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PAJ ACCELERATING OCHO RIOS CRUISE PORT RECONSTRUCTION

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BY: GARWIN DAVIS

 

Montego Bay, Jamaica, December 12, 2024 – The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) is accelerating reconstruction of the Ocho Rios Cruise Port in St. Ann following severe storm damage, in a bid to restore the facility to full operation by July 2025.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Professor Gordon Shirley, is confident about this timeline being met, emphasising the PAJ’s commitment to supporting local businesses grappling with the port’s current closure.

The Ocho Rios Cruise Port has been a vital hub for tourism and local commerce. But its recent incapacitation due to a flood surge earlier in the year has posed significant challenges for stakeholders dependent on cruise ship arrivals.

Professor Shirley acknowledges the impact of this setback on Ocho Rios business interests, and assures that the PAJ is “doing everything within its power” to expedite the restoration of services at the port.

He tells JIS News, however, that despite the setbacks, the PAJ has managed to mitigate potential losses by rerouting cruise ships to other local ports.

The CEO points out that while the Ocho Rios Port’s main terminal remains under construction, the services at the neighbouring Reynolds Pier, also in Ocho Rios, have been stepped up to accommodate some ships, while ensuring that the tourism flow remains relatively stable.

“The main thing is that we have not lost any ships,” Professor Shirley notes, while highlighting the PAJ’s strategic planning in crisis management.

Ships unable to dock in Ocho Rios are being facilitated at the Falmouth and Montego Bay ports, demonstrating the organisation’s adaptability in the face of adversity.

Professor Shirley says to support local transport operators, the PAJ has also initiated arrangements allowing them to capitalise on the rerouted business, adding that the Authority is seized of the challenges experienced by the stakeholders who rely heavily on cruise tourism for their livelihoods.

“We have made arrangements for the Ocho Rios transport operators to still get some of the business from the out-of-town ports. This initiative is aimed at providing some relief to the local economy during the port’s downtime, ensuring that affected stakeholders can continue to operate,” he tells JIS News.

The CEO maintains that the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as with another cruise season approaching, the PAJ is hard pressed to ensure Ocho Rios is ready to welcome back ships and tourists.

He says the ongoing construction and repair work are being prioritised to ensure that the port can handle the influx of passengers expected next year.

“We are in overdrive,” Professor Shirley declared, while underscoring the PAJ’s proactive approach to resolving the prevailing issues.

He points out that the drive to reopen the Ocho Rios Cruise Port is not only about restoring a crucial tourist destination, but also revitalising the local economy.

“The port serves as a significant source of income for many businesses and workers in the area, from vendors to tour operators. The PAJ recognises that the quicker the port can rebound, the sooner local businesses can return to their regular operations, ultimately benefitting the entire community,” Professor Shirley states

The CEO says that as the agency navigates this challenging period, collaboration between various stakeholders will be essential, underscoring the importance of communication and cooperation with local businesses, Government entities and contractors involved in the reconstruction.

“It’s vital that we all work together to overcome these challenges and ensure that Ocho Rios can thrive once again,” he remarks.

Professor Shirley adds that the PAJ is aware of the broader implications of the port’s closure, particularly considering the competitive nature of the cruise industry.

Noting that other Caribbean destinations are vying for the attention of cruise lines, he emphasises that maintaining Ocho Rios as a preferred stop is crucial for the region’s tourism landscape.

“The swift recovery of the port is therefore not just a local priority, but a regional necessity,” the CEO adds.

Meanwhile, Professor Shirley says the PAJ remains optimistic about the future of the Ocho Rios Cruise Port.

He notes that with the ongoing commitment to expedite the repairs and support local businesses, there is hope that the port will soon reclaim its status as a premier destination for cruise ships and tourists.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that Ocho Rios is ready to welcome back visitors in time for the next cruise season,” Professor Shirley assures.

Caribbean News

Widow’s Testimony Recounts Night Haiti President Was Killed

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MIAMI, Florida — Emotional testimony from Martine Moïse, the widow of assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, has given jurors in a U.S. federal courtroom a chilling account of the night gunmen stormed the presidential residence and killed the country’s leader.

Martine Moïse took the stand this week in Miami as part of the ongoing trial of several men accused of helping plan and finance the July 7, 2021 assassination, a crime that plunged Haiti into political crisis and remains only partially solved.

She told the court that armed men forced their way into the president’s private home in the hills above Port-au-Prince during the early morning hours, firing multiple shots at her husband while she lay beside him. She testified that she was also wounded in the attack and survived by pretending to be dead until the gunmen left the room.

According to prosecutors, the plot involved a group of foreign mercenaries, including former Colombian soldiers, along with Haitian and Haitian-American suspects. Investigators say some of the men believed the mission was to detain the president, but the operation turned into an assassination.

The Miami trial is focusing on the alleged role of South Florida businessmen and others accused of organizing or financing the plan, part of a wider international investigation that has stretched across several countries.

More than four years after the killing, the question of who ultimately ordered the assassination remains unanswered, with suspects still in custody in both Haiti and the United States as the case continues to unfold.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Jamaica Joins Afreximbank Agreement, Strengthening Africa–Caribbean Partnership

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CARIBBEAN — Jamaica has become the 13th CARICOM member state to accede to the African Export-Import Bank Establishment Agreement, further strengthening economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

The development was confirmed during the 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, where an Afreximbank delegation led by George Elombi and Kanayo Awani met with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness to advance cooperation.

Prime Minister Holness thanked the bank for its support following Jamaica’s recent hurricane, noting that Afreximbank financing helped restore critical infrastructure including water, electricity, sewage systems and roads, while also assisting reconstruction efforts aimed at building stronger resilience to future disasters.

The meeting also focused on broader development opportunities tied to Jamaica’s membership in the agreement. Discussions included rebuilding and modernising infrastructure such as railways, hospitals and other public facilities, while strengthening regional transportation and trade networks to improve the movement of people and goods across the Caribbean.

Afreximbank has been expanding its presence in the Caribbean as part of its strategy to connect Africa with the region often referred to as “Global Africa.” The bank has already committed billions of dollars in financing and trade support to Caribbean economies in recent years, including funding for infrastructure, trade facilitation and private sector investment.

By joining the agreement, Jamaica gains expanded access to Afreximbank’s financial instruments, technical support and trade networks designed to promote commerce between Africa and CARICOM states.

Regional leaders say the growing partnership could unlock new opportunities in areas such as trade, logistics, tourism, manufacturing and cultural exchange, strengthening economic cooperation between the two regions with deep historical and diaspora ties.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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