PM Holness Announces Major Developments in Portland at Boundbrook Urban Cenre

Press Release From The Office of the Prime Minister - 20240815

“This government is serious about infrastructure development. We understand that infrastructure is going to change and improve the quality of your life.” -Prime Minister Holness

 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced a series of transformative infrastructure projects aimed at propelling eastern Jamaica and specifically the parish of Portland into a new era of economic growth and improved living standards. Prime Minister Holness says the government is committed to creating sustainable and resilient infrastructure that will significantly enhance the quality of life for all Jamaicans.

Speaking yesterday (August 14) at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Boundbrook Urban Centre in Portland, Prime Minister Holness highlighted the strategic approach to infrastructure development, linking it with climate resilience and long-term economic planning. “We also now have to consider the nexus between infrastructure and climate change,” he stated, emphasizing the need to rethink Jamaica's traditional road networks, particularly those along the coastline.
 
To address this, Prime Minister Holness outlined that the government is investing in a $75 million USD Port Antonio bypass road designed to alleviate traffic congestion and ensure resilience by moving the road away from the vulnerable coastline.
 
This bypass is part of a broader plan to create two distinct roadways in the region: a primary route for heavy traffic and a scenic route tailored to the tourism industry.
 
“We are giving the town of Port Antonio the opportunity to breathe,” the Prime Minister explained, noting that this strategy balances economic growth with the preservation of Portland’s natural beauty. The new bypass will connect with the 14 kilometers of roadway between Yallahs and Harbour View.
 
The Boundbrook Urban Centre, covering 6.68 acres, will create thousands of jobs and unlock unprecedented economic possibilities for the people of Portland. The $4.2 billion development will include several key features, including government services, financial institutions, BPO services, MSMES, HEART Trust NSTA, green space, medical facilities, and more. This project aligns with the government’s wider efforts to create modern, purpose-built spaces for public use, similar to the ongoing development of the Morant Bay Urban Centre.
 
Prime Minister Holness also revealed plans for the East Harbour, which is set to become a cruise shipping port, further enhancing Portland's appeal as a premier tourist destination. The developments are part of a comprehensive, coordinated strategy to ensure long-term infrastructure investment, supported by world-class expertise and financial backing.
 
“Portland is set for massive developments,” the Prime Minister declared. “But we are going for high-value, low-density development, including the development of the East Harbour into a cruise shipping port.”
 
Addressing the broader context of Jamaica’s infrastructure, the Prime Minister acknowledged the decades of underinvestment that have led to the deterioration of the country’s roads and buildings. However, he reassured the public that his administration has a clear, well-funded plan for sustainable development.
 
“This government is serious about infrastructure development. We understand that infrastructure is going to change and improve the quality of your life,” Prime Minister Holness affirmed.
 
The Prime Minister is urging patience from the public as the government works to fulfil its vision of making Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families, do business, and retire in paradise.

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