Port Authority to divest assets to build out first 50 acres of Caymanas SEZ
Published:Wednesday | July 30, 2025 | 1:18 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer -
The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) has officially broken ground for the Caymanas Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a major development to be constructed on 700 acres of former cane land along Mandela Highway in St Catherine.
The PAJ will be responsible for the initial infrastructure development and will build out 50 acres of the site in the first phase. This is intended to attract international shipping and logistics interests, capitalising on Jamaica’s strategic proximity to major global shipping lanes.
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, who delivered the keynote address and participated in the ground-breaking ceremony, described the project as a sign of economic success.
“Today what you are seeing is not just the materialisation of a dream but you are also seeing the dividend of a well-run economy,” Holness said.
He noted that the PAJ will develop 50 acres by divesting some of its assets through the local stock market and other means, thereby creating new value. He also reiterated his plans to relocate the Tinson Pen aerodrome to allow for expansion of the Port of Kingston, a vision first shared during his Budget presentation.
“The entire Kingston Harbour is going to see a surge in port and shipping-related investment, because already we are seeing private investments in maritime ecosystems around that area,” Holness said. “With this, Jamaica will transition from a transshipment hub to becoming a world-class logistics hub.”
Alok Jain, chairman of the Port Authority, emphasised that the project represents more than just physical infrastructure.
“We are laying the foundation for a new engine of economic growth for Jamaica, we want to position Jamaica as the fourth global logistics hub,” he said, naming Singapore and Dubai among the existing global hubs.
Jain explained that a comprehensive master plan is already in place.
“The investor told us 'Deal with the project, prepare the land, put in the infrastructure, ensure that the utilities and security are in place and give us something that we can occupy'. In short, they said to us, 'Build it and we will come'.”
He added that phase one will focus on land preparation, including drainage, roads, underground cabling, water and sewage systems, and electricity, followed by commercial development with ready-to-lease facilities.
“All the engineering work is complete and we are ready to commence phase one,” Jain assured.
PAJ CEO Professor Gordon Shirley said the SEZ is designed to attract international investment by meeting top global standards.
“The location and infrastructure have become even more important. In this environment, international investors are looking for a country that is close to major markets in the region, neutral, has a modern port infrastructure, the right legislative framework and the space for the relevant infrastructure to facilitate their rapid investments in facilities and systems,” Shirley explained.
He said the project aims to create numerous skilled and semi-skilled jobs in manufacturing, logistics, and technology, while enhancing economic diversification.
Access to the Port of Kingston will be ensured through various modes, Jain said, including river barges, a nearby railway line, and a possible dedicated road.
Anthony Hylton, Opposition spokesman on industry, investment, trade and globalisation, welcomed the project but noted delays.
“We have to get started on this journey. My disappointment is the length of time it has taken. It should have started from 2013,” Hylton told The Gleaner, adding that “the Government has taken the long route".
The Caymanas SEZ will include cold storage, warehouses, third-party logistics, e-commerce fulfilment centres, light industries, agri-businesses, value-added processing, and pharmaceuticals.