Questions raised about planned multi-storey development in St. James

Robert Stephens, Co-chair of the Advocates Network

Questions are being raised about the absence of public consultation in relation to the planned development of four 28-storey apartment blocks in Montego Bay, St. James.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Saturday broke ground for the luxury residential resort, expected to be completed in the next four years.

Speaking Monday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106FM, co-chair of the Advocates Network Robert Stephens said public consultation is necessary since the apartment blocks are being constructed close to a protected area. 

“The fact that you have this massive project being done, it clearly requires an environmental impact assessment study, particularly since it’s close to an area that is protected. You know, questions about where is the water coming from, how is sewage going to be treated, is it going to be discharged in the area, how is it going to be dealt with, can we handle in Montego Bay the possibility of a fire at 28 storeys, do we have the fire brigade capability? You know, there are a lot of questions,” he pointed out. 

Up to news time, the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Pinnacle development was not available on the National Environment and Planning Agency’s website.

The project is being spearheaded by LCH Developments.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Yangsen Li, has sought to assure that the environment will be protected and the development will not harm the landscape.