MONTEGO BAY, St James — Developers who incorporate environmentally-friendly solutions into their projects may feel the benefit in their wallets as the St James Municipal Corporation is exploring the possibility of offering them reduced fees.

“To all developers tuning in, the St James Municipal Corporation is flexible and we are considering special rates for development with environmental solutions,” said Mayor of Montego Bay and corporation Chairman Richard Vernon.

He was speaking, last Saturday, during the opening ceremony of the Recover and Rebuild Jamaica Expo 2026 at Montego Bay Convention Centre.

“This is how we balance growth with sustainability and we invite you to submit your proposals,” Vernon urged.

His comments came as the parish continues its recovery and rebuilding from last October’s Hurricane Melissa.

“Our planning committee has prioritised commercial building approvals for new construction, expansion and repairs ensuring employment continuity even amid economic slowdown,” the mayor explained.

“The municipal corporation bears the responsibility to enforce building codes and standards while monitoring lands within the framework of the development order,” he added.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer on the margins of the event, Vernon pointed out that the initiative falls within the Municipal Energy and Environment Design (MEED) programme that is being developed to encourage sustainable building practices across Montego Bay.

“This approach by the corporation is being fine-tuned by our planning department. Under this policy, developers who submit plans that integrate pro-environmental materials and energy-conservation methods will benefit from reduced building fees,” he explained.

Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon (right) shares a light moment with minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth with responsibility for works Robert Morgan during the opening ceremony for the Recover & Rebuild Jamaica Expo 2026. Chairman of the Montego Bay chamber of Commerce and Industry Jason Russell, is at 2nd left, while Chairman of Build Expo and deputy mayor Dwight Crawford is at left.

The programme has not yet started but should see some progress within a matter of months.

“We can start looking at proposals now, but MEED will be reviewed by council in September. This forms part of the council’s strategic plan, so we are currently pushing to implement shortly after the September revision,” the mayor told the Observer.

Despite looking at a potential reduction in fees, he explained that the link between financial incentives and eco-friendly design is aimed at lowering barriers for responsible construction, promoting energy efficiency, and ensuring that new developments contribute positively to the city’s environmental resilience and strategic goal.

“It reflects our commitment to shaping a greener, more sustainable urban future while supporting citizens and businesses in adopting modern, climate-conscious standards,” said Vernon.

The mayor has been an advocate for solutions to the climate crisis that has continued to impact Montego Bay and Jamaica as a whole. He expects that this latest programme can help.

“The MEED programme is expected to significantly strengthen St James’s environmental resilience by reducing carbon emissions through energy-efficient building designs, encouraging the use of sustainable materials that cut waste and pollution, promoting water conservation and climate-resilient construction methods, and mitigating urban heat while lowering utility costs for residents and businesses,” he said.

Vernon explained that when developers take up the offer there will be benefits for the parish and its residents.

“It will also improve public health and environmental quality and position St James as a leader in sustainable urban development, ensuring that future development contributes to a greener, safer, and more sustainable city,” he said.