St Ann Chamber hails developments in the parish
Published:Tuesday | June 17, 2025 | 12:09 AM
President of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce, Dr Ransford Davidson, has hailed the developments taking place in the parish, along the north coast, attributing the growth to strategic investments, visionary planning, and the commitment of the membership.
“From the vibrant shores of Ocho Rios to the bustling communities of Drax Hall, Runaway Bay, and Discovery Bay, our region is experiencing an unprecedented surge in commerce, tourism, and community development,” Davidson noted in the fourth edition of the chamber’s newsletter.
His comments came as Drax Hall continues to flourish.
In a January 2022 article that mentioned Starbucks Jamaica’s opening of the Caribbean’s first Starbucks drive-thru window following a $60-million investment, and the opening of the fifth KFC store in St Ann, The Gleaner noted that Drax Hall was evolving into a commercial hub. The community is now continuing its expanson phase.
According to Davidson, “The expansion of our chamber’s membership is a testament to the collective belief in St Ann’s potential and the shared responsibility to shape its future. At the heart of our strategic vision lies a comprehensive plan focused on four pivotal areas: expanding port capacity, enhancing road infrastructure, revitalising the Ocho Rios waterfront, and rejuvenating the historic Ocho Rios market.”
The chamber president said these initiatives are not merely projects, but the building blocks of a sustainable future that will position St Ann as a leading force in Jamaica’s national development.
Carl Gilchrist