The Tourism Product Development Company Ltd (TPDCo) has responded to criticisms about the $17million welcome sign for the resort town of Montego Bay in St James.

TPDCo, explained in a statement this morning, that the sign is a tropical contemporary interpretation of a traditional resort along a bay.

According to the agency, it is the embodiment of the history of Montego Bay and will provide a total experience for locals as well as the millions of tourists who traverse the area.

“It must be noted that this is not just a sign but an attraction of first world proportion which will have a dual façade that faces the east as well as the west.

“There is a lighting component where letters will be illuminated and are changeable to match the seasons.

“The area will also be landscaped and an irrigation component has been included to ensure the long term stability of the aesthetic maintenance,” TPDCo said.

The tourism agency said that it consulted with engineers from the National Works Agency engineers on the design phase and on-site and said that recommendations made by the agency have all been taken into account to ensure the safety of road users.

“Additionally, visible yield signs are being replaced as well as other safety features including the installation of speed strips and the refreshing of road markings.”

TPDCo said the St James Municipal Corporation has been contracted to execute the works and the cost break down includes a dual base facing the east and west- $8m, Lettering- $3m, Electrical Work- $2m, Irrigation- $1m and a contingency sum of $3m.

“We believe that the city of Montego Bay as the tourism capital is deserving of this attraction to provide a sense of completeness to our major gateway.”