A quiet revolution is unfolding across Jamaica’s economic landscape, one that could reshape the island’s future for decades to come.
After years of discussions and deferred plans, Jamaica is finally accelerating its ambitions to become a major global logistics player — a move that could position the country alongside global giants like Singapore, Dubai, and Rotterdam.
At the center of this momentum is the long-anticipated Caymanas Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is now slated to break ground within weeks. Officials say this development will mark the country’s first “true” SEZ, designed to attract major logistics, manufacturing, and trade players to Jamaican shores. The Port Authority of Jamaica has taken charge of the initial phase, committing to develop the first 50 acres and secure a lead tenant to set the foundation for future growth.
But Caymanas is only one piece of a much larger puzzle.
Just a few miles away, another project is rising along Marcus Garvey Drive — a logistics corridor poised for transformation. Spearheaded by the Urban Development Corporation, the new complex will offer businesses ready-to-build lots, with the flexibility to apply for SEZ status individually. It’s an aggressive move to stimulate private investment in Jamaica’s warehousing and distribution capabilities — a critical step in strengthening the island’s position in international trade.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, speaking at a groundbreaking event for Kingston Gateway — a modern logistics and warehousing complex — emphasized that these projects are part of a broader, interconnected strategy. The vision is to not just modernize Jamaica’s ports, but to build an ecosystem where manufacturing, logistics, and distribution operate seamlessly together — right next to the sea lanes that connect the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
“This isn’t just about building warehouses,” Holness noted. “It’s about building an economy that is future-proof.”
Kingston Gateway itself will offer over 100,000 square feet of warehouse space, positioned strategically between the Port of Kingston and Norman Manley International Airport. Developed by SAJE Logistics Infrastructure Limited and Proven Properties Limited, the complex is seen as a springboard for businesses needing fast, efficient access to global markets.
In tandem, government planners are eyeing the Tinson Pen area, Spanish Town Road, and additional lands west of Kingston for future port-related expansion — recognizing that available land near the ports is the most valuable real estate in Jamaica’s next economic chapter.
Support for the logistics initiative cuts across political lines. Opposition spokesman Anthony Hylton called the developments “overdue but vital,” highlighting that the logistics vision predates the current government and remains a shared national objective.
For Jamaica, success in this arena could mean more than just foreign investment or higher trade volumes. It could mean becoming the critical gateway connecting regional markets with the wider world — a bridge between continents, fueled by efficient ports, flexible trade zones, and smart infrastructure.
It’s a high-stakes race. And finally, after years of plans and promises, Jamaica has left the starting line.
