Gov’t Moves to Implement Port Antonio Master Plan with US$81m Bypass

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is moving from planning to implementation under the Port Antonio Master Plan, beginning with the US$81 million Port Antonio Bypass.

The bypass will comprise an 18 kilometre corridor, to be delivered in two phases. The first phase, spanning Norwich to Turtle Crawl Harbour in Portland, will feature seven kilometres of four lane roadway, new bridges, and upgraded drainage infrastructure.

It will be constructed inland and elevated to provide protection against storm surges and coastal erosion.

Making his contribution to the 2026/27 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday (March 19), Dr. Holness informed that implementation of the Master Plan is now under way, beginning with the bypass, which he described as critical to the overall development of Port Antonio.

He highlighted the town’s historic significance and outlined his vision to restore it as a premier tourism destination.

“Port Antonio is unlike anywhere else in Jamaica. It is the birthplace of Caribbean tourism… the town that first showed the world what Jamaica could be, drawing Hollywood legends, royalty, and the world’s most discerning travellers to its twin harbours and extraordinary natural setting. It deserves a future worthy of that legacy,” he said.

Dr. Holness noted that the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), in collaboration with international consultants, local residents, elected officials, and government agencies, developed a Master Plan built around a clear, compelling and unified vision.

He explained that this vision encompasses, “a high-value, low-density tourism destination that preserves the unique history and character of this irreplaceable town while unlocking its enormous unrealised potential”.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the bypass will divert through traffic away from the historic town centre, creating opportunities for more organised and sustainable development.

“By diverting through-traffic away from the historic town centre, the bypass will give Port Antonio the space it needs to become the premium destination the Master Plan envisions. Beyond relieving congestion, the bypass will open new corridors for housing, commerce, and economic activity,” Dr. Holness said, noting that works have already commenced.

He further indicated that the broader Master Plan will deliver four transformational elements.

These include the development of a new cruise terminal in the East Harbour, complemented by high end hotels and villas on the Folly Lands.

“[These] will establish Port Antonio as a premium cruise destination, unlike any other in the region — intimate, authentic, and framed by some of the most spectacular scenery in the Caribbean,” Dr. Holness said.

He noted that the cricket grounds will be upgraded into a modern, multipurpose sports and entertainment amphitheatre, transforming the underutilised facility and positioning Portland to host major events for the first time.

Additionally, Dr. Holness said a pedestrian promenade will be developed along the shoreline to connect the East and West Harbours, “transforming the waterfront into a continuous, walkable public space for both residents and visitors”.

He further stated that a new public park will be established, noting, “this park will provide the people of Portland with a world class recreational amenity right on their doorstep”.

Dr. Holness also indicated that the Boundbrook Urban Centre, now approximately 40 per cent complete, will serve as a key component complementing the planned developments under the Master Plan.

“Like the Morant Bay Urban Centre [in St. Thomas], Boundbrook will be an integrated commercial hub combining public and private services seamlessly in one location,” he said.

Prime Minister Holness emphasised that these initiatives form part of a comprehensive effort to transform Port Antonio, while safeguarding its unique character and heritage.