Scott’s Cove boost for south coast tourism

The evolution of the south coast as a bona fide tourist destination has been given a significant boost with the completion of infrastructural work at the popular Scott's Cove food and rest stop facility.

Located on the border of Westmoreland and St Elizabeth, the new-look Scott's Cove, popularly called 'Border', not only has its occupants, local vendors, gushing with pride, but also the trappings of a top-notch entity.

"I have no problem calling it a world-class facility," said Cecil Smith Jr, commercial director for J. Wray & Nephew Limited, which pumped more than $15 million into the facility's rehabilitation.

"It is also a case of promise made, promise kept. We saw the potential here at Scott Cove and realised that all the place needed was a facelift, and we have delivered.

"We are now comfortable knowing that our local vendors can operate in a place that is both aesthetically appealing and conducive to business," added Smith Jr.

The opening of the improved facility took place last week following the signing of a memorandum of understanding last November between the municipal corporations of St Elizabeth and Westmoreland, where the green light was given for work to begin on a much-needed, and much talked about, infrastructural upgrade at Scott's Cove.

CONSTRUCTING NEW STALLS

It was also agreed that J. Wray & Nephew would provide the money to construct new stalls for 20 registered vendors.

The company also undertook the responsibility of refurbishing the bathroom facilities and branding the entire area.

"This could not come at a better time for the people of both St Elizabeth and Westmoreland," said Smith Jr as he argued that the south coast "now has more reason to celebrate".

He added that J. Wray & Nephew takes its role as a good corporate citizen very seriously.

"We are all about community development," said Smith Jr, who added that they strongly believed in the concept of public and private sector partnership.

"We are of the view that the south coast is about to make a splash in the tourism market, and we want to be a part of that driving force," said Smith Jr.

He also pointed to the nearly $1 billion spent to upgrade the Joy Spence Appleton Experience Tour, and said, "These are two very important landmarks here on the south coast."

Smith Jr added that the two municipalities would have full oversight over the facility.

"We want to ensure that the place is kept clean and that things can run in an orderly manner."

WELCOMED UPGRADE

The vendors have also welcomed the upgrade.

"It is wonderful to see that something good is happening here, and I want to thank J. Wray & Nephew," said an elated Ivorine Campbell.

Fellow vendor Evelyn Hutchinson said that she was sceptical at first when she heard that something would be done as they had heard all the promises before.

"When we heard about the plan, some of us had a kind of wait-and-see-attitude I will admit.

"We have had a string of broken promises from all kinds of people, so we were pleasantly surprised when J. Wray & Nephew came through. We can't thank them enough," said Hutchinson.