Prince Charles in Falmouth

I was filled with joy when I heard on the news that the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding had signed with officials from Royal Caribbean Cruises for construction of the long awaited Falmouth Cruise Ship Terminal. Many locals had said it could not be a reality, but it seems the doubters have been silenced (at least for the time being).

Royal Caribbean is working in partnership with the Port Authority of Jamaica to complete the new Falmouth Cruise Pier by March 2010 at a cost of $7.5 billion, as well as establish the associated infrastructure necessary to welcome cruise ship guests. A historically important 18th-century settlement, Falmouth was a colonial center of Jamaica’s sugar and fine rums industry. The town’s rich history and Georgian architecture has most recently drawn the attention of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales (Prince Charles), who has been a long time supporter of restoring historic buildings of Great Britain. Indeed the Prince made a historic visit to the town earlier this year.

The plan calls for development of a trolley route and the renovation of historic buildings, including Hampden Wharf, Tharpe House and the Old Foundry.

I am particularly pleased at the prospects of employment in this town that has unemployment of over 15 per cent, higher than the national average of 10.3 per cent (in 2006). That figure should be now be higher with several hotel construction projects on hold due in part to the delay in the wharf project, which is seen as the catalyst for future development of the town and parish. Now the ball should start rolling quickly and give the town a well needed lift.  The possibility of two Genesis class ships docking with almost 11,000 pasengers in total, means huge opportunities for locals.

Could this be the return to the ‘boom town’ era of the 18th and 19th century? I hope so.

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