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Ministry of
Economic Growth
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Author: Andie Spencer

PM Holness breaks ground for $2.4 billion Braeton to Naggo Head Road under CAPEX

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness broke ground today (June 25, 2025), for the $2.4 billion Braeton to Naggo Head Road Project under the Government’s Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Programme.

Addressing the gathering, Minister without Portfolio, Hon. Robert Morgan, said the Project which will last for 16 months, is part of the integrated development that is occurring in Portmore and across the Corporate Area.

“We are 99 percent finished with the Grange Lane Project, so we are doing this one now and we will soon be doing the one colloquially known as the Portmore Entrance, which is right on Mandela Highway. It also includes, as part of the CAPEX expenditure, Arthur Wint Drive, Lady Musgrave and several other CAPEX projects, including the rehabilitation of the Sandy Gully and its tributaries. This represents about $30 billion in investment by the Government in capital expenditure over the next 3 to 5 years” he stated.

In his address, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, noted that Portmore is becoming a self-generating and self-contained economic entity, with businesses attracting employment including a growing BPO, as well as growing commercial, retail, manufacturing and entertainment sectors.

The Prime Minister added that housing is also ‘literally exploding’ in the Municipality.

“What we have done in the creation of the Bernard Lodge project is significant. We could have 10 to 15 thousand housing units in addition to an urban Centre which is going to be created there. So, what you don’t want to do is to build the houses and then try to fix the roads because that would be a disincentive for people to actually want to come and live. You want to build the roads so that people realize that traffic is seamless”, he stated.

This growth accompanied by the ‘locally generated traffic’, the Prime Minister continued, makes the building out of critical corridors in Portmore essential.

“So, the idea is to build out the urban road infrastructure within Portmore, so that it eases traffic, increases convenience but places Portmore to be an excellent economic hub in Jamaica and that is really in advance of Portmore becoming a parish”, he stated.

The project runs for approximately three (3) kilometers from Naggo Head to the intersection of Braeton and Hellshire Road to the final turn off into Greater Portmore. It will be a four-lane roadway with raised median and traffic signals at the relevant locations, adequate sidewalks, drains and water lines, as well as ducts for fibre optic cable as part of the National Broadband Initiative.

Port Antonio Bypass Breaks Barriers that have Held Back Economic Potential of Portland – Prime Minister Holness

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness along with Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), Hon. Robert Morgan and other stakeholders break ground for the Port Antonio Bypass on June 26, 2025
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, broke ground today, (June 26, 2025) for the commencement of works on the much-anticipated Port Antonio Bypass Project, noting that it ‘marks the breaking of barriers that have long held back the full economic potential’ of Portland and its people.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the US$81 million project, the Prime Minister said the Bypass represents the dawning of a new era of mobility, opportunity and resilience for Portland.

“From the early days of our administration we made a clear commitment to modernize Jamaica’s infrastructure and ensure that no parish, no town, no community is left behind. The Port Antonio Bypass Project is the latest expression of that commitment.  It represents an investment in Portland’s growth, in its tourism potential, in its ability to attract capital, create jobs and build wealth for its citizens” he stated.

The Prime Minister added that the Bypass Project is “a strategic initiative with national importance”, adding that for decades Port Antonio has been one of Jamaica’s hidden gems, blessed with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, but held back by limited access and inadequate infrastructure.

“The current route through the town centre, while scenic, adds to the traffic congestion in the town.  It is vulnerable to flooding and coastal erosion, and it cannot accommodate the scale of development we envision for this area”.

The Port Antonio Bypass, he said, will solve these issues.

“The new 18 kilometre corridor divided into 2 phases, will divert through traffic from the fragile, congested, coastal town centre, cutting travel time, reducing transport costs and unlocking vast development potential inland. In so doing, it will unlock new commercial zones, stimulate land development and create room for expansion, while maintaining Port Antonio as a quiet coastal retreat, but with a thriving economic hub”, he explained.

Meanwhile, Minister without Portfolio Hon. Robert Morgan noted that the Bypass, is a critical extension of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP).

