NEGRIL, Westmoreland — A new era is dawning for Jamaica’s tourism and health-care sectors, with the ambitious launch of the Negril Paradise Integrated Resort.

When completed, the total value of the project, which will include an investment into affordable housing and renewable energy, is estimated at US$22 billion over the next 15 years.

“What stands before you is not a rendering. It’s not an idea on paper. Not a promise of someday. It is a commitment to Jamaica’s future, to its children, its global standing, and its generations who will inherit what we built today,” stated Seven Builders Jamaica Limited CEO Marlon Howell.

Ground was broken for the project on the Negril West End on Saturday, a project that promises to redefine Jamaica’s global standing by seamlessly blending luxury tourism, cutting-edge healthcare, and sustainable innovation in one integrated ecosystem on 362 acres of land in the first phase.

Howell told the Jamaica Observer that the project is currently going through the approval process, and he hopes to begin construction by year-end if given the green light.

The project is being developed by Seven Builders Jamaica Limited, and is being supported by local and overseas investors from various corporations.

The resort that has been in the planning for the last 25 years will feature a state-of-the-art medical centre with 1,100 beds, world-class research laboratories, advanced paediatric units, specialised trauma facilities, and international graded oncology treatment. Every Jamaican child will receive free medical care at this facility, said Howell.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr (right) listens in on a discussion between Seven Builders Jamaica Limited CEO Marlon Howell (second right) and a group of investors. (Anthony Lewis)

“I want every mother, every father, every grandparent, and every guardian in Jamaica to hear it clearly. No child will be turned away. No Jamaican family will ever have to choose between a child’s life and financial ruin. It’s not marketing and it is not a slogan. It is a covenant,“ said Howell, a Jamaican ordained minister of religion living in Canada for the past 40 years.

“For Jamaican families, this means real access to care once available only to those who could afford a plane ticket overseas. For visitors, it means peace of mind, knowing that the world-class treatment is minutes away. And for the global medical community, it positions Jamaica as a destination not only for beauty, but for healing.”

The resort’s planned infrastructure includes a four-million-square-foot cruise terminal capable of accommodating four ships simultaneously, transforming Negril from a mere port of call into a premier destination, Howell said. With the capacity to welcome thousands of visitors, the terminal is designed to immerse guests in authentic Jamaican culture, cuisine, entertainment, and craftsmanship from the moment they step ashore.

The economic impact of the project is substantial, with an estimated 20,000 jobs being created across construction, healthcare, hospitality, renewable energy, entertainment, sports and retail sectors.

“This development is being built in Jamaica, by Jamaica, for Jamaica,” said the CEO. “It is a declaration that Jamaica can command global tourism, provide world-class healthcare, and lead in sustainability.”

The development will also contain residential properties.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr said the Government is committed to ensuring an environment for the exceptionally large project to be successful.

“It is a massive vision. When you talk about having multiple things integrated into such a large project, it is going to require stick-to-itiveness. It’s going to require a next level of discipline and determination. And it’s going to require us to work together,” he said.

“We have heard from the developers, the investors, and now from the part of the Government, we express our commitment to make sure that any project that will be to the benefit of our people, that will provide better healthcare for our people, and that will provide 20,000 potential jobs for our people, we will support.”

He added: “We know our role in ensuring that Jamaica is the place of choice to live, work, and raise families. And we understand that it cannot be done by the government alone. And so we want to acknowledge and congratulate the team that is here to put the work in to make this a reality.

Rendition of the Negril Paradise Integrated Resort Anthony Lewis

Seven Builders Jamaica Limited CEO Marlon Howell (Photos: Anthony Lewis)