Govt Developing Near-Port Lands to Unlock Logistics Investments

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Dr. Andrew Holness, says that the Government is undertaking a series of transformational projects that will create the largest concentration of near-port logistics lands anywhere in the Caribbean.

He noted that the US$80-million Westlands Expansion Project, for which ground was broken in July 2025, is the first of these initiatives.

The project will add 15 acres to the Kingston Freeport Terminal, increasing cargo storage capacity by more than 25 per cent.

“The Port of Kingston is now one of the fastest-growing ports in the entire hemisphere, and we are determined to ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace with that growth,” Dr. Holness said.

He was making his contribution to the 2026/27 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday (March 19).

Another initiative involves realignment of Marcus Garvey Drive to the northeast of Tinson Pen and the incorporation of the Tinson Pen lands into an expanded near-port corridor.

“A portion of these lands is already being actively utilised for automobile logistics, a clear signal of Kingston’s emergence as a regional hub in this dynamic sector, and a preview of the far greater potential that lies ahead,” Dr. Holness told the House.

Noting that inadequate drainage infrastructure along this corridor has resulted in disruption of operations from even moderate rainfall, the Prime Minister said the National Works Agency (NWA) in collaboration with local and international consultants, has completed comprehensive studies for a drainage system designed to efficiently convey stormwater to Hunts Bay.

“We will move decisively under the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) to finalise the designs and implement this solution,” he said.

In addition, Prime Minister Holness said the Government is currently investing $1.3 billion in critical works along sections of the Sandy Gully.

“No infrastructure project is more urgently needed, or more consequential, than the rehabilitation of the Sandy Gully, which is the city’s main line of defence against flooding… . Through NaRRA, we will programme additional major improvement works to strengthen the Sandy Gully corridor,” he said.