Phase-Two Rehabilitation of Charles Gordon Market to Cost $50 Million

Phase-two rehabilitation of the Charles Gordon Market in Montego Bay, St. James, is set to commence shortly at a cost of $50 million.

This was disclosed by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, while touring the facility on Monday (January 8).

Mr. Holness said the second phase of the redevelopment project, which aligns with the Government’s broader initiative to enhance markets and urban spaces nationwide, will include, among other things, repairs to the roof and other structural enhancements.

He also highlighted the commencement of work to repair structures and beams, and detailed plans to replace old stalls and repair surfaces, thereby improving the aesthetics for vendors and shoppers.

Mr. Holness said his tour of the Charles Gordon Market was his second visit to a market in about five days, having previously visited the facility in Port Antonio, Portland, which was destroyed by fire.

“I will be touring markets all over the country. The Government is going to place a spotlight on improving markets all across Jamaica. It is part of our thrust for the improvement of local communities,” he affirmed.

Prime Minister Holness further shared insights into the Government’s strategy to address congestion and enhance pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow in urban spaces.

Noting the significant congestion experienced in Montego Bay’s market district, he emphasised the need to reorganise these spaces for increased convenience and business opportunities.

“The conditions are really not good for the vendors and for those people who have shops, so we’re also going to look at that. The Deputy Mayor has told me that the plans have already been drawn, the designs are done and now need some allocation. I will be having a conversation about getting the funds allocated so we can improve the condition,” Mr. Holness said

For his part, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, indicated that the Government has committed in excess of $150 million to undertake repairs at the Charles Gordon Market.

Mr. McKenzie, who noted that the facility caters to vendors across western Jamaica, pointed out that it is one of the island’s largest markets.

Consequently, he said, “The St. James Municipal Corporation has been working to ensure that the [rehabilitation] project is executed in a timely fashion.”