By Garwin Davis, Assistant News EditorTHE MINISTRY of Land and Environment has approved an application from the proprietors of Dolphin Cove, paving the way for the Ocho Rios based attraction to embark on its $250 million expansion plan.
An elated Stafford Burrowes, owner of Dolphin Cove, told The Financial Gleaner yesterday that he was "very excited" that the Ministry has finally given him the go ahead, noting that his job now was to "try and finish in time for the winter tourist season."
"I will be breaking ground starting tomorrow," Mr. Burrowes said. "I have been waiting for this moment to the point where I think my patience was severely tested. Anyway we are very happy with the decision which in the end will go a long way in boosting the tourism fortunes of Ocho Rios and by extension- the entire Jamaica."
Mr. Burrowes had first applied to the National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA) in December of last year for permission to expand his 'swimming-with-the dolphins' facility. His application -four months later-was inexplicably turned down, with the advice that he had the option to appeal to the Minister.
Mr. Burrowes immediately lodged an appeal and was given a hearing on the 26th of August. During the process, he also had a number of high profile tourism interests, including Gordon 'Butch' Stewart vouching for his attraction and its value to the sector, references Mr. Burrowes described as "invaluable." Minister Dean Peart, apparently satisfied and impressed with what he saw at Dolphin Cove, yesterday gave the go ahead to Mr. Burrowes to start his expansion.
The expansion, Mr. Burrowes said, will cover approximately 60,000 square feet and will include a new pier with the intention being to ferry the passengers directly from the cruise ships into Dolphin Cove.
He added that he has already had the assurances from a number of cruise lines that they would be committing more ships to the resort town as long as Dolphin Cove had the capacity to accommodate more of their passengers.
"Not only will we now be able to maintain our market share but we will also be able to compete with the over 10 new dolphin facilities which have been established recently in Florida and the Caribbean," Mr. Burrowes added.
OVER STRETCHED
"The cruise shipping industry has been pushing us to increase our capacity so it may schedule more ships to arrive in both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. "Presently we are over stretched in terms of our capacity - sometimes having to turn back people- there has been a genuine need for expansionat Dolphin Cove."
Built nearly three years ago at a cost of US$3 million, the attraction, located close to Dunn's River Falls, has been nothing short of a phenomenal success, running a close second to Dunn's River Falls in terms of popularity.
The four-acre property not only boasts 15,000 feet of beach front but comes with a pavilion, which provides information on the dolphins and instructions on how to swim with them.
There is also a restaurant, gift shop, snack counter, hairbraiding facility and an area where photos can be taken with the friendly sea mammals.
And in but a short time since it has opened its doors, the attraction has already been recognised for excellence.
BEST ATTRACTION FOR THE YEAR 2001
It was voted by the Association of Jamaica Attractions Limited as the best attraction for the year 2001 and later the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association's Allied Member Award for the Most Distinguished Service for 2001.
Dr. Wykhem McNeill, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, said he was elated that permission has finally been given to Dolphin Cove to facilitate its expansion plans, saying it augurs well for the future of tourism. "This is a first class attraction operated by first class people- people who understand what quality service is all about the Minister said.
"The cruise lines have made no secret of the fact that they are more drawn to the attractions nowadays and in Dolphin Cove we have arguably the finest of its kind in the Caribbean."
The expansion, Mr. Burrowes said, would be akin to the Sea World concept in Florida- a modern day first class attraction, which he noted would give the country a real huge economic boost. "We are widely acknowledged as the best dolphin attraction in the Caribbean by cruise passengers and land based guests, including visiting dignitaries," he said. "What we are about to do can only enhance our stature even further."
