Dear Editor,

I was alarmed to hear about the development taking place at Fort Rocky on the Palisadoes Strip by Port Royal. I also read in the media that the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation were apparently unaware of this development. In fact, no approvals were requested or granted.

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Described as one of several venues being built as entertainment spots in Kingston, Fort Rocky is an area that is considered environmentally sensitive, with mangroves and other natural habitat. We understand that the development is being led by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport along with the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. These are two organisations who ought to know better and understand heritage and the links to culture and tourism as well as the preservation of our history. I understand that the National Environment and Planning Agency has already issued enforcement notices of breaches on the project.

I am all for development and progress, and it is possible the site could be modified to protect its historical significance while blending with a functional space for entertainment. There are other parts of the strip which, I believe, would be more ideal spaces for development. I’ve seen images of what looks like the destruction of parts of the old fort, and remnants include abandoned structures, store rooms, and walls.

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According to the Jamaica National Heritage Trust website, Fort Rocky, an abandoned fort, was built around 1888 and is enclosed by a wall with guns mounted for protection. It remains a significant piece of Jamaica’s heritage and history. According to Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, in a statement given in Parliament recently, Fort Rocky is set to host a major event on March 15 which will “signal to the country that Fort Rocky is ready and available to host entertainment events in a way that will not disturb, as we should say, our neighbour”. Did anyone also consider the impact on road traffic to/from the airport, which was a problem several years ago due to a major event along the strip?

Port Royal remains a special place to visit — the quaint town, the Giddy House, the forts and, of course, Gloria’s, known for its seafood fare.

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The area has a lot of potential and could be the catalyst to drive tourism in the capital, but proper planning and consultation is required. Development includes context and is the reason we have laws, by-laws, and a process of approvals.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com