In a historic move set to redefine Jamaica’s urban and economic landscape, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative — the creation of Jamaica’s third city — to be purposefully built in the parish of St. Elizabeth. This transformative project, revealed during the grand opening of KFC Black River on July 26, 2025, signals a new chapter in national development and promises to shift the axis of progress to the island’s often-overlooked south coast.
A Vision Rooted in Strategy, Equity, and Modernity
“We have never purpose-built a city. Not since colonial times. Maybe Spanish Town was the only one,” said Holness, referencing the need for a modern, intentional urban development approach.
The decision follows comprehensive assessments by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), which identified St. Elizabeth as the most suitable location based on its:
- Geographic centrality along the south coast
- Expansive flat terrain ideal for infrastructure
- Agricultural productivity and water resources
- Rich cultural heritage and environmental assets
- Connectivity through major infrastructure upgrades
Importantly, Holness emphasized that this will not be another Kingston or Montego Bay. “You want to create something unique… and this parish, St. Elizabeth, would be where we would be looking to develop our new city.”
Why St. Elizabeth?
With over 1,200 square kilometers of land, St. Elizabeth is Jamaica’s second-largest parish and one of the most diverse in both ethnicity and economic activity. The area boasts fertile plains, rich cave systems, and coastal access — all essential elements for a sustainable and strategically located city.
Holness also highlighted the decades-long groundwork that has already set the stage for this ambitious development:
- Spur Tree Bypass and South Coast Highway Improvement Project
- Pedro Plains Irrigation Project — aimed at revitalizing agriculture using Black River’s water
- Bypasses to increase mobility around Santa Cruz and Black River
- Strategic investments in water, electricity, and transportation networks
This city is not a political gesture — it is an infrastructural and economic leap designed to anchor development in a region often treated as peripheral.
City of the Future: Economic and Social Objectives
The third city is envisioned as a multi-industry hub that balances innovation, sustainability, and heritage. It will draw on the natural and human capital of St. Elizabeth to support:
- Agro-industrial development leveraging the parish’s rich farmlands
- Tourism expansion, especially eco and heritage tourism in places like Black River, Treasure Beach, and Lovers’ Leap
- Education tourism, with institutions potentially attracting international students
- Technology and light manufacturing, supported by improved logistics and infrastructure
- Cultural preservation and creative economy initiatives to restore and repurpose historic Black River buildings
Holness appealed to property owners in Black River to preserve historical architecture, warning that these heritage assets would soon become “exceptional in value.”
A Model for Parish-Level Transformation
Holness used the occasion to stress his administration’s broader development philosophy — one that emphasizes decentralized growth, where each parish plays an active role in Jamaica’s national progress.
“In our new term that is fast approaching,” said the Prime Minister, “you can look out for individual parish development plans… to improve the quality of life of the people, provide the infrastructure that they need, and ultimately give them the ability to work and earn where they live.”
This reflects a paradigm shift in national planning: from capital-centric development to parish-driven growth, where residents and local leaders actively participate in shaping their communities.
The Historical Echo and Modern Breakthrough
St. Elizabeth is not new to innovation. It was the first parish in Jamaica to have electricity — introduced in 1893 in a house called Waterloo in Black River. It played a key role in the colonial logging trade, was central to the early development of Jamaica’s fishing and farming sectors, and today exports massive quantities of bauxite and sugar.
The new city builds on this legacy of progress, bringing 21st-century infrastructure and opportunity to a parish already rich in natural beauty, human diversity, and economic potential.
Looking Ahead
While the exact location remains confidential — to prevent speculative land grabs — the groundwork has begun. Urban planners, environmental experts, economists, and cultural stakeholders will be central to this once-in-a-generation project. Public-private partnerships are expected to play a major role in funding and development.
This will not be a copy-and-paste city. It will be a Jamaican original — resilient, inclusive, and rooted in both tradition and innovation.
As the Prime Minister boldly declared:
“This is a big deal. A big announcement. This is where Jamaica turns the page and starts to write a new chapter in how cities are built — and who they’re built for.”
Quick Facts:
- 📍 Location: St. Elizabeth Parish, South Coast of Jamaica
- 🌆 Purpose: Jamaica’s first purpose-built city in modern history
- 🌱 Focus: Agriculture, tourism, education, infrastructure, heritage
- 🛣️ Major Projects: Spur Tree Bypass, Pedro Plains Irrigation, South Coast Highway
- 🧭 Legacy: First parish with electricity (1893), rich in cultural heritage and ecological assets
- 👥 Population of Parish: ~151,000 (2024 est.)
Jamaica’s third city in St. Elizabeth won’t just be concrete and steel — it will be a symbol of what is possible when a nation commits to equitable, forward-thinking development. It marks the beginning of a new Jamaican dream — one built not just in Kingston, but in the heart of every parish.
From the roots of the Black River to the heights of Lovers’ Leap, the future of Jamaica is rising on the south coast.