THE TOURISM Product Development Company Ltd (TPDCo) has requested a meeting with attorney-at-law, Arthur Kitchin to discuss concerns about the proposed privatisation of the Lime Cays.
Up to yesterday, arrangements were still being finalised for the meeting which has been scheduled for today.
Representatives from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and TPDCo as well as Director-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Carole Guntley-Brady, and the Minister of State for Industry and Tourism, Dr. Wykeham McNeill are also expected to be in attendance.
The meeting was initially scheduled for yesterday, however, it had to be re-scheduled, as Mr. Kitchin would not have been available.
NEW PLANS PUT OFF
Recently, Lime Cays Jamaica entered into a lease with NEPA to manage the operations of the Cays. As a result, fees of $100 and $50 plus tax for adults and children respectively should have come into effect on April 1. However, because of incomplete infrastructure work at the Cays, the plans had to be postponed.
In a letter to Franklyn McDonald, NEPA's Chief Executive Officer, dated March 24, 2003, Mr. Kitchin who is acting on behalf of numerous members of the public, said that to charge an entrance fee to the said Cay was unlawful and/ or in breach of the provisions of the Prescription Act. Section four of the Act states that "When any beach has been used by the public or any class of the public for fishing, or for purposes incident to fishing, or for bathing or recreation and any road, track or pathway-adjacent to such beach has been used by the public as a means of access to such beach, without interruption for the full period of twenty years, the public shall - have the absolute and indefeasible right to use such beach land, road, track or pathway unless it shall appear that the same was enjoyed by some consent or agreement expressly made for that purpose by deed or writing."
However, while not responding to the concerns raised by Mr. Kitchin, TPDCo's Public Relations Manager, Prudence Barnes told The Gleaner that her organisation was satisfied that the correct tendering process were employed for the awarding of the concession for Lime Cays.
