The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) says its decision to seek the intervention of the police in a bid to end illegal rafting at the White River in Ocho Rios, St. Ann is not an attempt to adversely impact people’s source of income.

The comment follows reports that the river will be closed to illegal rafters sometime next week.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, TPDCo’s Executive Director, Wade Mars said the priority is to keep people safe.

He added that his team is looking forward to some five million tourists spending an estimated five billion dollars in the sector.

Mr. Mars noted, however, that this cannot be achieved without a structured industry, with the appropriate safeguards.

He explained that one bad incident can affect the sector negatively if preventative measures are not taken.