Building a legacy in Paradise

WESTERN BUREAU:

From a childhood overlooking the savannahs of Savanna-la-Mar to shaping iconic landmarks in Dubai, China, and Central Park in the United States, Jamaica-born architect Gordon Gill has left an indelible mark on global architecture. Now, he is turning his focus to a project that strikes closer to home … Paradise Park, a groundbreaking eco-resort set to rise just outside the Westmoreland capital.

A frequent visitor and long-time contributor to Jamaican design, Gill is no stranger to the island’s terrain, climate, or character. However, Paradise Park, he says, represents a rare opportunity to align his performance-based architectural philosophy with the country of his roots.

“We’re only building on about four per cent of the land,” said Gill during an exclusive interview at his Chicago offices last Tuesday.

“There is no net-zero energy or carbon resort in Jamaica. We want this to be the first.”

The 420-acre property, owned by real estate development and investment company JDV, located near Smithfield and Bluefields Bay in Westmoreland, will feature a low-rise hotel, villas, and wellness facilities, all carefully tucked into the existing landscape, with a commitment to minimal environmental disruption. A press release from JDV describes it as a company dedicated to preserving Jamaica’s rich heritage.

“By revitalising historically significant lands and transforming them into sustainable luxury destinations, JDV fosters local economic growth and cultivates diverse, eco-conscious tourism,” says the organisation, which boldly states that Jamaica is not about all-inclusive anymore.

For the designer, “Form follows performance,” Gill explained. “The design was shaped by the land. What was left over after we applied environmental standards, that’s what we used for development.”

The team designed Paradise Park based on ecological analysis: wind patterns, river flows, sea-level forecasts, biodiversity corridors. The team, which includes a local team of architects, engineers and environmentalists, plans on building a resort around nature, rather than imposing it on the land.

“We used to visit the south coast as kids,” Gill recalled. “Paradise Park is gorgeous. The breezes, the savannahs, it brings back a lot. I’ve worked on projects here before, but this one means something different.”

It’s also a project with unusually high expectations, especially from environmental advocates wary of unchecked coastal development.

Gill welcomes the scrutiny.

“I understand the skepticism. I appreciate it,” he said. “It holds our feet to the fire. If we ever fall short of our goals, I’ll be the first to say so.”

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMME

The resort will include a solar farm, advanced water recycling, a conservation nursery for native species, and strict construction guidelines to protect mangroves, wetlands, and coral habitats. A dedicated environmental monitoring programme will continue after the project is completed.

“We’re not here to cut a ribbon and walk away,” Gill said. “This is about legacy. Ten, 20, 50 years from now, I want Jamaicans to walk through Paradise Park and say, ‘We got it right’.”

The developers envision Paradise Park as a project capable of bringing back the jewels of the Caribbean, combining this with ultra-luxury ecotourism.

The team is exploring initiatives such as hospitality training, culinary and farm education, and arts programmes, designed to engage both young and older residents of Savanna-la-Mar and surrounding areas.

“We’re not building a wall around this place. We want the people of Sav to come in, for a drink, for opportunity,” Gill said. “This is not about exclusion. It’s about elevation.”

That elevation includes giving Jamaican architecture a chance to find its own voice.

“Jamaica is so rich, culturally, spiritually, musically, and it deserves an architectural language of its own,” said Gill. “It shouldn’t look like Miami. It should look like us. Warm. Hurricane-resistant. Distinctly Jamaican.”

And, if Paradise Park is the spark that inspires that evolution?

“Then we’ve done our job,” he said. “Because this isn’t just a resort. It’s a step toward defining the future.”

The Paradise Park resort is not an all-inclusive enclave but a development that integrates with the local community.

Moses Chybar, president of the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce, expressed optimism.

“This project presents an opportunity for local businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive. It’s a chance to showcase our culture and hospitality to the world.”

The resort plans to prioritise local labour and materials, aiming to create approximately 900 jobs during construction and more than 1,200 permanent positions upon completion. These numbers are expected to grow as the project evolves and additional components are introduced.

Additionally, the development includes provisions for staff housing and the developers are committed to community housing solutions.

Environmental considerations are central to the Paradise Park resort’s development. The project includes the construction of a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility, designed to protect the nearby wetlands and marine ecosystems. Measures such as sediment barriers and phased construction are expected to mitigate potential environmental impacts.

However, concerns remain. Wolde Kristo, a local environmental advocate and founder of the Bluefields Bay Fishermen’s Friendly Society, cautioned: “While development is welcome, we must ensure that our marine life and ecosystems are preserved. The Bluefields Bay area is delicate, and any disruption could have lasting effects.”

COMMITMENT

In response, the development team has committed to ongoing environmental assessments and community consultations to address and alleviate ecological concerns.

Recognising the importance of cultural preservation, the resort plans to collaborate with local artisans and cultural practitioners.

Dana Baugh, a local artist, emphasised the need for authentic representation.

“Our art and culture are integral to our identity. This resort should be a platform to celebrate and share our heritage,” she said.

Gill echoed this sentiment, stating that the resort would feature spaces dedicated to local art, music, and culinary experiences, ensuring guests receive an immersive Jamaican experience.

Once a thriving hub during Jamaica’s sugar industry boom, Savanna-la-Mar has faced economic challenges following the decline of sugar production. The closure of factories and the subsequent loss of jobs have left the community seeking new avenues for economic growth.

The Paradise Park resort aims to fill this void by attracting tourism and associated industries to the area. By leveraging the town’s historical significance and natural beauty, the development aspires to position Savanna-la-Mar as a premier destination for sustainable tourism.

As plans for the Paradise Park resort progress, the emphasis remains on collaboration, sustainability, and cultural integrity. The development team continues to engage with local stakeholders to ensure the project aligns with the community’s needs and aspirations.

“This is more than a resort, it’s a partnership with the people of Westmoreland,” Gill affirmed. “Together, we can build something that honours our past and inspires our future.”

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com