Plans are afoot, too, for St Mary to be given resort area status soon.
According to Michael Muirhead, executive director of the TPDCo, the agency of the Ministry of Industry and Tourism that has direct responsibility for transforming and enhancing Jamaica's tourism product, more than one factor prompted the decision to designate Falmouth as a resort area. The town, he said, is rich in history, in culture, and its architectural designs date back to the 18th century, during the Georgian era.

"...Perhaps this is the only town where the spirit of 18th century Jamaica can still be felt. This is something we need to harness, preserve, develop and share with the rest of the world," Muirhead stated in a press statement.

He added: "The town is poised for development and has the type of attractions that visitors to the island are looking for - heritage, history and culture."

Major developments planned for the parish of Trelawny include:
. Harmony Cove, the US$1.1-billion development of a 1,400-acre beachfront, five-star resort colony;

. Oyster Bay Resort, a 1,700-room luxury development by a Spanish Hotel chain;

. Hampden Wharf development, which will see a major commercial/cultural centre with duty-free shopping malls, a marina, slave museum as well as a theatre/concert hall; and

. a greenfield stadium that is proposed to host the opening ceremony of Cricket World Cup 2007.

According to TPDCo, as a resort area Falmouth will be able to access funding for further developments. TPDCo will facilitate and enable these developments.

Meanwhile, Dr James Parrent, head of the Falmouth Resort Board, said a list of what he described as 'possible projects' will be taken to the board of directors in a meeting set for September 22.

These include:
. upgrading of the Uriah Rowe Park;
. removal of zinc fencing throughout the town;
. rebuilding the sidewalk - from William Knibb High in Martha Brae back to Falmouth;
. erection of entrance signs to the town;
. repairing the courthouse façade and the windows;
. cleaning of all vacant lots around the historic buildings;
. restoration of the canon and armoury at Fort Balcarres (the current location of the Falmouth All Age School);
. improving the façade at the front of the buildings along Duke and Market streets,
. upgrading of the Water Square roundabout; and
. improving the façade of the buildings around Water Square.

"Once the board decides which is the most important, and puts a priority on them, we will submit those projects to TPDCo for funding," Dr Parrent said.

Dr Parrent, meanwhile, expressed delight in the designation of resort status for Falmouth.

"We've been trying to get this for 10 years, so I am happy about it. Myself, Member of Parliament Dr Harris, Flo Logan of the Chamber of Commerce and others all worked for it and it finally happened. We were promised by several ministers so we are pleased with it, It can only be of benefit to us."