Government Announces $234M Castleton Botanical Gardens Restoration to Boost Climate Resilience and Eco-Tourism
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has announced a major $234 million investment to restore and develop the Castleton Botanical Gardens in the parish of St. Mary.
Castleton Gardens is one of Jamaica’s most historic and treasured green spaces.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Castleton Pipeline Replacement Project on Friday (May 16), Prime Minister Holness said the initiative to restore the botanical gardens forms part of the wider Jamaican Path from Hills to Ocean Project.
The Prime Minister noted that the aim is to address poverty, climate change, and rural development through sustainable landscape management.
“This project is designed to tackle the twin challenges of poverty and climate change through sustainable landscape management. It is about building resilience not only into our physical infrastructure but also into our environmental systems and local economies,” said Prime Minister Holness.
Dr. Holness said that for the 2025–2026 financial year, the Government will allocate $234 million to undertake critical rehabilitation works at the Gardens, including the construction of gabion walls, perimeter fencing, erosion control structures, and the restoration of public amenities such as bathrooms and gazebos.
“These upgrades will ensure that the Gardens can once again serve as a top-tier destination for education, recreation, and ecotourism,” the Prime Minister explained.
The investment also supports the Government’s vision of climate adaptation and rural economic stimulation. Prime Minister Holness noted that the broader initiative is already showing results across the island by incorporating climate-smart agriculture, drone monitoring technology, and ecological assessments into Jamaica’s development strategy.
“This is what transformation looks like when water security, environmental protection, and rural development converge,” he affirmed.
As the Government continues to implement Vision 2030, the revitalization of Castleton Gardens marks a significant milestone in building environmentally resilient and economically vibrant communities across Jamaica.