For decades, the parish of St. Thomas in Jamaica was often referred to as the “forgotten parish,” a label that signaled decades of underdevelopment and limited economic engagement. However, recent strategic investments in infrastructure and urban development, coupled with dedicated support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), are rapidly transforming St. Thomas into a dynamic hub for business and opportunity across Jamaica.
Foundations of Transformation: Infrastructure and Urban Renewal
The revitalization of St. Thomas is anchored by ambitious infrastructure projects, most notably the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project, now renamed the Right Excellent Paul Bogle Highway. This extensive upgrade has dramatically improved connectivity, slashing travel times and opening up new avenues for commerce. Complementing this is the groundbreaking Morant Bay Urban Centre, a $6 billion JMD development project that signifies a paradigm shift for the eastern parish. Officially opened, this multi-faceted centre consolidates government services, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and commercial enterprises, aiming to reduce reliance on the capital, Kingston, and foster local economic activity. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has heralded the centre as a “visual demonstration” of national progress and the creation of a “new economy” for St. Thomas, designed to be inclusive and beneficial for all residents. An expansion to the Urban Centre is also planned, focusing on facilities specifically for micro and small businesses.
Emerging Opportunities and Empowering Entrepreneurs
This wave of development is directly fostering a surge in business opportunities, particularly for MSMEs. Selena Whyte, a business development officer at the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) Business Centre in Morant Bay, has been a key figure in nurturing this growth. Whyte, a native of St. Thomas, leverages her deep understanding of the parish’s context to assist entrepreneurs in sectors such as cosmetology, skincare, aromatherapy, and retail, helping them move from concept to market. The JBDC offers crucial support services, including business formalization, marketing strategies, packaging guidance, and market research, addressing challenges that entrepreneurs often face beyond just funding.
Beyond the JBDC, other initiatives are actively supporting grassroots entrepreneurship. The Social Development Commission (SDC) has launched an Economic Village in Morant Bay, providing a platform for local artisans, farmers, and small-scale producers to showcase and sell their authentic Jamaican products. This initiative aims to stimulate grassroots economic development and foster community wealth creation, with hopes that the increased foot traffic from the Morant Bay Urban Centre will further energize these local ventures.
However, challenges persist for MSMEs in St. Thomas and across Jamaica. Funding remains a significant barrier, alongside issues with marketing, packaging, business registration, and market research. The JBDC is actively working to address these through various programmes, including digital transformation initiatives like the EU-funded ‘Digital Jamaica’ Project, which aims to equip MSMEs with the tools to navigate an increasingly digital marketplace.
Future Economic Prospects and Investment
The transformation of St. Thomas is also attracting attention for larger-scale economic ventures. The Port Authority of Jamaica is exploring the development of a new port in the parish to facilitate the export of limestone and aggregates, particularly to Guyana, which is experiencing a construction boom driven by oil wealth. This potential export hub aligns with Jamaica’s broader strategy to become a regional logistics centre, with projects like the Caymanas Special Economic Zone contributing to this vision. The improved infrastructure, especially the enhanced road network, has also led to a significant increase in property values, signaling growing investor confidence and making St. Thomas a more attractive destination for real estate investment.
A New Chapter for St. Thomas
The news from St. Thomas paints a picture of a parish shedding its former image. Through a concerted effort involving significant government investment in infrastructure, the establishment of key urban centres, and dedicated support for local businesses by agencies like the JBDC and SDC, St. Thomas is demonstrably no longer the forgotten parish. The ongoing developments promise not only economic growth but also enhanced quality of life and expanded opportunities for its residents, marking a new and promising chapter in Jamaica’s economic landscape. This business news underscores a broader national trend of development and opportunity across the island.