“In April this year, Cabinet approved a variation of the existing (SCHIP) contract, with an allocation of $81 million US dollars for construction and $521 million Jamaican dollars for the acquisition of land for the project.  This is not just a road.  It is a development corridor, a climate resilient artery and a signal of our intent as a Government to continue building Jamaica”, he stated

Phase 1 of the Bypass Project runs 7 kilometers from Norwich to Turtle Crawl Harbour, while Phase 2 encompasses the 11 kilometers from Turtle Crawl Harbour to Boston Bay.

Works on the project will include the construction of four (4) lanes; the construction of median jersey barriers for phases 1A and 1B; earth and pavement works; the installation of traffic signals, conduits and fibre ducts, as well as the construction of five new bridges.

The contractor on the project is China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC).

Samuda touts the importance of collective climate action at Caribbean Knowledge Exchange

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), Hon. Matthew Samuda at the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Knowledge Exchange on June 23, 2025.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Matthew Samuda, emphasized the urgency of collective climate action, especially for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and vulnerable nations across the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region.

Minister Samuda was speaking at the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) LAC Knowledge Exchange being hosted by the Government of Jamaica, CIF, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the World Bank Group at UWI Regional Headquarters. This four-day gathering of regional leaders, development partners, and technical experts is focused on accelerating climate resilience and sustainable development.

“For Jamaica and our Neighbours, climate change is not a distant threat—it is a lived reality,” the Minister noted. “From more frequent hurricanes and prolonged droughts to coastal degradation and agricultural disruption, our development gains are at risk.”

Recent data underscores the gravity of the challenge. The IDB estimates that climate change could cost the region up to 1.5% of its GDP annually by 2050, while climate-related events have already caused over USD 150 billion in damages between 2000 and 2022. Addressing these threats will require an estimated USD 1.3 trillion in investment by 2030, according to the European Investment Bank.

Minister Samuda called for continued support of the UNFCCC framework and robust financing for key mechanisms such as the CIF, the Green Climate Fund, and the Loss and Damage Fund, stressing the need for equity, accessibility, and locally led solutions.

Highlighting Jamaica’s experience as a participant in the CIF’s Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR), he pointed to successful initiatives involving climate-smart agriculture, resilient infrastructure, and enhanced early warning systems as examples of what meaningful partnership can achieve.

“This Knowledge Exchange gives us the space to reflect, collaborate, and scale up investments under new CIF programs like Nature, People and Climate (NPC) and ARISE, guided by equity, science, and shared learning,” the Minister said.

The event is expected to deepen South-South cooperation, strengthen regional alliances, and amplify the voices of climate-vulnerable communities across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Over the four days, the group will also visit projects that benefited from CIF funding in Jamaica, including a solar-powered agricultural production hub that demonstrates how concessional finance can drive tangible progress in national planning, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

Minister Samuda thanks CIF, IDB, and the World Bank Group for hosting this four-day Knowledge Exchange and bringing together approximately 150 participants from CIF recipient country governments, the private sector, civil society, indigenous peoples, local community groups, as well as CIF MDB partners from the IDB, IFC, and World Bank.

Garmex Redevelopment “Another Bold New Chapter in Jamaica’s Industrial Journey” – Prime Minister Holness

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, cuts the ribbon at the official opening of Phase One of the Garmex Freezone Redevelopment and Expansion Project in Kingston.

“Another bold new chapter in Jamaica’s industrial journey”, is the description given by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, to Phase One of the   Garmex Freezone Redevelopment and Expansion Project, during the official opening of the complex at its Industrial Terrace location in Kingston today (June 23, 2025).

Developed by the Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ), Phase One of the project delivered approximately 126,000 square feet of new industrial space across 17 enterprises in multiple sectors including mini warehouses and micro businesses, at a cost of $1.1 billion.

“The real achievement is that this was fully funded from the resources of the FCJ.  There was no borrowing to do this. That is prudent public financial management which leads to smart and sustainable development”, he stated.

The Prime Minister further noted that in just over two years since the new facilities became operational, they have generated more than $340 million in rental income and these revenues will be reinvested to finance additional phases of expansion.

The opening ceremony and ribbon cutting, was also the launching pad for Phases 2 and 3 of the redevelopment project, which together will represent nearly half a million square feet of new commercial and industrial space.

Prime Minister Holness said Phase 2 at an estimated cost of $3.2 Billion, will feature a new Marcus Garvey Drive entrance, and a new headquarters for the FCJ.  It will also include multi-level warehouse building and a modern high rise commercial complex.

