Mark Titus, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

It was not all-smooth sailing, when developers tried to sell the idea of a cruise ship terminal development to stakeholders of Falmouth during a presentation of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) at a public meeting in the town on the weekend.

While the majority of the residents in attendance beamed in anticipation of the possibilities of what such a massive development could bring to the usually sleepy town, environmental and other interest groups were adamant that a more detailed assessment was necessary.

"A lot of what we are talking about in regards to the development of Falmouth, the preservation of its heritage and the tourism prospects can be achieved without a huge cruise ship terminal being placed in the town with very severe environment impact." said Wendy Lee of the Northern Jamaica Conservation Association (NJCA).

"If this is the complete EIA, it means the terms of reference have not been met because there is no adequate archaeological assessment of the town which is the heritage gem of the north coast," she stated.

Natural resources

'While you are going to reclaim such a huge area of the coast, you must keep in mind that what is buried under it might be the very thing we should be seeking to learn about or preserve."

Ms. Lee was making queries during the public presentation of the EIA report on the proposed development at the Falmouth Anglican Church Hall.

Falmouth, considered by many as one of the Caribbean's finest example of a colonial Georgian town, was granted the status of a tourist resort in September 2005, which is seen as a strategic move in light of major development plans, including that of a Cruise Ship Terminal Development.

First phase of project

According to the president of the Port Authority of Jamaica, Noel Hylton the first phase of the project is to cost approximately $17.3 billion, of which J$10.6 billion will be used for undertaking the marine aspect of the development by the authority.

International Design & Entertainment Associates (IDEA) will do the infrastructural aspect of the project at a cost of $7.1 billion.

The project envisions the development of berthing facilities, including dredging of the existing channel through offshore reefs, and the development of land side facilities required to handle the volume of cruise ship passengers disembarking during the vessels stay in the town.

The proposed cruise terminal is to be developed on the Falmouth foreshore within the confines of the existing natural harbour, while the terminal's marine works will encompass construction of a finger pier capable of accommodating two 'mega liner' cruise ships simultaneously. The design vessel is the 'Genesis' class cruise ship, which is currently under development and scheduled for delivery in late 2009.

Main concerns raised

Some of the main concerns raised at the public forum were the destruction of the world famous luminous lagoon and coral reef, the lack of a comprehensive disaster plan, the credibility of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) in terms of waste disposal laws, the relocation of the infamous 'bend down' market as well as the uncertainties of the future of the town's fisherfolk.

Hugh Darley, president and executive producer of IDEA, told the gathering that the design of the terminal would be in keeping with the current Georgian theme of Falmouth and with a transportation system likened to that of San Francisco.

He said as a town rivalling that of Williamsburg in Virginia U.S.A., Falmouth is expected to be the envy of the entire region.

Locals are expected to benefit tremendously through the creation of some 600 employment opportunities during the construction phase, while another 1000 will be available when the project is completed.