Housing, school transport and urban centre projects advance in eastern Jamaica

Several government, diplomatic and community development initiatives are advancing across eastern Jamaica, with updates covering housing in St. Mary, school transportation in Portland, vaccination outreach in St. Thomas and St. Mary, and major urban centre projects in Portland and St. Thomas.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has broken ground for a $1.99-billion housing scheme at Galina in St. Mary. The development, being undertaken through the National Housing Trust and Henan Fifth Construction Group Jamaica Limited, is expected to provide about 360 housing solutions close to Port Maria and Oracabessa. Holness said the project reflects a planned investment in people, with housing tied to economic expansion, community security and national resilience.

In Portland, Port Antonio Primary School has received a 2026 Toyota Coaster bus from the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica. The vehicle, valued at roughly US$73,000, was provided through Japan’s grassroots human grant programme in partnership with the National Education Trust. Parliamentary Secretary Senator Marlon Morgan said reliable, safe transport is vital to students’ access to teaching and learning. Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Kohi Maruyama, said the bus should help pupils reach school and take part in activities safely while focusing on their education.

British High Commissioner Alysia Herbert also visited St. Thomas as part of her effort to better understand Jamaica’s people, economy, culture and shared history with the United Kingdom. She said the parish has special significance because many residents answered Britain’s call for workers during the rebuilding period after the Second World War.

St. Mary and St. Thomas also participated in Vaccination Week in the Americas 2026. In St. Mary, residents accessed services at a health fair, including blood pressure, blood sugar and HIV testing. In St. Thomas, patrons highlighted the smooth service at health facilities, including the Morant Bay Health Centre. Health officials said vaccination remains essential to preventing illness and keeping Jamaica, the Caribbean and the wider Americas protected against preventable diseases.

Factories Corporation of Jamaica Chairman Littleton Shirley reported that the Boundbrook Urban Centre in Portland is 51 per cent complete and is being built to withstand Category 5 hurricanes while responding to the area’s difficult terrain. He said the Port Antonio project should guide future development without creating a concrete-heavy environment. Shirley said the 500,000-square-foot Morant Bay Urban Centre in St. Thomas is about 80 per cent occupied, with most spaces certified for utilities as final buildouts and defect works continue.