<f"FranklinGothic-DemiCond">GOVERNMENT'S continued neglect of the dock and boardwalk at St.
As a result, tourists drawn to the historic Fort St. Catherine’s area must weave their way along the dilapidated dock and avoid the boardwalk altogether.
And pictures taken of the area are likely to include two prominent eyesores also under Government control — a derelict home and a blackened water catchment.
Sen. Swan said he had not yet received a response from the Ministry of Works & Engineering, despite letters highlighting the potential danger to those visiting the area and the possible impact on tourism in a World Heritage Site.“The dock jetty and the boardwalk have sat in the same state since Fabian (three years ago),” said Sen. Swan. “Fort St. Catherine is a monument. It’s an historical area.
“I had hoped that the repairs would be done prior to the cruise ship season. It’s now the end of the official period and they haven’t been addressed.
“Especially as this is a World Heritage Site, we can’t afford to have this type of attention paid to these areas. We can’t allow the foreshore line and tourist areas to look as such.
“They’re all areas tourists pass on a daily, on an hourly basis. They’re all areas under Government jurisdiction and I’ve called on the Government before to address them. Now is the time to push for what I think needs to be done.”
The Ministry of Works & Engineering did not respond to questions for comment.
Christopher West, operator of the Beach It concession at St. Catherine’s Beach, complained about the state of the dock earlier this year, telling this newspaper that its potential as a tourist attraction was being wasted by the neglect.
“Tourists will look around there and I’ll advise them not to walk on the dock because it’s dangerous. It’s such a shame because it’s a beautiful spot.
“It comes under the Ministry of Works & Engineering and I suggested to them about four years ago, that it would be good to have it fixed up. I said it in a face-to-face meeting, but they said they were not concerned with it.”
Sen. Swan said he had made repeated requests himself in writing.
“Maybe because it comes on UBP letterhead it doesn’t get the prominence it should. But I will write another letter. Tourists walk by and have to avoid the boardwalk because of the yellow crime scene type tape across there.
“I can’t imagine a couple here on a moonlit night, holding hands, admiring the view, and not noticing. Fort St. Catherine needs to be tidied.
“The water catchment is black. It’s an eyesore and the first thing any cruise ship coming in will see. As the cruise ships enter St. George there’s a tenement with half its roof off. They’re both at high vantage points.
“It sends out the wrong signal and now that we’re entering into the shoulder season, it’s time these areas should be addressed so they can be improved by the beginning of the next season.
“Those returning, or those coming for the first time, will have a better photo opportunity with the repaired infrastructure. I’ve brought them all to the attention of the Government.
“I will take the opportunity to write a letter to the new (Works & Engineering) Minister (Dennis Lister). Maybe it will get on his radar.”
‘Deaf ear’
