The government of Jamaica is planning to spend just over $7.8 million to develop the old Hampden wharf in Falmouth, Trelawny into an artisan village.

The village will feature 300 shops where crafts and other indigenous products will be produced and sold.

When completed, the artisan village is expected to complement the adjoining Falmouth pier, repositioning it as the Caribbean’s premier cruises ship port of call.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said that this and other earmarked will significantly transform Falmouth by encouraging “buy in” among stakeholders.

“The important thing for us is that we want Jamaican goods to be showcased and merchandised at this artisan village so that the people of Falmouth will have a chance to be a part of the process,” Bartlett said.

Visitors will be able to see the creation and merchandising of craft items, while enjoying traditional Jamaican entertainment and interacting with artists.

So far, the Government has spent almost $1.5 million to renovate several of Falmouth’s iconic landmarks, including St. Peter’s Anglican Church, the Falmouth Post Office and Courthouse and Water Square.

— Dana Niland, CJ Contributor