The Tourism Product Development Company Ltd TPDco says the “clear phase” of its operations in White River St Ann will be completed on Friday.

The agency has a “clear hold, and reset” strategy to end illegal rafting on the White River .

The agency began removing rafts from the area on Thursday.

Upset raft captains have been questioning what will be done to ensure they earn a living.

TPDco in a statement on Friday morning explains that the hold phase is expected to last about five weeks, during which the operators will be re-engaged to discuss formalization of their activities.

TPDco says it wants to give the operators an opportunity to engage in lawful activities but this must be done within the parameters of good order and compliance.

In addition, the organization is undertaking a carrying capacity study to determine how many operators can be sustainably allowed on the river.

Executive director of TPDco Wade Mars says all TPDco stipulations were ignored and the operations at White River were chaotic.

He adds that in the interest of the overall tourism product and brand Jamaica, the situation could not continue, stating that there must be proper management of the space in keeping with the river rafting act.

The organization says it is committed to working with the illegal operators to regularize them and will offer training in lifeguarding, CPR, Team Jamaica, business development and customer service to allow for inclusion and improved conditions.