Why create divisions, when there are none? There is no doubt that the issue of beaches - the use and maintenance thereof, access to the public, and so on - is a continuous dialogue in Jamaica that can become divisive and contentious at times. However, Jamaicans treasure and value their beaches; although some individuals might show a lack of respect for the environment and fellow humans by leaving trash, making excessive noise and so on, I do believe that on the whole a growing awareness of our precious coastline has led to greater efforts to protect what is left of it.
It does not help when the media appears to be misinterpreting some of these efforts. On the ground, in rural areas, the struggle to maintain order and beauty on a wonderful beach like Winnifred's in Portland, eastern Jamaica, is indeed real. Partnerships are important and should not be discounted either. So, the Free Winnifred Beach Benevolent Society (FWBBS) sought to correct some aspects of a recent media report.
Baby turtles swim out adventurously, after hatching on Winnifred's Beach. (Photo courtesy of Maria Carla Gullotta)
I would suggest the following: visit Winnifred's; enjoy the beauty of the crystal clear water (fed by a mineral spring); talk to local people; drink some coconut water; patronise the vendors; support the local people who are trying their best to keep it all perfectly beautiful. It's a special place, to us; we have many happy memories of sitting on that beach until the evening sun went down, while our young son played happily at the water's edge.
Here is what the FWBBS has to say in response to this very brief media report, based on remarks made by one government official at a meeting of the Portland Municipal Corporation. It seems to me that the citizens who look after this precious beach deserve an update from the two government agencies concerned. Let's strengthen partnerships and set aside disagreements.
The media can play its part. Perhaps the Benevolent Society can invite the journalist to join them on the beach, for a deeper discussion on their hopes and plans for the beach. And perhaps a meeting with government officials is overdue.
Let us not ignore the voice of the people!
The Free Winnifred Beach Benevolent Society (FWBBS) would like to address the inaccuracies in the recent article by Everard Owen, published in the Jamaica Observer on September 17, 2024.
Link to the article: Health official concerned about sanitation at Winnifred Beach - Jamaica Observer
Contrary to the article's claims, the local community of Fairy Hill has not rejected proposals for improving Winnifred Beach. In fact, during a public meeting held in March 2022 with over 100 attendees, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) publicly asked for our input. We submitted a comprehensive list of ideas, including rainwater collection systems, solar energy, and a parking area, which had already been shared over four years ago, alongside professional architectural plans for beach improvements. No actual plans have been presented to FWBBS by either TEF or the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) for discussion.
Unfortunately, despite several follow-up attempts, no official communication has been received from TEF since that meeting. Dr. Wallace, representing TEF, informed us that the Winnifred project is not currently a priority, leaving us still awaiting further discussions. Our community is eager to collaborate, and video evidence of the meeting is available on our website to clarify the situation.
The portrayal of the Free Winnifred Benevolent Society as an obstacle to development is both false and misleading. We have consistently maintained an open line of communication and expressed our willingness to engage in dialogue for the benefit of the beach and the community.
Additionally, we personally contacted Mr. Hume and Dr. Wallace, neither of whom stated that the community had rejected any improvement projects.
We also wish to clarify that the UDC does not operate Winnifred Beach. For the past 15 years, the FWBBS has independently covered all operational expenses, including beach cleaning, garbage collection, and bathroom maintenance. UDC may hold the title to the land, but it is the community, through the Benevolent Society, that manages its upkeep.
In response to concerns raised by Mr. Hume about sanitation standards, we are committed to ensuring compliance. While many vendors have already improved their facilities, we encourage those who have not yet done so to make necessary adjustments or face closure. The bathroom facilities, in particular, are regularly maintained, with water available and recent roof repairs completed. We have repeatedly requested to relocate the bathrooms, and a private foundation even offered funding for new facilities. However, this was blocked by UDC in favor of their own project, which remains pending after four years.
Despite these challenges, we continue to operate Winnifred Beach as a beautiful and peaceful haven, beloved by both locals and tourists. We remain hopeful that TEF and UDC will fulfill their commitments and engage with the community to ensure the beach's sustainable development.
Sincerely,
Nino Sciuto
Chairman
Free Winnifred Beach Benevolent Society
www.free-winnifred.com
info@free-winnifred.com
Tree roots on Winifred's Beach. (My photo)
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