By Monique Hepburn, Staff ReporterPATRONS OF Sunset Beach, located along Montego Bay's hip strip, are now lamenting the reclamation of the popular recreational spot, which was washed out by storm surges associated with Hurricane Ivan, recently. Sand from the beach was washed unto Kent Avenue and while some people lament the loss of the beach, other persons have taken the opportunity to steal its sand. "Now that the sand is on the sidewalk people are stealing it," said lifeguard Neville Campbell, who has worked at the beach for 20 years. Lifeguards at the beach are reporting that people in cars and pick-up trucks come to the beach and shovel sand into their vehicles, despite attempts to stop them.
RELIEF EFFORTS UNDER WAY
When The Gleaner visited the beach recently, the sea had reclaimed approximately 200 feet of pristine white sand and there were noticeably fewer swimmers than usual.
According to Mr. Campbell, with the relief efforts now under way to assist victims of Hurricane Ivan, the St. James Parish Council, which is responsible for the beach is now busy. He is however requesting that they act quickly to protect and restore the beach.
He remains confident that the beach will return, as it did when it was washed out after rough seas moved the sand in 1984. "We want to warn people not to let their children swim in the water without supervision because the beach is not as safe as it used to be," cautioned Mr. Campbell.
