Massive Infrastructure and Social Investment to Drive Inclusive Growth in St. Thomas
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has declared that the Government is firmly laying the groundwork for a new economy in the parish of St. Thomas.
This will position the parish and eastern Jamaica as a modern hub for commerce, public services, health care, and education.
Speaking on Thursday (May 15) at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the historic Morant Bay Urban Centre, Prime Minister Holness emphasized the long-term vision of the transformation.
This new era began with over $32 billion in infrastructure projects such as the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project, broadband readiness, and integrated utility development.
“We are laying the foundation, my friends, for a new economy in this parish. And I want you to pay attention to that mission. We are not going to create prosperity without creating an economy. And to create the economy, you have to build infrastructure, because it is the infrastructure that creates the platform on which people can do business and generate profit and satisfy demand,” said Prime Minister Holness.
Dr. Holness continued: “This lovely facility here, this very convenient facility here, well designed and well laid out, this is going to create the new economy that will generate the new wealth for the parish. Not just for people who are already rich, but for every single person in St. Thomas. This will generate the prosperity that you have always wished for.”
The $6 billion Morant Bay Urban Centre, now home to agencies such as the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency, PICA, National Water Commission, NWC, National Housing Trust, NHT, the Municipal Authority, the new Courthouse and others, eliminates the need for residents to travel to Kingston for government services. It also includes provisions for training facilities by the HEART Trust and universities.
In addition to the Yallahs Fire Station and upgraded health centres in Arcadia and Port Morant, plans are underway for a new medical complex with 25 specialist units, offering urgent care and accident and emergency services.
Future development includes a 13.5-acre sports and entertainment complex and a 10-acre business expansion zone, all aimed at generating jobs, investment, and long-term economic growth.