MONTEGO BAY, St James — PRIME Minister Bruce Golding has commended Joe Whitter and his wife Angella, for undertaking the development of the $2.9-billion Whitter Village at Ironshore, arguing that the venture is an example of their commitment to Jamaica.

“He (Joe Whitter) represents in my mind, a symbol, an icon, that should be held up to investors both here and abroad. He represents the kind of spirit that we want to bring back to Jamaica,” Golding said.

He noted that the project was conceived some years ago, at a time when the economic climate was much different from what it is today.

“He (Joe) plunged into this investment at a time when they were alternatives that were far more appealing as indeed so many other investors in Jamaica saw and succumbed to. He could have chosen to put his money in government paper… but he chose to invest in the real economy,” Golding explained.

The prime minister was speaking at the official opening of the 240,000 sq ft Whitter Village complex last Saturday.

He argued that the new facility is different from many other shopping complexes across the island, as it has a “certain ambiance and intimacy”.

The complex is the first phase of a comprehensive development plan for a 15-acre property, with the next phase set to include the construction of offices and living space to create a town setting. The building houses a mix of businesses, including gift shops, book shops, a variety of dining facilities, boutiques, a supermarket, pharmacy, sports bar, and a nightclub.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Charles Sinclair has described the Whitter Village complex as a magnificent addition to the physical landscape of Montego Bay and urged other private sector interests to take note and follow in the footsteps of the Whitters.

“The successful completion of the Whitter Village shopping complex has significantly contributed to enhancing the city’s Eastern gateway and will complement efforts of the government of Jamaica through the Tourism Enhancement Fund in making the Elegant Corridor, even more elegant,” Sinclair said.

He argued that the complex would spur other interests in the further expansion of the city.