KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of Transport and Mining, Mike Henry, says he will be actively pursuing the integrated multi-modal transport system, to help drive the economic development of Jamaica.

Speaking with JIS News, Minister Henry said this will involve restructuring and strengthening the current transportation network, incorporating rail, road, sea and air transport used for public and commercial purposes into one synergistic operation that will drive the country’s economic development.

“This is a just-in-time world. That means if the economy is to survive, it must get its goods and services right away. Jamaica offers the connection of road, rail, sea, and air. I’m going to connect rail and sea and air,” he explained.

The minister noted that both international airports are at sea level and with the threat of global warming, the impact of climate change and rising sea levels, which pose a serious threat to the airports, the Vernamfield airport project (in Clarendon), takes on added significance.

He cited the importance of rail service in certain areas of development — heritage tourism, basic tourism, and the transfer of passenger and cargo — and emphasised that the assets of the railway must be protected.

“I’ve already had meetings with the people for investment in the railway. I already have the Development Council set up around Vernamfield. I have the port to catch up on, in terms of dredging and how we develop that. I’ve already had meetings with them. I’m going to move for public/private development partnership and investment in the railway. My idea [now] is investments to provide jobs and growth,” he told JIS News.

Further underscoring the importance of the integrated multi-modal transport network, the minister argued that if the internal economy is not serviced, the economic zones will be relegated to simple economic enclave investments.