URGENT UPDATE: The Opposition has demanded immediate clarification from Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness regarding the status of the Morant Bay Urban Centre in St. Thomas. Reports confirm that nearly a year after its official opening in April 2022, the centre remains incomplete and inaccessible to tenants, raising serious concerns among local business owners.
In a statement released earlier today, Opposition spokesperson on Trade, Industry, and Global Logistics, Anthony Hylton, highlighted that the facility still lacks essential utilities and is facing unresolved sewage issues. According to Hylton, the vast majority of commercial spaces have yet to be handed over to tenants. He emphasized the financial strain on small business operators, who planned their finances and secured stock based on the anticipated opening. “Ten months later, they are still waiting, bleeding revenue every day the gates remain closed to them,” Hylton stated.
The Opposition is particularly concerned about the role of the Factory Corporation of Jamaica, demanding a full disclosure on its involvement in financing the project. Hylton’s call for transparency reflects a growing frustration over the delays, which threaten the livelihoods of local entrepreneurs who are eager to operate their businesses.
As the situation develops, the Opposition plans to press for answers on the timeline for completing the centre and ensuring that basic utilities are delivered promptly. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated; local businesses are counting on the government to take swift action to resolve these ongoing issues.
What’s Next: Stakeholders are urged to watch for a response from Prime Minister Holness and the government regarding next steps on the Morant Bay Urban Centre. The implications for local businesses and the economy in St. Thomas are significant, and further developments are expected shortly.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, and share this urgent news to keep your community informed.
