redevelopment plans.
Chang said development of Port Royal, the subject of years of on-again off-again discussions, was linked to Prime Minster Andrew Holness’ commitment to ensure that cruise shipping “becomes the development plan for the Corporate Area”.
He said an announcement on the award of a contract is likely to be made today.
Chang was responding to a news story saying that there was “growing frustration” among some potential investors about the alleged delays, stalling an estimated US$500-million investment to redevelop Port Royal.
A key component of the proposed development is restoration of historical sites in Port Royal, including the Royal Naval Hospital, Fort Charles, the Admiralty houses and Fort Rocky.
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