A view of the abandoned craft village in Port Antonio. The half-finished village lies in-line with the wind coming in from the sea, which has fast-tracked its decline. - Photo by Paul-Andre Walker

The Portland Parish Council could assume control of the $24-million state-of-the-art craft village facility at Allan Avenue in Port Antonio, Portland.

The village is only half-finished and was abandoned more than five years go.

The craft village was built to accommodate craft vendors at the Musgrave market, but during the final phase of the construction, plans to complete it were virtually abandoned by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo). It is alleged that the contractor assigned to the project at the time absconded.

Since then, the craft village, which started construction under then Minister of Tourism Francis Tulloch, has been left to the elements, and the forces of nature including hurricanes Ivan, Dennis and Emily, as well as Tropical Storm Gustav.

TPDCo voiced interest

But in a letter sent to the Parish Council two weeks ago, TPDCo issued a proposal indicatng interest in having the council assume control of the facility, should it be completed.

Although directors of the council have agreed to the proposal, they admitted they could encounter challenges, especially as it relates to craft vendors, who in the initial stage of the construction, made it abundantly clear that they would not take up any relocation offer to that facility.

Councillor for the Hope Bay division. Rupert Kelly, reminded the directors of the stance taken by the craft vendors then, and advised the council not to entertain the thought of assuming control.

"It cannot be a question as to whether or not they want to be relocated there," he said.

"That facility, from day one, was built to accommodate them. Should the council accept the proposal from TPDCo we must ensure that craft vendors comply with the relocation. TPDCo has promised to complete the building and this is a grand opportunity to have craft vendors operating at one facility."

Dozens of craft vendors are currently housed at the rear of the Musgrave market, but there have been frequent complaints from them that tourists have refused to venture into that section of the market.

Mayor of Port Antonio, Floyd Patterson, noted that the craft village was originally designed to accommodate craft vendors only, which would allow for more space at the Musgrave market.