NOTE: BRIEF REVIEW OF PROJECT INTERNATIONAL DRYDOCK SERVICES & ALLIED FACILITIES (IDSAF) The object of this review is to remind, advise and clarify the genesis of the project described here-in to the general public, competent authorities and relevant stakeholders. i. The International Drydock Services and Allied Facilities (also referred to and documented as “The International Maritime Hub”) was conceptualized and first documented by me (Dr. Lloyd A. Cole) in 1990. The said project, under the name “The International Drydock Services and Allied Facilities (IDSAF)”, was registered by The Registrar of Companies number 56363 on January 27, 1997. ii. The term “HUB” embodies the widest range of “Allied Facilities” in addition to the core project, viz The International Drydock. iii. The word “LOGISTIC” HUB is a recent updated convenience in the last five years designed to match, replace or minimize the term “Maritime”, and the wide ranging “Allied Facilities” described and documented in my original concept over two decades ago, and over these many years my own funds, time and efforts are being relentlessly expended in promoting this national project. iv. My original project proposal was first presented to Prime Minister P.J. Patterson in 1992. Following which I was summoned by the Prime Minister to Jamaica House to discuss the project. Other invitees included Mr. Noel Hylton of Port Authority, representatives of various government agencies such as PIOJ, JNIP (later JAMPRO), UDC, PSOJ, Ministry of Environment and Housing, Ministry of Industry etc. The meeting was chaired by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Carlton Davis. Several subsequent meetings and endorsements followed with the Prime Minister, Government Ministers and relevant stakeholders including a more recent one with the Hon. Noel Hylton at the Port Authority’s head office on Duke Street, with former Minister Mike Henry, and with Rear Admiral Brady and Mr. Eric Deans of the Maritime Authority on the instruction of former Minister Mike Henry. v. All these meetings clearly endorsed and established the originality of my vision and concept of the aforesaid project. vi. In 1998 approximately 450-500 acres of land in the Portland Bight (Old Harbour Bay) area was allocated and reserved by Minister Hon. Paul Robertson for construction of The International Drydock Services and Allied Facilities. vii. After extensive consultations with, and review by the Environmental Protection Agency, including Mr. Peter Espeut and company, the Portland Bight Site was mutually rejected and instead the alternative site at Jackson Bay (part of the MonyMusk Estate) was recommended. viii. On the recommendation, Mr. Stephen Wedderburn of the Jamaica National Investment Bank 11.11.2003; Dr. Hon. Paul Robertson Minister of Industry 19.11.2003; later 23.4.2004 confirmed by Mr. Livingstone Morrison CEO MonyMusk Estate, 2000 Acres of MonyMusk Estate land was assigned and reserved for construction of The International Drydock Services and Allied Facilities. ix. Accordingly, as authorized, the prescribed area was surveyed by Mr. Noel Brown, and Maritime cartography contributed by Engineer Mr. John Algrove. x. More recently following consultation with Mr. John Gayle CEO of SCJ Holdings, I had his written instruction dated 3.12.13 to survey the “workable area” of MonyMusk Estate and indicated if I “wish to purchase or lease this parcel of land” for the project. Accordingly, Surveyor Mr. Noel Brown has revised survey of the “workable area” for submission etc. to Mr. Gayle. xi. Note further that Vernam Field has from inception of the project been recommended for proxy development for air-freighting, warehousing and other industrial compliments. Similarly the nearby railroad, highway 2000 and large amount of available land at Jackson Bay render the Area as the preferred and suitable site for the “HUB” ie. The International Drydock Services and Allied Facilities. Signed: Dr. Lloyd A. Cole J.P. Initiator/CEO IDSAF.
Posted on: Sat, 02 Nov 2013 16:18:02 +0000