Gov’t mulls management plan for Little Dunn’s River

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Jamaicans young and old flock to Little Dunn’s River, which many claim is one of the last remaining ‘free’ areas on the North Coast from Ocho Rios to Porland. (Photo: OwenSoft Jamaica)

The Government, through the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), has announced plans for the management, operation, and infrastructure upgrade of Little Dunn’s River in St. Ann.

The popular beach attraction was reopened on December 26 last year, allowing citizens to enjoy its shores during the Christmas season.

The beach has since been accessible to the public every Sunday.

During a visit to the area last Thursday (January 25) Senator Matthew Samuda,, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation, indicated that the existing infrastructure’s capacity to handle the increased pressure has prompted the Government to take proactive measures.

“The prime mnister has committed that through the UDC, we will look at a management plan and operating plan and the infrastructure requirements over the course of this calendar year,” Samuda said.

“We have to put in that management plan, which will include security, and put in arrangements for lifeguards and more,” he added.

Senator Matthew Samuda, minister without [pportfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation, (second right), addresses the media during a visit to Little Dunn’s River in St. Ann, on Thursday, January 25, 2024. With the minister are (from left) Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie; Ocho Rios Councillor, Michael Belnavis; and General Manager of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), L. Robert Honeyghan. (Photo: JIS)

The minister also clarified that the decision to open the beach only on Sundays was deliberate, citing a series of security incidents.

He said the management plan now aims to strike a balance between accessibility and security. This approach will involve careful planning to create a safe and enjoyable environment for the public, he
“Now everything has to be done under structure and in order,” Samuda explained

“There are other beaches that will be restored and renovated for free access also, as there is work to be done at Priory Beach. These facilities will be upgraded to the standard that would be offered anywhere in the world, but for our citizens,” he added.

For his part, UDC general manager L. Robert Honeyghan, reassured the public that beach access remains a top priority for the entity. He affirmed the UDC’s commitment to addressing concerns and improving facilities across the parish, not just at Little Dunn’s River.