No decision on Goat Island development - Industry Minister

A final decision has not yet been made by the Cabinet concerning a proposal from Chinese investors to develop a port facility, logistics and industrial park on Goat Island.

Anthony Hylton, Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister who made the statement in a release on Wednesday  said the investment would be one component of the Government’s priority Logistics Hub Initiative that includes other ports, airports and special economic zones.  

He said while the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce will continue to lead the Logistics Hub initiative, it will be working closely with other Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The Investment Minister says the Logistics Hub Initiative and its success will depend on the provision of appropriate industrial and logistics infrastructure to sustain the economic growth and transformation that is envisioned.

There has been ongoing debate about the likely environmental impact of the proposed logistics hub since news emerged that the government was considering striking a deal with China Harbour Engineering Company. 

Although the Jamaica Environment Trust has vowed to take the government to court, at least two senior government Ministers have indicated that the administration will be pressing ahead with consultations.