KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government intends to have Jamaica established as a leader in logistics and manufacturing, as well as an investment destination.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, delivers the keynote address duringthe opening of the first phase of the Garmex Free Zone Redevelopment and Expansion project“Nearly five decades ago, the Garmex Free Zone was established… and since then, it has been the cornerstone of industrial development in Jamaica. It has become a catalyst for job creation, particularly in the 1980s and early 90s, employing at its peak, over 12,000 Jamaicans,” Holness said at the official opening of the first phase of the Garmex Free Zone Redevelopment and Expansion project.
The project, which is fully funded by the Factories Corporation of Jamaica Limited (FCJ), is aimed at providing additional space for manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, among other activities.
Phase one, which was completed at an estimated cost of J$1.1 billion (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents), includes 31 units occupying approximately 126,000 square feet of space. The units include 22 mini warehouses for micro, small and medium-sized businesses, six mixed-use spaces and three warehouses.
Holness told the opening ceremony that the expansion project is a clear indicator of the government’s intent to have Jamaica established as leader in logistics and manufacturing, and an investment destination.
He commended FCJ for the successful execution of phase one of the project that began in n May 2020.
“Over the years, this complex has evolved to serve as a hub for manufacturing, logistics, warehousing and even education and healthcare. Today, it is the most diverse free zone in Jamaica and the largest commercial industrial complex on the island,” he said.
The new facilities at Garmex Free Zone have garnered almost J$200 million annually in revenue during its two year of operation to date and FCJ chairman, Lyttleton Shirley, said that infrastructure work has commenced for phase two, which involves the development of 5.7 acres of greenfield land on the west side of the campus to expand the complex to meet the constant demand for commercial space.
He said that phase three is in the planning stages and will include a buildout of several warehouses and construction of a commercial building block, while the fourth phase will entail the modernization of older buildings on the property, which will allow for vertical expansion.
He said that FCJ will also be implementing environmentally friendly practices, including water harvesting and solar energy.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development and Member of Parliament for Kingston Western, Desmond McKenzie, in welcoming the expansion project, said it will have an economic and social impact.
“This ribbon-cutting ceremony is of tremendous importance to us. The Free Zone has been a long-standing integrated feature in the lives of the people of West Kingston. Today’s ceremony is highly appreciated. The development… will definitely have an impact on the people in the community and adjoining areas,” McKenzie said.