The Prime Minister further noted that in addition to the spaces allocated for food outlets, medical centres, banking and other facilities required for modern light manufacturing and small business enterprises, the Government is also seeking to develop the area to accommodate technology firms.

“So phase 3 will see the transformation of 5.7 acres of vacant greenfield land into 150,000 square feet of productive space at a cost of $1.5 billion.  I am pleased to report that contracts have already been signed, and work is well underway, with an initial investment of $240 million. These 2 phases combined are projected to create up to 400 jobs in the construction phase and as many as 3000 new permanent jobs across the campus over the next 5 years”, he explained.

Dr Holness said the Garmex Project reflects “the government’s economic strategy in action”, noting that what is being built is “the infrastructure of prosperity”.

“There is a great push for near shoring and friendly shoring and a rethink of where the manufacturing capabilities of the world should exist. Jamaica should not wait until investors are knocking on our door to say we want to come and locate here. We have to build here and wave frantically and say hey, we have facilities, capabilities and the necessary fiscal framework”, the Prime Minister said.

Established in 1976, Garmex has evolved from a warehousing and trans-shipment facility into the “most diverse Freezone in Jamaica and the largest commercial industrial complex on the island”.   The redevelopment project is a direct response to the growing demand for commercial and industrial space and is designed to transform the complex into a vibrant Special Economic Zone.

Ground Broken for J$1B Ferry to Rock Pond Pipeline Project

The Government of Jamaica, through the National Water Commission (NWC), officially broke ground today (May 27, 2025) for the J$1 billion Ferry to Rock Pond Pipeline Project.

The project runs across three constituencies and is set to bring much-needed water relief to several communities in Red Hills and surrounding areas. The NWC is spearheading this transformative initiative and forms part of the Government’s continued efforts to expand and modernise Jamaica’s water distribution network.

The project includes the installation of approximately 7,220 metres of 12-inch ductile iron pipeline from the Ferry Pump Station to Topaz Crescent.

It also involves the construction of two relift stations, two 50,000-gallon storage tanks, and the installation of duty and standby pumps. Rehabilitation works will also be carried out at the existing Ferry compound to improve operational efficiency.

In his address, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, noted that many of the projects for which ground was recently broken, including the Ferry to Rock Pond Project, are not new, with several being on the books for years.   However, he noted, the finances to implement them were lacking.

“For us to do the actual capital investment, lay the pipe, put in the pump, develop the water source, you have to be able to invest, and to maintain it, you have to have the funds for the recurrent expenditure. What happened to Jamaica over the last four or five decades is that we simply did not have the capital budget or the recurrent budget”, Prime Minister Holness said.

Once completed, the project will directly benefit residents across the communities of Red Hills, Belvedere, Rock Pond, Cyprus Hall, Mosquito Valley, Plantation Heights, Brentwood, Stanmore, Tom Cringle, and Sterling Castle. These communities have long faced water supply challenges, particularly during the dry season.

The Ferry to Rock Pond Pipeline Project is aligned with the Government’s broader commitment to ensuring equitable access to basic infrastructure, especially in rapidly growing and underserved areas.

Prime Minister Holness also led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Forest Hill Solar PV Project. The total project cost of J$81,500,000 covers materials, labour, and associated expenses.

It was completed on April 16 and involved the installation of a 350-kW grid-tied solar photovoltaic system, designed to supplement the facility’s energy requirements and reduce dependence on the national electricity grid.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Matthew Samuda, noted that the energy investment is a critical component of not only this project, but several others to come, as it will not only build stability in the price of energy, but also the supply.

“Much of Jamaica lives in the hilly interior of the island, and we must pump from surface water sources up these hills, which requires triple-phase power.  Much of the network is the old-style English pumps that use up a lot of electricity.  So, this sort of investment in a 350-kilowatt grid-tide solar system,  for some J$81.5 million, creates the sort of resilience for the 26,000 residents who will benefit from the pipeline that is to come”, he stated.

$150 million earmarked for trucking of water to drought-stricken areas – $40 million to be allocated immediately

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda says Cabinet has approved $150 million for the trucking of water to areas that are currently experiencing drought conditions; $40 million will be disbursed immediately to several areas based on their current situation.

