Embassy hosts expo on real estate investment opportunities in Jamaica
Over 40 leading real-estate professionals from across the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area got an exclusive look at Jamaica’s dynamic real-estate investment opportunities during ‘Keys to Paradise’, a showcase hosted by D.C. Association of Realtors, and which featured representations by the Embassy of Jamaica.
The event spotlighted Jamaica’s surging property sector and the wide range of incentives available to US investors.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Aliecia Taylor, minister counsellor for trade and economic affairs at the embassy, outlined the extensive benefits for investors. These include employee tax credits, capital allowances on industrial properties, reduced or waived stamp duties on productive inputs, and duty-free importation of capital goods and materials. Special economic xones (SEZs) offer even greater advantages for companies operating on the island.
“Jamaica’s strategic location provides unmatched air and sea connectivity to major global markets,” said Taylor. “Coupled with strong governance, consistent policies, and an open investment regime, we provide a secure environment for both local and foreign investors.”
Taylor highlighted Jamaica’s strong fundamentals, including a trainable workforce of 1.4 million, modern telecommunications and transportation infrastructure, and over 150 kilometres of new highways built in the last decade. She also pointed to Jamaica’s expanding national broadband network.
Jamaica’s macroeconomic success was a central focus. Taylor said that the country has cut its debt-to-GDP ratio from 147 per cent in 2013 to 68.7 per cent as of March 2025, with a target of 60 per cent by 2027. Jamaica has also sustained 16 consecutive quarters of economic growth since COVID-19, excluding Q3 2024, which was impacted by Hurricane Beryl. Foreign direct investment now exceeds US$18.9 billion.
Acknowledging investor concerns on security, Taylor reported notable progress in crime reduction. “Jamaica has seen a 41-per-cent decline in homicides this year compared to the same period last year,” she stated.
She credited the results to enhanced national security infrastructure, stronger public-private partnerships, and targeted crime-reduction strategies.
The event also featured contributions from industry leaders: Anna-Kaye Chisholm Price, realtor at Coldwell Banker Realty; Damion Tyrell and Andrew Grahame of Brahma Construction Ltd; and Jason Dear, co-founder of Link2Lenders Ltd, who shared their insights on navigating Jamaica’s property market.