PAJ plans overwater boardwalk, other projects for MoBay
Published:Wednesday | April 2, 2025 | 12:10 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Elva Williams-Richards, senior vice-president at the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), has announced plans to develop an overwater boardwalk along the coastline in Freeport in Montego Bay, St James.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to further expand Jamaica’s commercial and logistics operations.
“Later on in the pipeline, the development of 12 acres of overwater boardwalk along the northern coastline of the Blue Lagoon will advance the development of the Montego Bay Free Zone,” said Williams-Richards, who is in charge of finance, information services, corporate planning, and material management at the PAJ.
Speaking at the recent Montego Bay Free Zone 40th Anniversary Client Awards Ceremony in Montego Bay, she described the initiative as “a transformative investment”, which is designed to enhance connectivity and commerce and reinforce Jamaica’s global trade capacity.
According to Williams-Richards, billions of dollars are being invested in the expansion of shipping, logistics, and supply chain capacity in Montego Bay, including $1 billion in expanding the berth facilities of the Montego Bay port to facilitate more and larger cruise ships and commercial vessels.
KEY PROJECT
“Another key infrastructure project is the redesign and landscaping of a section of Tony Hart Boulevard, the first phase of which will cost more than half a billion dollars,” explain Williams-Richards, in explaining the scope of the work to be undertaken by the PAJ.
The road, previously known as Southern Cross Boulevard in the Freeport section of the western city, was renamed Anthony Hart Boulevard approximately three years ago, in honour of the late businessman and humanitarian, who was instrumental in the development of the Montego Bay Freeport.
According to Williams-Richards, the redesign of the project is aimed at improving urban accessibility, modernising Montego Bay’s transport network, and facilitating easier movement for commercial and logistic activities.
“As the Port Authority, we remain committed to supporting this transformation. The west (western Jamaica) is integral to the strategic growth projects of the PAJ, and we must invest billions of dollars into three major projects in this parish,” she emphasised.
Regarding the continued operational growth strategies of the Montego Bay Free Zone, Williams-Richards said the PAJ remains focused on creating a legacy that will continue to contribute commercially and holistically to the profitability and quality of life of their partners, stakeholders, and team members, who have made this industry the jewel of the Caribbean.