Sagicor Group breaks ground for eco-friendly community hub in St Catherine
THE SAGICOR Group Jamaica Limited has embarked on a groundbreaking venture with the unveiling of the first Portmore Promenade, an ambitious eco-friendly community hub situated on some 30 acres of land in the Greater Bernard Lodge area of St Catherine.
With a staggering investment of $8.4 billion to be spent over the next couple of years, Sagicor has promised to use the project to reshape the landscape of the Greater Bernard Lodge area, nestled within proximity to Portmore and its surrounding neighbourhoods.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who addressed the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, commended Sagicor Group for the initiative’s focus on economic development, particularly within the expansive 5,397-acre Greater Bernard Lodge development, which he argued is a planned development unlike any other in Jamaica.
He refuted what he claimed is a narrative suggesting that the Government is substituting prime agricultural lands for housing development. Holness pointed to measures such as increasing agricultural leases, creating new subdivisions, and facilitating relocations of farmers as moves by the Government to support the Greater Bernard Lodge development.
“When we conceptualised Bernard Lodge development, we knew that there would be significant objections to the use of the lands, so we ensured that it encompasses both agricultural potential and the potential for development,” the prime minister asserted.
Holness stressed the multifaceted approach to the Bernard Lodge development, combining agricultural (of a modern and i ndustrial type) with urban development to accommodate diverse community needs.
President and CEO of the Sagicor Group, Christopher Zacca, highlighted the significance of the venture, saying, “This site is not merely a development; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable community hub.”
“Our commitment to job creation is unwavering, and this project alone has, and will continue to generate over 1500 jobs during and after the development process.”
He emphasised that the project is designed not only for Portmore but also for its adjacent communities.
Its design incorporates a sustainable approach, featuring a central park with a network of green spaces, playful urban areas, scenic viewpoints, and a diverse array of commercial activities and amenities.
Zacca underscored, too, the project’s eco-conscious approach, highlighting the integration of solar power and rainwater harvesting in adherence to contemporary environmental standards.
The hub will also serve as a home to business processing outsourcing (BPO) operations, further bolstering economic prospects in the region.
Spanish Town Mayor Norman Scott echoed sentiments of appreciation for the project’s economic vision while emphasising its commitment to environmental sustainability. He expressed optimism regarding the potential mitigation of climate change impacts and the far-reaching economic and social benefits anticipated for the parish, aimed at alleviating unemployment and fostering community prosperity.