MINISTER of Transport, Works and Housing Dr Omar Davies says that the Government will not be making any decision on the development of Goat Islands until a study commissioned by the Port Authority of Jamaica on the environmental impact is completed and assessed.

CHEC has indicated Goat Islands as its first choice for the proposed development of the trans-shipment port and economic zone under the Global Logistics Hub Initiative.

Addressing yesterday’s Jamaica House press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston, Dr Davies said the proposed development would make Goat Islands the most significant project executed under the logistics hub.

“Depending on… receipt of a formal proposal and a final decision, this would perhaps be the most significant initiative because you would have both a trans-shipment port as well as an economic zone,” the minister said.

The proposed investment of approximately US$1.5 billion by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) would represent a key development milestone for Jamaica and could have a significant positive impact on the country’s development agenda.

The study is expected to be completed by the end of September.

Through the Global Logistics Hub Initiative, the Government intends to take advantage of the anticipated increase in maritime activities from the expansion of the Panama Canal, scheduled to be completed in 2016.

The aim is to create a range of special economic zones throughout Jamaica, including industrial parks, urban business districts, and technology parks. Multinational companies will be invited to set up operations to provide value-added activities geared towards the international community.

Other key elements of the initiative include development of the Caymanas Economic Zone; dredging of the Kingston Harbour; establishing a dry dock facility at Jackson Bay, Clarendon; establishing a trans-shipment commodity port facility near Yallahs, St Thomas; and developing an air cargo and passenger facility at Vernamfield, in Clarendon.

— JIS