Press Release From The British High Commission - 20250123:
The United Kingdom (UK) has reaffirmed its commitment to Jamaica’s infrastructural development through a multimillion-dollar Accelerated Bridge Renewal Programme. This transformative initiative, financed by UK Export Finance (UKEF), will see the replacement of approximately 55 bridges across the island, enhancing connectivity, public safety, and economic growth.
The signing of the Framework Agreement for the programme took place Thursday night, January 23 at a reception hosted by British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Judith Slater. The event, held at the High Commissioner’s residence in Kingston, was attended by Jamaican Government Ministers, overseas partners, members of the private sector, staff of the British High Commission, members of the media and other officials.
Speaking at the reception, British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Judith Slater described the deal a milestone in the longstanding partnership between the UK and Jamaica “I talk a lot about building bridges between our two countries, but that is in the abstract. Tonight, we’re building bridges for real! This is a significant step in the shared commitment to modernize infrastructure.”
Meanwhile, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic, Growth and Job Creation with responsibility for Works, Robert Nesta Morgan, informed that Jamaica has over 800 bridges and many are dated and have been ravaged by both old age and climate change. He said “I want to really thank the UK Government for being a friend of Jamaica for a very long time. I think that this bridge programme is another step in building stronger bonds or as we say building stronger bridges between both countries.”
The agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2024 by the Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, and UKEF.
Jamaica’s Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Fayval Williams, also expressed the Jamaican government’s appreciation for the initiative, stating, “It’s a signal of us moving the discussion along further to dismantle old bridges. I’m delighted! This is a serious undertaking, and it demonstrates the commitment of the Government of Jamaica to move forward with this and I’m sure that the people of Jamaica when they get the news about this will be very happy. Building bridges, updating the ones that we have will mean that our network infrastructure is that much more resilient.”
Key partners in the implementation of the programme are UK-based companies Acrow and Lagan.
Acrow is a global leader in bridge infrastructure for more than 75 years. They will supply the new modular bridges; while Lagan, a specialist contractor from the UK specializing in civil engineering on complex projects will lead the installation programme. Both entities already have experience with Jamaica and will work closely with Jamaica’s National Works Agency (NWA).
UKEF, the UK Government’s export credit agency, has allocated up to £5 billion pounds in financing capacity for Jamaica, enabling support for critical infrastructure projects. Jesse McDougall, UKEF’s Director for the Caribbean, highlighted, "We feel that many things are aligning, this is a beautiful thing that is happening with this project, and I could not be more delighted with it.”
The Accelerated Bridge Renewal Programme reflects the enduring partnership between the UK and Jamaica, reinforcing shared priorities to improve infrastructure and drive economic advancement across the island.
Background on UK Export Finance (UKEF):
UKEF is the UK government’s export credit agency, dedicated to promoting international trade and investment by providing financing solutions for UK exporters. Operating for over 100 years, UKEF supports businesses of all sizes across the UK, offering government-backed guarantees, insurance, and loans.
With a market capacity of £5 billion pounds for Jamaica, UKEF is well-positioned to support priority infrastructure and development projects in the country. Financing is available in hard currencies and Jamaican dollars, provided the projects meet UKEF’s financial and environmental criteria.
UKEF’s flexible policies allow for collaboration with global contractors, enabling Jamaican companies to benefit directly from these opportunities. Through initiatives like supplier fairs, UKEF helps businesses identify and leverage UK supply chains, ensuring mutual growth and development.
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Seated
From left-Richard Davies, Director-Lagan; Robert Nesta Morgan-Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic, Growth and Job Creation with responsibility for Works; Fayval Williams-Minister of Finance and the Public Service; Paul Sullivan-President of International Business for Acrow Bridge
Standing
From left-Everton G. Hunter-Chief Executive Officer, National Works Agency; Jesse McDougall-Head of UK Export Finance (UKEF) for North America and the Caribbean; Judith Slater-British High Commissioner to Jamaica
From left: Richard Davies, Director-Lagan; Fayval Williams-Minister of Finance and the Public Service-Robert Nesta Morgan-Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic, Growth and Job Creation with responsibility for Works; Judith Slater-British High Commissioner to Jamaica and Paul Sullivan-President of International Business for Acrow Bridge
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When the rats realize the puss is about leaving they arrange a takeover. Deon Silvera as ENID in FIRST LADY now playing at The Little Little Theatre, 4 Tom Redcam Drive, Kingston 5
All is not well in the Steele’s household - a tense moment between wife and husband as they confront issues in their marriage. Basil Dawkins’ FIRST LADY directed by TK Dawkins featuring Deon Silvera Dennis Titus and Renae Wlliams. Playing Tuesdays to Sundays at the Little Little Theatre.
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Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5162.
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