Morant Bay Urban Centre Grand Opening Ushers in New Era for St. Thomas
In a moment marked by sheer anticipation, excitement, and historic significance, over 3,000 proud residents of St. Thomas gathered on Thursday (May 15) to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Morant Bay Urban Centre, the single most sophisticated and expansive development the parish has ever seen.
Traffic stretched for more than a mile, back to the neighbouring community of White Horses as the crowd swelled around the perimeter, mobile phones raised high to capture every moment of what many are calling the rebirth of a parish long overshadowed. Onlookers took in the rich cultural tapestry of St. Thomas through the lively notes of a traditional mento band, the rhythmic energy of kumina dancers, and a dazzling display of the parish’s history, a true celebration of heritage meeting progress.
Situated on approximately 436,000 square feet of land, once home to the old Goodyear Factory, the Morant Bay Urban Centre now rises as a bold, transformative milestone in Jamaica’s development journey. This historic project fully led by the Andrew Holness administration introduces a fully integrated commercial hub that merges public and private sector services in one modern location.
The opening of the Centre stands as a powerful statement, not just of what has been achieved, but of what lies ahead. The development brings tangible value to the lives of the people of St. Thomas. It promises ease of access to government services, commercial offerings, and most significantly, job creation and economic stimulation. For the first time, the parish welcomes its own Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) operation, a university presence, and major commercial anchors and eatries such as KFC, placing critical services and opportunities within reach for residents.
With the completion of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project, the journey to Morant Bay has been transformed. What was once a rugged, time-consuming trek is now a smooth, efficient drive, reducing costs and improving convenience for commuters and businesses alike. The introduction of the JUTC bus route further amplifies accessibility and mobility, making the Urban Centre a true gateway to a brighter, more connected future.
Phase two of the development is already poised to deepen its impact through the establishment of a dedicated micro-business park, designed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises and promote entrepreneurial innovation within the parish.
The Morant Bay Urban Centre is a symbol of modern facility which represents hope, promise, and progress. It is a physical representation of a commitment fulfilled, one made by the Government of Jamaica, with ground broken in 2019 under the leadership of the Most Honourable Andrew Holness.
This year, the parish of St. Thomas proudly steps into the national spotlight. From forgotten to forward-facing, the parish is now on its way to becoming the pearl of Jamaica’s east, a shining example of what vision, persistence, and purpose can achieve.