TPDCo, Guardsman Hospitality Ltd sign MOU to adopt Old Folly Scenic Park
THE TOURISM Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo) and Guardsman Hospitality have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the adoption and maintenance of the newly refurbished Old Folly Scenic Park in Discovery Bay, St Ann. This agreement is part of TPDCo’s AdoptAn-Area Programme, under which Guardsman Hospitality has committed to maintaining the park for five years, from February 1, 2024 to January 31, 2029. This marks another public-private partnership for the maintenance of public spaces developed by the Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies.
The MOU signing, which took place during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the park on June 5, attracted several distinguished guests, including Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Councillor Michael Belnavis, Member of Parliament for North West St Ann Krystal Lee, and Managing Director of Guardsman Hospitality Laura Heron.
MP Lee expressed her gratitude and excitement about the project, highlighting the importance of such collaborations. She noted, “This park doesn’t only serve as a place for tourists and visitors but also for our locals. Even before its completion, our local people were stopping by, taking pictures, buying ice cream, and having a seat. Now, tourists on buses also stop by to see the beautiful view we have here.”
Building on this, Lee emphasised the impressive growth in Jamaica’s tourism sector, stating,“Last year, we saw a 23.7 per cent increase in visitors arriving in Jamaica over the prior year. Already this year, we’ve seen a 4.6 per cent increase in stopover arrivals and a 23 per cent increase in cruise passenger arrivals compared to the same period last year.”This growth underscores the significance of maintaining and enhancing attractions like the Old Folly Scenic Park.
The partnership between TPDCo and Guardsman Hospitality ensures the ongoing upkeep and enhancement of the park. Lee acknowledged this contribution, adding,“We thank Mrs Heron and Guardsman Hospitality for adopting this project.” This sentiment was echoed by TPDCo’s Executive Director Wade Mars, who expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. He remarked, “This park is a gift to the people of Discovery Bay, a place where families can gather, children can play, and visitors can experience the warmth and beauty of our community. It’s a place where we can all take pride in our heritage and our environment.”
Bartlett also underscored the importance of the park, highlighting its role in integrating tourists into the community. “Tourists are not an imposition on the community. The tourist that comes is part of the income-generating activity of the community,” he said. This initiative reflects the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to creating opportunities for all Jamaicans to benefit from the tourism industry.
The MOU with Guardsman Hospitality Ltd marks another successful publicprivate partnership aimed at enhancing Jamaica’s tourism product while providing valuable amenities for the local community.