TPDConnect December 2018 | Page 5

Lyssons Beach RIBBON CUTTING LYSSONS BEACH OFFICIALLY OPENED AFTER 49 MILLION DOLLAR UPGRADE Lyssons, St. Thomas; November 15 2018… Minister of Tourism Honourable Edmund Bartlett and other Tourism officials today cut the ribbon to officially declare the Lyssons Beach in St Thomas open. This comes on the heels of a ground breaking ceremony for the Salem Beach in Runaway Bay St Ann, The Lyssons facility has been upgraded to the tune of Forty Nine Million $49M Dollars. Locals and visitors alike will benefit from a new and improved beach experience at this well used recreational space in the parish. The project was funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) and administered by the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo). The venue which, over the years has attracted visitors and locals to its scenic and tranquil location will provide an enhanced experience after receiving a facelift which took place in two phases. Phase one included renovation of the restrooms, upgrade of the sewage system, construction of five (5) gazebos, construction of a foot bridge and walkways, rehabilitation of the lower driveway and parking area, fabrication of three (3) lifeguard stands, construction of a guard house and an outdoor shower area. Phase two of the project included the construction of a wooden perimeter fence and the fabrication of a chain link fence for demarcation purposes, construction of seating around the trees on the beach, the establishment of a parking lot and driveway and landscaping to prescribed areas. Minister Bartlett in his remarks said, “We are pleased to be able to declare yet another beach open, one that is heavily used by the local community and one that we hope will attract more visitors to the area. This forms part of a concerted effort to enhance recreational spaces across Jamaica especially for our people through the National Beaches Upgrading Programme.” The Minister reiterated that this is the fourth beach to benefit from such a programme and indicated that this was just the beginning of tourism developments that he anticipates for the parish. According to Minster Bartlett, “the parish of St Thomas is targeted for development by the Government of Jamaica with tourism selected as a key driver. An assessment has been completed and a Tourism Destination Development and Management Plan is being prepared to position St Thomas as a premier tourism destination and upgrade the parish’s readiness to ensure a competitive product.”