Minister Samuda was speaking at today’s (February 26, 2025) Post Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House.

The areas to receive immediate funding include Manchester, Westmoreland; Clarendon; St. Elizabeth; as well as Eastern Portland and Eastern St. Thomas.

“The trucking programme will be overseen by the municipalities. We will be making those transfers through the Ministry of Local Government from MEGJC (the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation) this week.  This will allow Members of Parliament and Councillors to immediately respond to those most in need”, he noted.

Noting that Jamaica had a bimodal rainfall pattern with February traditionally being the driest month of the year, Minister Samuda said as early as December there were reductions in rainfall in the South Central and Western sections of the island.

“What this has triggered for the National Water Commission is not a national problem, but 23 of our systems are experiencing shortfalls in their water intake, meaning 5 percent of our water systems are now being regulated”, he noted.

In the meantime, Minister Samuda explained that the Corporate Area would not experience water regulations as the latest checks, showed the Hermitage Dam at 89 percent and the Mona Reservoir at 98 percent.

This is the first of many drought alleviation steps to be taken.  The Government through the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, will commence the distribution of 10,000 water tanks by this weekend.

“What that will allow, in essence, is 150 recipients per constituency to receive tanks. It is a major intervention in the tertiary storage level” the Minister stated.

The Government will continue to monitor the drought conditions carefully.

Accelerated Bridge Programme Receives Boost – Targets 54 Bridges Islandwide

The National Works Agency’s Accelerated Bridge Programme has been further strengthened with the signing of a Framework of Cooperation between the Government of Jamaica, and two United Kingdom-based entities, Acrow Global Limited and Lagan Aviation and Infrastructure Limited.

Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan, told Parliament yesterday ( February 4, 2025) that the agreement establishes a collaborative and structured framework for the implementation of the Accelerated Bridge Programme.

“Under this framework, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, the National Works Agency, Acrow Global Limited and Lagan Aviation and Infrastructure, have aligned efforts to ensure the seamless execution of the project. It entails the installation and upgrading of 54 bridges across the island.  This includes 44 permanent vehicular bridges, 3 permanent pedestrian bridges and 7 emergency use bridges” Minister Morgan explained.

The Minister said the GOJ has recognised the Programme, as a priority project within the Government to Government Framework of Cooperation with the United Kingdom’s Export Finance.

He added that the collaboration allows access to financing mechanisms that will accelerate implementation to ensure cost-effective execution.

“Under this programme, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation is the buyer and project overseer; the Ministry of Finance is the borrower responsible for securing funding; the National Works Agency is the implementing Agency ensuring technical and structural integrity; Lagan is the principal contractor responsible for the execution and Acrow is the specialist bridge supplier ensuring high-quality structures”, he stated.

The Accelerated Bridge Programme is a strategic national effort to enhance connectivity, improve public safety and facilitate economic growth by constructing and rehabilitating key bridges across the island.

Work on SPARK Programme to begin in the Corporate Area this week

Work is scheduled to begin in the Corporate Area this week, under Work Order 1 of the  Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Robert Morgan, gave an update on the Programme to the House of Representatives this afternoon (Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

“We have Everest Drive which started already. Then we’re going to have Bellevue Avenue in Kingston East and Port Royal.  In Kingston Western, we’re starting Bustamante Highway, (and) North Street from King Street to Crab Ground.  In St. Andrew East Rural we’re starting Passion Gardens and Bayview Retreat.  In St. Andrew Eastern, we’re doing Buttercup Drive, (and) Dougherty Drive. In St. Andrew North-Eastern, (we’re doing)  Liguanea Avenue and Richings Avenue;  St Andrew North-Central, Upper Aries and Orange Grove Road”, he stated.

He noted that Work Order 1 will be carried out at a cost of J$1.911 billion and will span 21 constituencies across eight (8) parishes, with a number of rehabilitation projects starting in several constituencies including the Corporate Area.

Minister Morgan said other roads to receive attention under Work Order 1 are located in South-Eastern, Eastern,  East-Central and South Central St. Catherine; North-West and Central Manchester; South-West, South East and North-East St. Elizabeth; Eastern and Western Portland; Central St. Mary; as well as Northern and Southern Trelawny, adding that  “we are actively assessing other additional roads to commence in the coming weeks”.

