Global Logistics Hub Initiative Receives $50 Million

Work to develop the Global Logistics Hub Initiative during this year, is to be boosted significantly by the provision of $50 million in the 2013/14 Estimates of Expenditure, which were tabled in the House of Representatives on April 4.

The allocation has been earmarked to purchase equipment, and finance the provision of services, among other inputs, to continue work already started on the development.

Activities being undertaken include: enhancement and expansion of the existing structure at the Port of Kingston and the Kingston Container Terminal, as well as the island’s two airports – the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

Additionally, the initiative will see the development of new projects, such as the Caymanas Economic Zone in St. Catherine as well as cargo airports; dry docks; and bulk storage facilities.

Work on these facilities is aimed at accommodating air, rail road, and sea connectivity, digital infrastructure, and associated development.

The hub’s development is being spearheaded by the Government of Jamaica in an effort to position the island as the fourth major node in the global supply and logistics chain. This is intended to take advantage of an anticipated increase in maritime activity, consequent on the expansion of the Panama Canal, scheduled for completion in 2015.

By Douglas McIntosh, JIS Reporter