Growth & Jobs | St Ann positioned for rapid growth as investment accelerates, says JN Group CEO

Chief Executive Officer of The Jamaica National Group, Earl Jarrett, said ongoing investments in infrastructure and education are making St Ann increasingly attractive to investors.

He made the observation during a stakeholder breakfast meeting hosted by The Jamaica National Group as part of its ongoing ‘JN Own Your Journey’ Tour at Benitto’s Italian Restaurant in Drax Hall, St Ann, recently.

“The investments in housing, water, road network and improving access to training and education in the parish are steps in the right direction, given the role St Ann plays in tourism and mining,” he said.

“The housing developments will attract additional investments to the parish, while improving access to skilled labour and creating new opportunities for economic growth.”

Similar remarks were echoed by Custos of St Ann Joseph Issa, who believes the parish is poised to become one of Jamaica’s fastest-growing regions over the next decade.

“If we fast-forward 10 years and look back, St Ann is going to grow faster than any other parish in terms of development and quality of life,” he said.

“When it happens, no one can say they didn’t see it coming. Those of us who live here every day know that it will happen.”

Issa said much of the parish’s growth is being driven by homegrown entrepreneurs and investors.

“If you look along the Drax Hall corridor, nine out of every 10 developments are being undertaken by St Ann-based developers, not companies from Kingston or Montego Bay,” he said.

“These are individuals who started from humble beginnings and have grown their businesses over the years. Many people do not fully understand why St Ann is such an attractive location for investment. From here, all of Jamaica’s airports can be accessed within an hour, and the island’s major hospitals are also within easy reach.”

Issa added that the parish’s quality of life and reputation as a desirable place to live are likely to attract even more residents and investors in the years ahead.

“We’re also the longevity parish, because the data shows that people in St Ann live longer than residents of any other parish,” he pointed out.

“As more people recognise that, they will want to invest in retirement homes and other developments here,” he added.

He also highlighted the Custos Commander Programme, through which community leaders identify and implement projects aimed at improving residents’ quality of life and overall living standards.

future expansion

Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Michael Belnavis noted that growth is now extending beyond the traditional development corridors, with increasing interest in lands located in the southern sections of the parish.

“One developer has received approval for the construction of 1,500 homes, while another has been approved for an additional 700 to 800 units,” he disclosed.

“Many of our developers are no longer small operators. They are homegrown businesses that have expanded significantly. Every day, people come seeking permits to build on lands that continue to increase in value.”

He pointed to the dramatic rise in land prices as evidence of the parish’s growing appeal.

“In the 1990s, land in St Ann could be purchased for about $10,000 per acre. Today, we are seeing prices in the millions of dollars, with some properties being quoted in US dollars,” he said.

The mayor believes communities such as Moneague are well positioned to benefit from future expansion as infrastructure improves.

“This is why there are now greater opportunities for development in the southern section of the parish. Once the necessary roads and water infrastructure are in place, areas such as Moneague will be transformed,” he emphasised.

“Developers are increasingly seeking to have lands re-zoned from agricultural to commercial use, and once one development takes root, others tend to follow.”

While welcoming the growth, Belnavis stressed that the St Ann Municipal Corporation remains committed to maintaining high building and planning standards.

“Development is a key part of what we do as a planning authority in St Ann,” he said.

“We are also placing increased emphasis on compliance. Most buildings withstood the outer-band Category 4 winds associated with Hurricane Melissa last year, resulting in minimal displacement. We will continue working closely with developers to ensure those standards are maintained as the parish continues to grow.”