THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE PORT Authority's purchase of Navy Island from FINSAC, which was formalised in the signing of the sales agreement in Port Antonio last week Friday signals a very important milestone for the economic development of Portland.
On behalf of the citizens of Portland, I would like to applaud the main players in this exercise who were instrumental in finalising this important chapter of a very promising project. Patrick Hylton and FINSAC should be commended for persevering with this divestment after failing to close an agreement in previous attempts.
Dr. the Hon. Noel Hylton and the Port Authority of Jamaica have demonstrated once again that they are serious about investing in the tourism sector of our country. Port Antonio and Portland will benefit significantly from investments totalling over a billion dollars in the very future.
The yacht marina, refurbished cruise-shipping pier, boatyard to repair pleasure boats, expansion of airport, new hotels on Titchfield Hill and Navy Island, and improvement to our water and sewage systems will collectively act as a catalyst to enhance development, create jobs and improve the quality of life of many of our citizens.
In six weeks time, we in Portland will co-host the international tall ship festival called America Sail. I would like to use this medium to appeal to the National Water Commission and the National Works Agency to lend their support to all these initiatives by completing the repair of broken water mains and by properly resurfacing the roads in and around Port Antonio.
Let us resolve to make the words 'partnership' and 'co-operation' take on real meaning and significance at this time in our beloved parish.
I am, etc.,
DONALD RHODD, M.P.
East Portland