Work Order 2, he noted will cover 42 additional roads across 21 constituencies and is expected to commence in late February, while Work Order 3 which comprises another 42 roads across 21 additional constituencies, is scheduled to begin in early March.

The Minister stated that in this financial year, work will begin on about 126 critical roadways across Jamaica.

“At the end, all constituencies will get an initial two SPARK roads before the end of the financial year. We expect that by April we will start seeing the completion of our first set of SPARK roads with this tranche and we expect that these three work orders will be completed by June of this year”, he stated.

Minister Morgan stated that to ensure accountability and efficiency, the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation will strictly oversee project timelines, contractor performance and quality standards.

He encouraged Members of Parliament and local stakeholders to remain engaged in the monitoring process to ensure that all communities benefit fully from this initiative.

“This is the next chapter of Jamaica’s development. With the SPARK Programme, we are not just fixing roads. We are building pathways of opportunity. This initiative is an investment in the future of our citizens and a demonstration of the Government’s unwavering commitment to national development”, he ended.

SPARK to be ignited for 100-roads islandwide before the end of the Financial Year

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Robert Morgan says work is scheduled to begin on 100 roads across the island under the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme before the end of the 2024/25 Financial Year.

Minister Morgan made the announcement during the weekly Post-Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House yesterday (January 29, 2025), noting that the buildout phase for the SPARK Programme has begun at Harbour Heights in East Kingston and Port Royal.

“By next week we will be announcing 40 roads which will begin immediately all across the island for SPARK and the month after that we will be announcing another 30 roads, that’s 70 and the month after that we will be announcing another 30 roads…So by the end of the financial year, we would have started 100 roads across the island” the Minister announced.

In responding to concerns about the delay in implementation of the programme, Minister Morgan explained that the necessary assessments had to be conducted and proper designs needed to be done.

“We have to do the proper designs, we have to do the proper assessment of the roads.  There are some roads that require land acquisition, there are some roads that require extensive pipework, there are some roads that require realignment” he stated.

The Minister added that many of Jamaica’s roads, required extensive work, having evolved from little more than tracks.

“A lot of us know the history of our roads.  Most of our roads evolved from community tracks where persons moved to particular areas and they built their own roads and somebody came years later and gave them a road without any design. Some of these have flaws that we have to correct, as we had to do on the South Coast Highway Improvement Project”, he explained.

The Minister said by March, roadwork would be underway in every constituency across the island.

“By the middle of this month you will see an activation across about 40 areas within the country where SPARK roads will be implemented”, he ended.

Persons with questions or concerns may engage with the Ministry’s team on social media @asksparkjamaica or visit the website www.sparkjamaica.gov.jm  to learn more about the Programme.

The NWC is continuing its next phase of work on the Downtown Kingston Wastewater Improvement Project

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Matthew Samuda, today (January 21, 2025) toured the next phase of the Downtown Kingston Wastewater Improvement Project being done by the National Water Commission (NWC).

“The Prime Minister is aware of the sewage issue that has been affecting residents, businesses, and motorists of Downtown Kingston. While these pipes have been in existence for over 50 years, he has instructed the NWC to work swiftly and efficiently to alleviate the public’s concerns”, Minister Samuda explained.

This next phase will focus on Spanish Town Road, particularly the stretch between the Denham Town Police Station and the entrance to Coronation Market.

The works are being carried out under emergency procurement measures, and the NWC has engaged two suitable contractors who will undertake the replacement and installation of 2 segments of a 12-inch pipeline.

Segment 1: Approximately 290 meters of 300mm (12 inch) PVC sewer mains will be installed along Spanish Town Road from Water Lane to the Intersection intersections of Milk Lane and North Street.

Segment 2: Approximately 290 Meters of 300mm (12-inch) sewer mains along Spanish Town Road from North Street and extending to the intersection at Beeston Street.

“This project represents $160 million of the over $400 million being expended into this area. I wish to reassure the public that we are doing everything within our capacity to alleviate the discomfort and unsanitary situation being experienced”, Minister Samuda said.

In addition to the sewer mains replacement, a significant component of this phase will involve the interconnection of the Spanish Town Road transmission main into the Conveyance Line situated along Marcus Garvey Drive, which will continue until March 31, 2025.