Gov’t condemns interference in South Coast Highway Project, warns against ‘dangerous behaviour’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government has issued a stern warning against unlawful interference in national infrastructure projects following reports of unauthorised disruptions on the South Coast Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) in St Thomas.
Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Robert Nesta Morgan, said individuals have attempted to impose themselves on the project, seeking to appoint liaison officers, dictate changes to on-site security, and even “take over” construction activities.
In what he described as “dangerous and unacceptable conduct,” Morgan said there are also reports of individuals forcibly entering the Hordley compound, demanding jobs outside of the official project structure.
“No one can be allowed to hijack national projects, intimidate contractors, or substitute political muscle for lawful governance,” Morgan stated.
He says he has written to Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake, requesting an immediate investigation into threats allegedly made against workers and staff from China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the main contractor on the project.
“Threatening workers and international contractors who are here to help build Jamaica is a line that cannot be crossed. I have brought this matter to the immediate attention of the commissioner of police and the Government will act decisively to protect our people, our partners and our projects,” he said.
He reiterated the Government’s zero-tolerance policy toward any form of interference in national development projects, noting that infrastructure initiatives like SCHIP are governed strictly by law and formal contracts.
“These projects are financed by taxpayers, executed through legal agreements, and intended to benefit all Jamaicans,” he said. “No private individual, no political operative has the authority to interfere. The government of Jamaica alone has that mandate on behalf of the people of Jamaica.”
Despite the disruption, Morgan assured the public that work on the highway project will continue as planned, with efforts focused on maintaining order, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law.
