Caribbean News
Ground Broken For US$81M Port Antonio Bypass
Morant Bay, June 27, 2025 (JIS): Ground has been broken for the US$81-million Port Antonio Bypass in Portland, marking the dawn of a new era of mobility, opportunity, and resilience for the parish.
The project, which will be executed in two phases, entails the construction of an 18-kilometre corridor designed to divert traffic from the congested, coastal town centre, thereby reducing travel time and transportation costs.
Phase one will span Norwich to Turtle Crawl Harbour, comprising a seven-kilometre stretch of four-lane roadway with safety-enhancing median barriers, newly constructed bridges, upgraded drainage infrastructure, and designated bus shelters.
Speaking during Thursday’s (June 26) ground-breaking ceremony, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said the occasion marked “the breaking of barriers that have long held back the full economic potential of this beautiful parish and people”.
He noted that the Bypass “represents an investment in Portland’s growth, tourism potential, its ability to attract capital, create jobs and build wealth for its citizens”.
Prime Minister Holness noted that Port Antonio, being a low-lying town frequently affected by weather events, stands to benefit
significantly from the inland relocation of the roadway, which will safeguard the residents’ mobility, assets, land and businesses. “For decades, Port Antonio has been one of Jamaica’s hidden gems, blessed with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, but held back by limited access and inadequate infrastructure. The current route through the town centre, while scenic, adds to the traffic congestion in the town. It is vulnerable to flooding and coastal erosion and it cannot accommodate the scale of development we envision for this area,” he stated.
Dr. Holness indicated that the Bypass will unlock new commercial zones, stimulate land development and create space for expansion, while preserving Port Antonio’s identity as a quiet coastal retreat with a thriving economic hub. He indicated that an additional $521 million will be allocated for land acquisition, with more than 200 parcels to be acquired under phase one. The National Land Agency (NLA) has already commenced the acquisition process.
“This is development that will connect the coast to the countryside, the farms to the resorts and the world to Portland,” the Prime Minister added.
Dr. Holness further noted that the project forms part of a broader strategy to stimulate Portland’s economic growth, which includes developments such as the construction of the Boundbrook Urban Centre in Port Antonio.
The Port Antonio Bypass project is also a continuation of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) – Jamaica’s largest infrastructure development –extending its transformative impact across the eastern corridor.
Contact: Mickella Anderson-Gordon
Release: JIS
Photo Caption:
Header: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (fourth right), and Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with Responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan (third right), lead the symbolic breaking of ground for the Port Antonio Bypass project in Portland on Thursday (June 26).
Insert: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, delivers the keynote address during the ground-breaking ceremony for the Port Antonio Bypass project in Portland on Thursday (June 26).
Deron Douglas Photos
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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