Clean up Ocho Rios! - JLP caretaker urges action ahead of cruise ship season
Published:Monday | October 5, 2015 | 12:00 AM
OCHO RIOS, St Ann:
With the 2015-2016 winter cruise season just weeks away, Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) caretaker councillor for the Ocho Rios division, Michael Belnavis, is urging cooperation between the authorities and stakeholders in order to get the resort town in tip-top shape for residents and tourists alike.
The season will begin in early November and Belnavis says residents are deserving of a cleaner town.
"It's a matter of getting the town clean for citizens, and that should be good enough for our visitors," Belnavis argued.
"After spending millions on upgrading the pier and areas close by, it makes no sense having the rest of the town in a mess. I think it's in the best interest of all of us as business people and residents to ensure clean and safe surroundings."
Belnavis told The Gleaner on Friday: "A comprehensive sidewalk system, landscaped with trees and shrubs would go a long way in improving the aesthetics of the town and lift the morale of the residents."
At the same time, he is urging residents to develop and exercise a sense of civic pride and help to create and maintain clean surroundings.
Belnavis identified areas in the town which, he said, reek of stench caused by people urinating at the sides of the streets. He said the law should be enforced to eliminate this.
"This is unacceptable in any society, and if people will not desist from this practice then the anti-litter law should be vigorously enforced," Belnavis said.
He said while there is need for additional sanitary conveniences in the town, people should maintain a sense of pride and desist from the practice.
The caretaker has also cited a need for two additional sanitary conveniences at the Ocho Rios market, saying the present facilities are inadequate for the number of vendors using the market.