DUNCANS, Trelawny — Finance Minister Fayval Williams has welcomed developers’ plans to list Harmony Cove resort on the local stock market, pledging her support to make it happen.

“I heard two commitments today that are music to me. The first is that Harmony Cove is committed to growth. The second is the commitment to listing on our local stock market. I love both of those commitments, and I want to say that anything that I can do to actualise that listing, I am ready,” Williams stated.

She was referring to comments made by managing partner of Nexus Luxury Collection Christopher Anand during Tuesday’s ribbon cutting for the long-awaited mega development. He had reiterated a commitment to an initial public offering (IPO) that would give Jamaicans — and not just institutional investors — an opportunity to buy shares.

Harmony Cove is among the massive projects expected to come on stream now that the Large-Scale Projects and Pioneer Industries Tax Relief Act, 2025, is on the books. Passed by the Upper House on May 16 of this year, it allows the Government to use tax relief benefits to incentivise large-scale investments valued at US $1 billion or more.

On Tuesday, Williams alluded to the shift the project signals.

“This is a moment of national pride as it heralds not only the launch of a luxury resort, but it’s also a landmark moment in Jamaica’s journey of transformation to the US$1 billion or greater industries,” said Williams.

Harmony Cove tourism development project is being spearheaded by Harmonisation Limited, a government-owned company comprising Development Bank of Jamaica Limited and the National Housing Trust. Harmonisation Limited is working on the development with Tavistock Jamaica Inc, a subsidiary of global private investment company Tavistock Group.

Nexus Luxury Collection is Tavistock Group’s international hospitality real estate development and asset management company. According to its website, it “builds and operates an array of luxury resort and club assets and experiences around the world”.

Located in Trelawny, the 2,300-acre Harmony Cove will be home to a resort that includes several world-class golf courses, a luxury spa, marina facilities, commercial developments, luxury hotels, private residencies, and other amenities. It will also include a hotel, casino, convention and entertainment centres, restaurants, and retail assets.

It is expected to be a major boost for the country’s north coast.

“We can look forward to thousands of direct and indirect jobs in construction, tourism, logistics and agriculture, new infrastructure and services in Trelawny and surrounding areas, continued confidence in Jamaica as an investment destination anchored by sound economic management and policy stability, and most importantly, a signal to our people that visionary projects will come to life with the right leadership,” Williams said during Tuesday’s ribbon cutting.