Newly Upgraded Burwood Beach Facility Opened

TEF Provides $28 Million for Renovation

FALMOUTH, Jamaica, Sunday, January 10, 2016: The parish of Trelawny now boasts one of the best public beaches in the island following an investment of $28 million in the development of the Burwood Beach on the outskirts of Falmouth.

Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, said at the official opening on Thursday, January 7 that Burwood was one of 30 beaches located island-wide that have been selected by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) to be developed as public beaches.

TEF has allocated some $250 million for this programme and in addition to the Burwood Beach, Dr. McNeill said work was in progress on five others, with the remainder to be developed in phases.

The TEF grant for the Burwood Beach project was used to equip the facility with a children play area, picnic areas and gazebos, restrooms and changing facilities, seating, lifeguard towers, water and electricity supply as well as parking.

Minister McNeill said the improvements made at the Burwood Beach would be replicated at the other 29 locations under the beaches programme. The initiative is being undertaken by TEF in collaboration with other government partners, including parish councils, the Urban Development Corporation, Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change and the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).

He said, “at the end of the day what we are all striving for is to ensure that more Jamaicans benefit directly from the tourism sector. So with this in mind the programme will provide improved facilities for Jamaicans who will have access to world class beach facilities across the entire island.”

He emphasized that while tourism was growing, it must play its part in enhancing the quality of life of Jamaicans.

The project was also welcomed by Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Garth Wilkinson, who expressed appreciation on behalf of the people of Trelawny to the TEF for its contribution.