The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has expressed concern over the rapid pace of development at Fort Rocky, Port Royal, citing unauthorized activities and lack of consultation with the municipal authority.

His Worship the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew A. Swaby, JP, led an urgent site visit to the historically significant and environmentally sensitive area to assess recent developments. While Fort Rocky has long been earmarked for transformation into an entertainment zone, the terms of its development are yet to be finalized through a multi-agency partnership.

However, the KSAMC has identified several concerning issues, including the demolition of structures, clearing of mangrove-covered lands, and an unregulated layout. These activities  were undertaken without the necessary approvals from the KSAMC. It is understood that the process, led by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES) and then Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), commenced without any consultation with the KSAMC.

"The KSAMC was neither consulted nor involved in the approval process for these works, yet as the local authority, we have had to intervene to assess and address the breaches," Mayor Swaby stated.

The municipal corporation intends to serve notices to the JNHT as the lead project manager, and notes that the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has already issued two enforcement notices for multiple environmental breaches.

The KSAMC remains committed to ensuring that all development projects adhere to proper regulatory processes, balancing economic interests with environmental preservation and heritage conservation.

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