Chukka defends rights at Old Spanish Bridge

Chukka Caribbean Adventures and owners of the lands surrounding the Old Spanish Bridge in St Ann have barred unauthorised entrance to the iconic White River, citing unauthorised vending and garbage pile-ups in the area.

Chukka said it’s held the exclusive rights to operate commercial tours in the area for two decades, but has seen unauthorised commercial activities springing up at the Old Spanish Bridge since the pandemic.

Consequently, on August 5, private security was hired to ensure only authorised persons get access to the properties.

The bridge at White River borders with St Mary. It is known for its turquoise-clear waters, with a swing chair that launches patrons into the river. The barring of the general public raised concerns online about the removal of access.

“I am not sure what they were selling, but the point is, they were trespassing, or doing so without permission,” said Chukka Caribbean CEO Marc Melville.

Persons wishing to gain access would need to be participants in the Chukka excursions, or get permission from the landlords of the surrounding areas, that is, Wayne Chai Chong or the National Water Commission, the Financial Gleaner understands.

“We run a normal tour business up there. Packages are online, and locals get a discount as high as 30 per cent for the tours offered by Chukka at White River Valley, and it has been like this for 20-plus years. We sell nature adventure excursions via zipline or tube on the river,” said Melville, adding that Chukka does not sell ‘day passes’ for that area.

Chai Chong told the Financial Gleaner that the lands to the south, west and north of the Old Spanish Bridge are privately owned; and that the land to the east of the bridge is held by the National Water Commission.

“Since 2005, Chukka Caribbean Adventures has held leases from the NWC and also from the owners of the property to the north of the bridge. These leases granted Chukka exclusive rights to conduct commercial activities on those properties. Chukka is also the only operator that has been authorised by the relevant government entities to conduct commercial activities on this section of the river,” said Chai Chong.

Unauthorised selling started after the temporary closure of Chukka tours in the area last year, in compliance with COVID-19 lockdown orders.

“This void opened the opportunity for many persons, both from within and outside of the immediate area, to take advantage of the beauty and seclusion of the Spanish Bridge. It became the place to go,” said Chai Chong.

“With the last reopening of rivers, the unauthorised commercial activities returned to the Spanish Bridge. These activities continued to be carried out without permission from the property owners, the lessee or government authorities. They are conducted with no provision for sanitary facilities, disposal of garbage or the Government’s COVID-19 protocols,” he said.

steven.jackson@gleanerjm.com