The Port Authority of Jamaica is investing billions in the expansion of shipping and logistics in St. James

 



The Port Authority of Jamaica is investing billions of dollars in the expansion of shipping, logistics, and supply chain capacity in St. James.

Senior Vice President of Finance, Information Services, Corporate Planning and Materials Management, Elva Williams-Richards, said that three major projects are being undertaken in the parish.

She was addressing the Montego Bay Free Zone Limited (MBFZ) 40th Anniversary Client Awards Ceremony in St. James on Thursday (March 27).

These include the expansion of berth facilities at the Montego Bay Port at a cost of $1 billion.

The works, which are already under way, aim to improve efficiency for cruise and cargo operations.

In addition, the Authority will be redesigning and scaping a section of Tony Hart Boulevard, the first phase of which will cost more than half a billion dollars.

“Later on in the pipeline is the development of the 12 acres and an over-water boardwalk along the northern coastline of the Bogue Lagoon,” Mrs. Williams-Richards explained.

“These investments enhance the region’s capacity for trade, shipping and logistics, making western Jamaica a more attractive hub for international commerce and supports Jamaica’s goal of becoming a key player in the global supply chain,” she said.

The event in Montego Bay celebrated the entity’s evolution from a promising industrial complex to a sophisticated hub of international business and technological innovation, while recognising the contributions of key stakeholders who have been instrumental in the zone’s success.

With approximately 8,000 workers employed, the MBFZ has made a significant impact on the economy of St. James and the wider Jamaica through commercial activity and job creation, particularly in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.

Mrs. Williams-Richards pointed out that the entity, which is a subsidiary of the Port Authority, remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming western Jamaica and the country through further strategic investments.

Reflecting on four transformative decades of economic contribution to Jamaica, she said the free zone was established to foster an environment where businesses can flourish, attract global enterprises and provide employment opportunities for Jamaicans to elevate their skills and livelihoods.

Over the years, the entity has adapted and transitioned from manufacturing and logistics to cutting-edge digital services, driving innovation across various industries to now include venturing into artificial intelligence (AI).

“Through its incubators, 16 firms have been accommodated, to date, with a 94 per cent success rate,” Mrs. Williams-Richards outlined.

“This success could not have been possible without the dedication of our stakeholders, our government partners, investors, business operators, and most importantly, the talented men and women who power this ecosystem every day,” she pointed out.

Long-standing businesses and dedicated employees who have been instrumental in the zone’s success, were celebrated during the anniversary event.

With 29 years of operation within the MBFZ, Outsourcing Management International (Teleperformance/AllianceOne) was recognised as the longest-serving BPO client, while Fargo Electronics was honoured for 33 years in manufacturing and distribution.

The Patrick Casserly Award for the longest-serving homegrown global services sector (GSS) company was presented to United Call Solutions (Continuum), which has emerged through the transition of CFL Limited, MRS Jamaica, E-Services, Conduent, and United Call Solutions (UCS).

Contax360 Global Solutions was celebrated for its outstanding employee growth in 2024, earning accolades for both the highest numerical and percentage growth in workforce expansion.

Further recognitions included Unique Vacations, which has been operating at the MBFZ for 21 years, and Docian Hotel Supplies, which has been a part of the Free Zone for 16 years.

Other honourees included VR Gifts (17 years); Vikings Productions (18 years); Norinco International (20 years); Seaboard Freight and Shipping (23 years); Outsourcing Management (23 years); and Jamaica Digiport International, which has been a cornerstone of the MBFZ for 35 years.

Information Source: Jamaica Information Service

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