Rhyne Park housing project breaks ground as eastern parishes advance tourism and community works

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness has broken ground on the Rhyne Park Estate development in St. Thomas, marking the start of a J$9.6 billion initiative that will deliver 895 one- and two-bedroom housing units. The National Housing Trust and New Rhyne Park Properties Limited are partnering on the project, which sits along the Paul Bogle Highway and is expected to be completed within 24 to 36 months.

Holness said the Government is working to widen access to affordable housing. "So, what this government has decided to do is that we are going to out-compete the squatters. We're going to bring more housing solutions to the market at a faster pace, more affordable, and more accessible," he said. Officials describe the development as part of broader efforts to support growth in the rapidly developing parish.

In St. Mary, a J$27.5 million rehabilitation of the Fontabelle to Gays Town Road, funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund, is expected to strengthen heritage tourism and open opportunities for rural communities. The upgraded route improves access to sites including Sun Valley Plantation and the historic Tamarine Great House. Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett said authentic cultural experiences remain central to Jamaica's appeal. "What authenticates their visit is the indelible memory and the physical manifestation of the creative expressions of the people of Jamaica," he said.

Roughly 500 students and residents from Gayle and neighbouring communities recently received free dental care through the Great Shape Inc. Sealant Dental Program, supported by the Sandals Foundation and the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for land titling and settlements, and Member of Parliament for St. Mary Western, Hon. Robert Montague, welcomed the outreach. He also praised Sandals for its community role, noting that the company takes on apprentices and interns and certifies them through HEART Trust. "Sandals also is an incubator cuz they do take on apprentices and interns and train them and certify them with with heart trust," he said.

Labour Day activities across eastern Jamaica focused on improving public facilities under the theme "One People, One Purpose, in All Things Jamaica Wins." In St. Mary, volunteers revitalised Clem Heart's Park in Port Maria through beautification works and tree planting. In Portland, work centred on constructing a new ticketing booth at Carder Park to improve safety and reduce congestion during sporting events. In St. Thomas, residents and volunteers helped establish a new post office in Cedar Valley, replacing a structure that had served the community for more than four decades.

At St. Thomas Technical High School, students recently explored skills-based career paths during a triple impact day. Representatives from government agencies, training institutions, and private sector organisations engaged pupils through interactive displays and demonstrations. Acting Principal Rochelle Taylor-Brown said the event was deliberately structured to highlight practical skill areas. "We were purposeful in getting entities that really showcase the skill areas because as I say at Technical High School, we want our students to gravitate towards that area. And that's the way the world is going today, skills," she said. Organisers also emphasised positive behaviour, creativity, and career readiness among the student body.