St Ann emerges as major investment hub—Seiveright

“The transformation is visible, and the pace of development continues to accelerate.”He pointed to Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa as a key factor strengthening investor confidence, noting that the country’s ability to maintain stability and rapidly restore critical services reinforced its credibility.According to Seiveright, the mobilisation of what he described as the most significant development financing secured after the hurricane by multilateral partners is now supporting expansion across infrastructure, housing, logistics and private sector activity.He also highlighted new mechanisms such as the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) and FAST Jamaica, recently announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, which are aimed at improving execution and speeding up major projects.Turning to St.Ann, the minister said the parish’s accessibility, with easy reach from the island's three international airports - Montego Bay's Sangster, Kingston's Norman Manley and Ocho Rios' Ian Fleming - gives it a major advantage for both investors and residents.He noted that major road infrastructure works are now set to significantly reshape movement across the parish, including plans for new tolled highway corridors designed to bypass much of the existing coastal towns and communities, easing congestion and improving travel efficiency along the north coast.In addition, he said sections of the current North Coast roadway are to be progressively upgraded and widened into modern boulevard-style corridors, particularly in high-growth zones, improving traffic flow, safety, and access to residential, commercial and tourism developments.“These upgrades will fundamentally change how people move across St Ann,” Seiveright said. “They will reduce travel time, open up new lands for development, and significantly increase the value and attractiveness of key areas across the parish.”He added that supporting infrastructure, including National Water Commission investments such as the Drax Hall to Llandovery pipeline, is also helping to strengthen capacity across major growth corridors.Seiveright pointed to the Richmond and Drax Hall areas, including developments such as Paradisiac, as examples of a growing residential and commercial belt taking shape along the north coast.He said the expansion is being driven not only by international capital but also by strong local investment.Among these, he cited developments such as the BOOT 2 Commercial Complex, the build-out of the Lydford Special Economic Zone, and expansion by several other local companies including Restaurants of Jamaica, Uncorked, Edge Chem, Caribbean Producers Jamaica, Knutsford Express and Total Tools.“These investments by Jamaican companies are extremely important. They anchor growth, create jobs and support a wider network of economic activity,” he said.He also pointed to ongoing large-scale resort and mixed-use investments, including major new projects like the under construction Royalton CHIC Paradise Cove, the being renovated Grand Muthu Runaway Bay Club Caribbean, the expanding Bahia Principe and brand new Beaches Runaway Bay, as well as the planned 700-room resort project by the Richmond area.“These developments have wider economic impact beyond the projects themselves, they drive construction, supply chains, services and small business activity,” he added.The minister further highlighted the rise in villa, condominium and second-home developments, including Palm Beach Villas in Runaway Bay, SOL Harbour in Ocho Rios and other similar projects, noting that demand from local buyers, international investors and the diaspora continues to grow.He said the combination of housing expansion, commercial build-out, infrastructure upgrades and private investment is creating a more balanced and opportunity-rich environment across the parish.“This is not one-dimensional growth,” Seiveright said. “It is broad-based and it is creating real opportunities across multiple sectors.”He urged Jamaicans, particularly in the diaspora, to position themselves to benefit from the ongoing expansion.“The signals are clear. Investment is increasing, infrastructure is improving, and economic activity is expanding,” he said. “St Ann is on a strong growth path, and Jamaicans should move now to be part of it.”