Amid the turbulent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, in the heart of the Caribbean, the construction sector in Jamaica stands as a testament to hope, resiliency, and unquestionable prosperity.

While the world grappled with an unparalleled health crisis, our country’s architects stood tall, overcoming obstacles, and pushing forward. Today, I’d encourage you to see our industry’s unprecedented rise in construction through the perspective of Generation Z, our generation of trailblazers. The youth and young leaders of Generation Z are demonstrating globally that we are the generation that will save the planet for the coming generations. My generation, Gen Z, who hails from the USA, Europe, and the African continent, is gradually assuming leadership roles in the key real estate sectors. Without a doubt, Gen Z Jamaicans are gradually reshaping the Caribbean and boosting the country’s economy.

There aren’t many stories in history like the one about Jamaica’s building industry during the COVID-19 outbreak. Our builders stood like fearsome sentinels, their hammers striking a defiant chord against the turmoil around them while the rest of the world cowered in terror and uncertainty. Despite everything, building sites were bustling with activity, and every worker served as a silent example of the Jamaican people’s tenacity. The sound of development resounded throughout our island, from the busy streets of Kingston to the tranquil shores of Montego Bay, providing optimism even in the direst circumstances.

In the ruins of uncertainty, opportunities sprang and nourished a construction boom that exceeded all forecasts. When other countries struggled with lockdowns and economic downturns, Jamaica came out as a model of adjustment and resilience. Developers continued to move forward with unflinching conviction, revealing grand ideas that promised to completely transform our civilisation. Every brick erected, from projects for modest housing to opulent resorts, attested to the resilient nature of our people and our unflinching dedication to growth in the face of hardship.

‘Growth in construction industry’ was the title of an online article by Rochelle Williams published by the Jamaica Information Service on March 11, 2021. The article stated, “The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) said the growth of 6.2 per cent is expected in the construction industry for the October to December 2020 quarter.” Dr Nigel Clarke, minister of finance and the public service, began the 2021/22 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on March 9, stating that building construction fell 14.5 per cent from April to June 2020 but increased 7 per cent from July to September 2020. This expansion was a sign of the developers’ conviction that this too will pass.

According to the Review of Economic Performance by the PIOJ, October–December 2021, the construction industry’s real value–added grew by 6.4 per cent, mostly due to expansion in the ‘Other Construction and Building Construction’ components. Sales of inputs related to construction increased by 16.6 per cent in real terms because of this performance. The report also outlined that the National Works Agency contributed $11.2 billion, up 192.9 per cent from the same quarter in 2020, to capital expenditures on civil engineering activities, which increased the component known as ‘Other Construction’. Most of the funding went into the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) from Yallahs to Harbour View.

The National Housing Trust’s (NHT) 36.2 per cent increase in mortgage value and the 2.7 per cent increase in housing starts had the largest impact on the expected growth in the ‘Building Construction’ component. The expansion and refurbishment of certain hotel assets, together with the construction of commercial office space, were all factors in the predicted growth of the non-residential category’s performance. This reinforces the idea that Jamaica is the ideal destination for foreign direct investment. As for professionals in the local construction sector, all I can say is, “Well done, the Jamaican society honours your efforts.”

Within the real estate sector, the rise of Gen Z realtors during Jamaica’s building boom signals a dramatic change in the environment around the business. These youthful professionals are not only capitalising on the rise in the construction industry, but they are also changing the very essence of what it means to be a real estate pioneer, thanks to their unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and intuitive understanding of the digital age.

The days of lengthy paperwork and conventional property showings are long gone. Instead, Gen Z real estate agents use the newest technology as their most powerful ally, incorporating drone photography and virtual reality tours into their toolkit with ease. What used to be a transactional process has transformed into an immersive one, as sellers can easily traverse the market and prospective purchasers can quickly see their dream house.

Making lasting impressions that endure long after the keys are passed over is more important than simply sealing deals. Gen Z perceives real estate as having an extremely bright and exciting future.

At the core of Jamaica’s building boom is a story of unwavering indigenous resolve and perseverance. The hands and souls of our local labour are what give these big projects life, as cranes reach upwards and scaffolding envelops tall buildings. Every person involved in the construction industry, from the seasoned pros who have spent decades perfecting their trade to the inexperienced apprentices eager to make their mark, is vital to the future development of our country.

But there’s more to this story than just physical labour, one of empowerment and opportunity. The building boom is more than simply a source of income for many Jamaicans; it’s a ticket to economic prosperity and upward mobility. New opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship open with every initiative that is launched, providing a glimmer of hope for those who dare to hope for a brighter future. The construction sector offers access to a world of possibilities in which hard effort and dedication are the only currencies that truly matter, from masons and carpenters to architects and engineers. But amid all the activity and advancement, it is crucial to remember that people are the foundation of it all.

Every blueprint and bulldozer conceals a tale of tenacity and sacrifice, of families being uplifted and futures being assured. Let us never forget the faces and voices that give our built environment life, even as we celebrate the successes of our construction industry. They are the unsung heroes of the growth of our country, whose contributions reverberate through the ages and influence the course of future generations.

As a young real estate sales professional I’ve been curious to learn more about the workings of the construction industry. After having a meeting with O’Neil Kirlew, Re/Max Jamaica’s country manager and director of growth and expansion, I have gained some knowledge that I would like to impart to all Jamaicans. Kirlew, a former commercial general manager of Heart Manufacturing and someone who worked in the building materials industry for 14 years, believes that, “The labour force in the construction industry in Jamaica prior to and following the COVID-19 pandemic has primarily consisted of unskilled labour. Although the industry continues to provide significant jobs, there is a great need for skilled labour… We see the Chinese and the Spanish doing a lot of it.”

After this conversation, I thought that Jamaica may need to implement courses in schools, starting at grade 7, that teach both young men and women the fundamentals of the construction industry. This could pique their interest in and inspire a love for construction so that we can perhaps utilise our personnel resources in a few years. There will be a shift in the number of unskilled construction labourers to skilled labourers.

Aspirations for progress and prosperity are woven together vibrantly by the construction boom. Jamaica is the jewel in the Caribbean, leading the way in development and inviting dreamers, investors, and visionaries to join us on our path to success. Our island is alive with the sound of buildings, from the immaculate beaches of Negril to the busy streets of Ocho Rios. This is a monument to our unwavering dedication to quality.

The Jamaican ideal, however, is about creating a legacy that lasts generations rather than only focusing on property and construction. This deeper truth is hidden beneath the gloss and glamour. With every new construction that brightens our skyline, we pave the way for a future characterised by sustainability, inclusivity, and shared prosperity. It’s important to build communities in which each person has the chance to prosper rather than merely putting infrastructure in place.

Jamaica, the most developed country in the Caribbean, is about to enter a new phase of expansion and innovation. Our island nation, with its rich cultural diversity, stunning natural surroundings, and enterprising spirit, is well positioned to spearhead the movement towards a more promising and prosperous future for everybody. Together, let’s seize the chances that present themselves and create a Jamaica that the entire world can see shining as a beacon of promise and hope.

mrtajayfrancis@gmail.com