PRESS RELEASE - April 17, 2008

In response to claims made in a Gleaner report entitled “Lucea Readies for Big Fiesta”, on page A4 of the Tuesday, April 15, 2008 edition of that newspaper, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) notes with concern an error in the report. At least six meetings were held with the developers referred to in the article during the period February 2006 – August 2007. In all instances, the developers were apprised of the guidelines which are required for completing the development applications process in Jamaica, an outline of which is also available at NEPA’s website: www.nepa.gov.jm for public use. Indeed, all developers, including Mr. Abel Matutes of the Fiesta Group, are actively encouraged to use such meetings to ensure clarity in making their applications.  

NEPA uses facilitation meetings as a key part of the development applications process. These meetings are aimed at advising clients about the details of their applications and have been in place since the inception of the Agency in 2001. Opportunities are also available for seeking advice outside of these meetings. Clients are urged to meet and discuss with NEPA issues related to their application. NEPA’s encourages its clients to make appointments in this manner or they may also be facilitated by way of walk-ins.  

NEPA has assembled a team of competent experts whose insights are taken into account at every level of the process. We have instituted various measures to ensure our success and have strategically improved our service delivery. Through the application of computer support systems, namely the Application Management and Data Automation (AMANDA) software technology, we are better able to advise our clients.  

We work very closely with all developers so as to ensure they are appropriately informed about all necessary steps required for completing the applications process and that, they comply with the terms and conditions of their permits, if and when approved.