JSEZA Facilitates Nearly US$1B In Investments

The Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) has facilitated nearly US$1 billion in investments, to date.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, noted that these include US$34 million during fiscal year 2025/26.

He pointed out that this is among several investments undertaken by the Government in 2025/26, which have strengthened Jamaica’s investment climate, supported micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and advanced major reforms, even as the nation continues to recover from Hurricane Melissa.

The G-G made the disclosure while presenting the Throne Speech during Thursday’s (February 12) Ceremonial Opening of Parliament for fiscal year 2026/27 at Gordon House.

He highlighted that other significant investments were advanced, among them Excelerate Energy’s US$1.055‑billion acquisition of New Fortress Energy’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and power platform.

The Governor-General further noted that manufacturers benefited from $82 billion in tax relief under the Productive Incentive Relief Programme, while 52 MSMEs received $18 million in grants.

“The Government implemented emergency price-gouging protections and executed a coordinated MSME recovery programme, including generator loans, rapid assessments and the reconstruction of 51 business kiosks in Border, St. Elizabeth, to restore commerce and safeguard livelihoods. Major strides in digital transformation improved the ease of doing business,” the Governor-General said.

Other improvements he outlined include the Companies Office of Jamaica’s initiative to digitise annual returns and beneficial-ownership filings – reducing processing times from weeks to minutes, and the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office’s launch of the nation’s first fully digital IP-registration platform.

The G-G also noted that several legislative reforms are being advanced, including amendments to the JAMPRO Act, progress on the Jamaica Consumer and Competition Authority Bill, and amendments to the Dangerous Drug (Cannabis Licensing) (Interim) Regulations, 2026, to facilitate easier entry for traditional small-scale farmers.

“In 2026/27, the Government will modernise the Insolvency, Partnership, and Companies Acts, implement the revised MSME Policy, and support transformative SEZ investments, reinforcing Jamaica’s competitiveness and economic resilience,” he further stated.