WESTERN BUREAU:
Ian Dear, chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company, has promised that the new 'Welcome to Montego Bay' sign now under construction will depict the evolution of the island's tourism capital, and reflect the 'Bay's' historical and traditional roots.
Dear, along with Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, Montego Bay Mayor Homer Davis, and other tourism officials yesterday laid blocks for the sign being erected at the Sangster International Airport roundabout, at a cost of $17 million.
The city lost its welcome sign to a motor vehicle accident which claimed two lives almost a year ago.
Bartlett, in his remarks, stated that the erection of the new sign, which is sponsored by the Tourism Enhancement Fund, is not only timely but essential.
"Essential, as it will speak to the emotions we want to conjure up in our locals and the thousands of visitors that must traverse this area," said Bartlett.
The sign is expected to be completed by year end.