PRIME Minister Dr Andrew Holness on Thursday broke ground for the Port Antonio Bypass with a declaration that this was the dawning of a new day for the eastern Jamaica parish.

“Today marks the breaking of barriers that have long held back the full economic potential of this beautiful parish and its people, and the dawning of a new era of mobility, opportunity, and resilience for Portland,” declared Holness.

“From the early days of our Administration we made a clear commitment to modernise Jamaica’s infrastructure and ensure that no parish, no town, no community is left behind.

“The Port Antonio Bypass Project is the latest expression of that commitment. It represents an investment in Portland’s growth, in its tourism potential, in its ability to attract capital, create jobs, and build wealth for its citizens,” added Holness.

He pointed out that the Port Antonio Bypass is being executed in two phases. Phase 1, for which ground was broken, will run from Norwich to Turtle Crawl Harbour — a seven-kilometre stretch of four-lane road with safety-enhancing Jersey barriers, newly constructed bridges, upgraded drainage infrastructure, and designated bus shelters.

“We are reshaping the infrastructure landscape to meet the future,” said Holness.

He noted that the Government has committed approximately US$81 million (approximately $13 billion) for the construction of the bypass and another $521 million for land acquisition, with more than 200 parcels to be acquired in Phase 1.

“The National Land Agency has already begun the land acquisition process, ensuring that every affected landowner is treated with fairness and dignity under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act,” declared Holness.

According to the prime minister, the bypass will also be a climate-resilient intervention.

“In recent years we have witnessed the increasing threats posed by extreme weather events and coastal degradation. Jamaica, as a small island developing state, must build infrastructure not just for convenience but for survival.

“The existing main road is highly vulnerable to storm surges and erosion. By relocating inland and elevating the new corridor, we are reducing exposure to these risks and strengthening Portland’s resilience in the face of climate change,” said Holness.

“This mirrors our broader approach to infrastructure: Build Stronger. Build for Tomorrow,” Holness added.

The prime minister argued that with the bypass his Government is laying the foundation for something far bigger.

“Through the Port Authority of Jamaica we engaged world-renowned architect Gordon Gill, who is actually Jamaican, to develop a master plan for Port Antonio. The vision for Port Antonio is to create a high-value, low-density tourism destination that will preserve the unique history and character of Port Antonio as the birthplace of Caribbean tourism. Port Antonio will become the St Barts of the Northern Caribbean,” said Holness.

St Barts (St Barthelemy), a French-speaking Caribbean island, is known worldwide for its white-sand beaches and designer shops with the capital hosting a yacht-filled harbour with high-end restaurants and historical attractions.

Holness told the ground-breaking that the plan is to fashion Port Antonio with a cruise ship terminal along the eastern belt of the harbour; high-end hotels and villas on the Folly lands; the enhancement of the lands currently used for cricket into a multi-purpose sports and entertainment amphitheatre; and a new pedestrian promenade along the shoreline that connects the East and West harbours.

In addition, Holness said the development will see the Port Antonio Marina transformed into a high-end luxury yacht destination; a new public park along the waterfront similar to Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, and the redevelopment of Musgrave Market to make it a crown jewel in the Port Antonio waterfront experience.

Holness further pointed to the planned development of the Boundbrook Urban Centre, for which ground was recently broken.

This will be 148,000 square feet of purpose-built commercial space to house Government offices such as the Portland Municipal Corporation, as well as commercial/retail space to accommodate fast food establishments, financial institutions, a supermarket and global services sector companies.

“Imagine a Port Antonio that welcomes boutique cruise ships without traffic congestion; a Boston Bay that draws in global foodies and local entrepreneurs alike; a parish where eco-lodges and adventure tourism flourish alongside local farming and craft.

“This bypass also allows us to begin reimagining the Port Antonio town centre. By diverting through-traffic we will create the space for a safer, more walkable, more liveable town core. The urban renewal that will follow can finally reflect the charm, potential, and historical richness that Port Antonio deserves,” declared Holness.