Holness says reopening of Troy Bridge represents reconnection and resilience for rural communities

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness says the reopening of the Troy Bridge is a celebration of reconnection, resilience, and renewed opportunity for communities that were cut off when the historic crossing was destroyed by Tropical Storm Grace in 2021.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony on Friday, Holness said the occasion was about much more than the completion of an infrastructure project.

“Today, we gather not to celebrate the opening of a bridge, but in truth, we are celebrating something much greater than a bridge. We are celebrating reconnection. We are celebrating resilience. We are celebrating the triumph of persistence over delay,” the Prime Minister said.

The Troy Bridge has long been a critical link between communities in Trelawny and Manchester.

Built in 1869 during Jamaica's colonial era, the structure was originally designed to carry donkey carts transporting agricultural produce from the fertile farming districts of Trelawny to markets and trading centres.

Although constructed for a much simpler era, the bridge continued to serve motorists, farmers, students, and residents for more than 150 years, becoming an enduring symbol of connectivity and economic activity in the region.

Holness noted that the bridge was built before the arrival of motor vehicles in Jamaica and survived generations of change, including major hurricanes and the country’s transition from colonial rule to independence.

“The original bridge was built in 1869. This bridge stood before the arrival of motor vehicles in Jamaica. It was built to carry donkey carts, but for 152 years it connected families, farmers, merchants, churches, schools, and communities,” he said.

That long history came to an end in August 2021 when Tropical Storm Grace destroyed the ageing structure, cutting off a key transportation route and forcing residents to find alternative ways to cross the river.

The closure created significant challenges for surrounding communities. Students faced longer journeys to school, farmers incurred additional transportation costs to move produce to market, and residents experienced greater difficulty accessing services and economic opportunities.

Reflecting on the period following the bridge’s destruction, Holness said he was deeply moved by reports showing children navigating dangerous conditions to get to school.

“When I saw the first news clips of the kids trying to cross it, some with rope, some wading in the water, I felt very, very sad about the whole situation and said, ‘This is not what Jamaica is about,’” he said.

The Prime Minister said the completion of the new bridge restores not only transportation access but also dignity and confidence for residents who depend on the crossing.

He emphasised that the investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring rural communities remain connected to the country’s economic centres and development opportunities.

For the people of Troy and neighbouring communities, the reopening marks the restoration of a vital connection that has supported daily life and economic activity since the 19th century, ensuring that a route first established for donkey carts continues to serve generations of Jamaicans well into the future.

- Albert Ferguson

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