Bejing-based construction company, China Harbour Engineering (CHE) has successfully signed a preliminary agreement with the Jamaican government in regards to the construction of a new transhipment hub.
The development would take place at the Portland Bight protected area, southwest of Kingston, at the Port of Bustamante.
The hub would be designed to greatly accelerate distribution of container cargo, mainly from China, to the rest of the Caribbean region.
Government officials have said that during its construction, the project would facilitate up to 2,000 new jobs.
A further 10,000 jobs would be created when the hub becomes fully operational.
However, there is controversy overshadowing the project. A number of environmentalist parties have criticised the plans to build in a protected area, as it could damage the stability of the local ecosystems.
Nevertheless, the government plans to go ahead.
Speaking in response to these fears, Omar Davies the Jamaican cabinet minister responsible for its potential development has dismissed any belief that the government is not considering any adverse effects the construction could have.
Speaking to Sinoship News, Davies said “We treasure the preservation of the environment as much as any other group and we are concerned about the human beings and the plight of poverty, and the impact this would have on the environment.”
