Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL) is expected to spend $57 million to improve the Rockfort Mineral Bath Complex within the next five years.
Improvement works to be undertaken within the short term with a view to reopening, includes the enhancement of the baths, the installation of plumbing fixtures, and the establishment of a robust security presence to ensure the safety of all who visit.
Managing Director of CCCL, Mr. Jorge Martinez explained that the company has been listening attentively to the numerous calls for reopening and assured that this would be done.
“I want to assure the public that we share in this commitment wholeheartedly,” he said.
Mr. Martinez was delivering remarks at the official ceremony to sign the 25-year Rockfort Mineral Bath and Spa Lease agreement at the Trafalgar Road offices of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in Kingston, on May 24.
The Culture Ministry is the parent Ministry of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), the lease holders of the mineral bath.
Mr. Martinez added that much like its parent company, Cemex, Carib Cement understood the importance of responsible stewardship of natural resources and the environment.
“It is with this ethos in mind that we pledge our commitment to the preservation and restoration of the Rockfort Mineral Bath,” he informed.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of CCCL, Mr. Parris A. Lyew-Ayee CD., underscored the importance of the agreement between the cement company and partner, JHNT.
“Our vision is clear: to restore and renew this iconic site, enabling large numbers of local and international visitors to experience the world-famous therapeutic benefits of its sparkling mineral waters,” he said.
“Caribbean Cement Company and Cemex are passionately dedicated to this project, viewing it as a vital contribution to both local and global communities. Our commitment is to build a better Jamaica, one that honours and preserves its natural and cultural treasures,” he continued.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Hon. Olivia Grange, for her part, commended the JNHT for the role played in bringing the project to fruition.
“I also want to commend Carib Cement Company particularly its Chairman, who personally took it upon himself to move this project forward. I really want to thank him and the cement company for stepping up to the plate,” she said.
The Minister expressed satisfaction that the lease signing, and subsequent improvements will be a part of the heritage of Jamaica and the Rockfort Mineral Bath history.
Included in the lease agreement are UNESCO policies which underscores the government’s profound commitment to the development of this honoured site. CCCL agrees to uphold the guidelines set by UNESCO for the preservation and maintenance of the property thereby affirming its dedication to responsible stewardship.
Recognised as a National Monument by the JNHT in 1992, the Rockfort Mineral Bath is a therapeutic haven. It also stands as a testament to the resilience, history, and shared identity of the people of Jamaica.
