Jamaica is pressing the accelerator on its ambitions to emerge as a major logistics powerhouse, as Prime Minister Andrew Holness unveiled a series of transformative infrastructure projects on Friday aimed at reshaping the island’s trading capacity.
Speaking at the groundbreaking for the Kingston Gateway development on Marcus Garvey Drive, Holness outlined immediate plans to commence construction of the long-anticipated Caymanas Special Economic Zone (SEZ), marking a pivotal milestone in a vision nearly 15 years in the making. Groundbreaking for the Caymanas SEZ is expected within the next two months, possibly even sooner.
To jumpstart the initiative, Holness confirmed that the Port Authority of Jamaica has been assigned to absorb early-stage development risks and deliver the first 50 acres along with securing a cornerstone tenant. “Jamaica will finally realize its first true special economic zone,” Holness declared.
In tandem, a separate commercial real estate project, led by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), will soon break ground nearby. Unlike Caymanas, this new venture will offer over 40 individual lots for sale — each roughly an acre — giving private owners the option to pursue their own SEZ designations if they choose.
Holness emphasized the broader strategy behind the developments: “By building warehouse and industrial space, we are creating the foundation for SEZs to thrive. We’re setting the stage for Jamaica to become a critical player in global trade flows.”
The Government’s warehouse initiatives are designed to integrate closely with private sector investments like Kingston Gateway — a 112,000-square-foot logistics facility featuring 21 units, situated with direct access to major arteries and near both the Port of Kingston and Norman Manley International Airport. The project, a joint effort between SAJE Logistics Infrastructure and Proven Properties Limited, aims to address Jamaica’s chronic shortage of modern warehousing.
Holness stressed the need for continued expansion to accommodate future logistics demands, noting that more land acquisition near port areas is essential. Potential expansions could include the Tinson Pen region and lands between Spanish Town Road and Marcus Garvey Drive, though discussions remain ongoing.
“If Jamaica is serious about being a logistics hub, we must prioritize expanding nearshore and port operations,” Holness said. He floated the idea of consolidating Marcus Garvey Drive and Spanish Town Road to open new spaces for port activity.
The announcements earned bipartisan praise. Opposition spokesman for trade and logistics, Anthony Hylton, expressed support for the Caymanas SEZ launch, highlighting that the goal of establishing Jamaica as a logistics hub has long transcended political divides.
“The mission to position Jamaica as a key node in global commerce has had cross-party commitment from the beginning. Today’s developments bring that mission closer to realization,” Hylton stated.
As Jamaica ramps up its infrastructure playbook, the island appears more determined than ever to carve its place as the fourth global logistics hub — a gateway not just to the Caribbean, but to the broader Americas.
