The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation which is headed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness will place major focus on the environment and large infrastructure projects, including the new Parliament building during the 2023/24 financial year.

As it relates to the environment, the Government will table an overarching policy for Jamaica’s Protected Areas System, the Watersheds Policy for Jamaica, the updated Climate Change Policy Framework and the Emissions Policy Framework.

This was disclosed by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen as he delivered the 2023/24 Throne Speech on Tuesday, outlining the Administration’s legislative priorities for the new financial year.

In terms of infrastructure, the Governor-General said “Jamaicans will soon have seamless mobility around our island with highway connectivity to the north, south, east and west.

More specifically, the May Pen to Williamsfield portion of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project is scheduled to be completed in August 2023

“Work on the Harbour View to Port Antonio Highway is progressing and, despite the dislocation and inconvenience, residents are looking forward to the increased investment that will open up our eastern parishes as the new frontier for growth and development,” Sir Patrick said.

He also cited that the Montego Bay Perimeter Road and the upgrade and expansion of the North Coast Highway will be transformational for that section of the island.

“In addition, the Government will implement a multi-billion Jamaican Dollar Special Capital Expenditure Programme during 2023/2024 which will see the development of major corridors in the Corporate Area,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Government has signaled that it will continue to advance a number of flagship projects, including, the new Parliament building, the Government Campus, the Portmore Resilience Park; and the Kingston Harbour Walk.

“The 2023/2024 legislative agenda will continue the review of amendments to the Rent Restriction Act, the Professional Engineers Registration Act, the Port Authority Act and the Harbours Act,” said the Governor-General.