Major Investments Coming for Montego Bay

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has outlined significant investments in Jamaica’s tourism capital, Montego Bay, to revitalise and secure its position as the leading destination in the Caribbean.

In his contribution to the 2026/2027 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday (March 19), Dr. Holness outlined projects that will focus on flood mitigation, relocating industries to free up prime waterfront lands, creating a walkable waterfront and the construction of a purpose-built performing arts theatre.

“Hurricane Melissa inflicted severe damage across Montego Bay, particularly in the coastal communities of Catherine Hall, West Green and Freeport. Destruction was painful, but it has given us something valuable – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine this corridor in a way that is bolder and more resilient,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the first step in the rebuilding process must be protecting the city, which is a key pillar of Jamaica’s economy.

“Montego Bay has long been vulnerable to flooding. Its rivers, when overwhelmed, have repeatedly brought misery to communities. The Government will, therefore, undertake significant investments in river training to contain, manage and direct floodwaters away from communities, commercial areas and critical infrastructure,” he informed.

He said that the Government intends to free up prime waterfront lands on the Freeport Peninsula for their best use.

He noted that the plan is to gradually relocate the business process outsourcing (BPO) and light industrial activities in the Free Zone to new purpose-built facilities along the Montego Bay Perimeter Road, catalysing vibrant economic activity along the emerging corridor, while providing modern, world-class, purpose-designed spaces.

“We envision a landmark mixed-use development – commercial, retail and premium residential – seamlessly woven into the urban fabric of the city, comparable in ambition and elegance to the celebrated Brickell Waterfront in Miami,” Dr. Holness told the House.

He explained that at the heart of this vision will be a performing arts theatre that is purpose-built to showcase the full richness of Jamaican music, folklore and culture to the world.

Dr. Holness further highlighted plans to transform the entire coastal corridor, from Freeport sweeping eastward to Harmony Beach Park along the waterfront, and all the way to the iconic Hip Strip.

“This breathtaking stretch of Caribbean coastline will be unified into one seamless world-class leisure, entertainment, and shopping corridor. The top road will be dualised to handle traffic efficiently, while the bottom road will be progressively pedestrianised,” the Prime Minister detailed.

He said these changes will result in a walkable waterfront of rare beauty and vitality, connecting the cruise-ship port to Harmony Beach Park, Doctor’s Cave Beach and restaurants, bars, galleries and shops along the Hip Strip.

Dr. Holness added that the Government is also examining ways in which it can enhance the elegant corridor between Sangster International Airport and the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

He pointed out that one of the challenges experienced along the corridor is noise pollution.

“So, that entire elegant corridor has to be redefined and re-engineered to deal with soundproofing by building natural sound barriers, creating separation and tunnelling so that you can move across,” the Prime Minister said.