SPANISH TOWN, St Catherine — A massive wave of urban revitalization is set to sweep through Jamaica’s old capital as the Government moves ahead with the construction of the new St Catherine North Divisional Headquarters — a $2.3 billion undertaking that signals more than just improved policing.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, speaking during a walkthrough of the expansive project, described the facility as a strategic anchor for Spanish Town’s rebirth — a project that blends national security with economic reengineering. “This isn’t just about policing,” Holness stated. “This is about planting a seed of confidence — the kind that invites investors, restores order, and inspires growth. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for Spanish Town.”
The headquarters, a four-storey, state-of-the-art complex built on five acres, will house 300 officers and serve as a command center for security operations across northern St Catherine. The facility’s modern design features amenities that rival any contemporary public institution — including sports courts, jogging trails, a sewer-treatment plant, and a full stormwater management system.
But beneath the concrete and steel lies a larger vision: transformation through presence. Officials believe the establishment will stabilize surrounding communities and create a new sense of safety — one that nurtures investment and community life. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang underscored the philosophy behind the project, noting that “security infrastructure is not just a cost; it’s an economic foundation.”
Minister Olivia Grange, Member of Parliament for St Catherine Central, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the social dividends expected to follow. “When residents feel secure, everything else follows — business, education, and civic pride. This headquarters is a symbol of trust being rebuilt,” she said.
Already, the physical impact is evident. New commercial projects are taking shape, and previously idle properties are being considered for development. Local vendors have reported increased curiosity and activity in the area. “Since they started building, people come around more, asking about land, asking about business,” said Glendon Lodge, a food vendor near the Spanish Town transport hub. “Once people see security, they start seeing opportunity.”
The St Catherine North Divisional Headquarters is scheduled for completion under the Government’s Capital Expenditure Programme, part of a broader national strategy to modernize police facilities across the island.
If the sentiment of Spanish Town’s residents is any measure, the project’s foundation is more than structural — it’s psychological. For the first time in decades, the old capital is not looking back at its past; it’s looking ahead.
